After login you are presented with the Ubuntu desktop. The desktop covers the extent of the screen and is comprised of three main areas:
The top panel contains the Applications Menu, System Menu, and Places Menu. It also provides quick access to applications by way of application launcher icons and provides a clock.
The workspace area is a convenient location for placing files, folders or application shortcuts that are frequently used during the course of a session. In addition to items manually placed on the workspace, Ubuntu automatically adds shortcuts to CD's, USB sticks, and any network shares.
The bottom panel is by default configured with the "Display Desktop," "Workspace Switcher," and "Wastebasket" applets. The remainder of the panel is used to display open applications.
Almost all parts of the panel can be customized. Users can add or remove items from the panel by right-clicking and selecting from the options provided on the menu.