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Chapter 2. Logging into the desktop

2.1. Logging in
2.2. Logging in: a technical explanation
2.3. I Cannot Login: HELP!
This section of the Fedora User Guide explains how to identify yourself (or log in) to your system. During the post-installation process, you created an identity with a user name and a password, called an account. If you have forgotten any of your user account details, refer to Section 2.3, “ I Cannot Login: HELP! ”. For additional information about the login process, refer to the section Section 2.2, “ Logging in: a technical explanation ”.

2.1.  Logging in

When you restart or turn on your computer, it goes through a process called booting. During the boot process, your computer hardware powers on, performs a series of self-tests, and loads the operating system. Immediately after the computer has finished booting, the login screen appears. The login screen displays one or more user names, depending on the number of user accounts present.
To log in to your account
  1. Enter your username, using one of the following methods:
    • Type your username and then press the Enter key. The username is case sensitive (capitalization matters; A is not the same as a).
    • Click on your username in the list of choices.
  2. Select your desktop environment

    This step is optional

    You do not normally need to choose a desktop. If you skip this step, Fedora will load the default desktop environment for your computer.
    To use a desktop environment other than the default choice, use the Desktop combo box on the bottom of the screen to select the desktop you wish to load before you enter your password. The default is usually GNOME; refer to Chapter 1, The Fedora desktops for other choices.
  3. Enter your password in the text box and press the Enter key. Like your username, your password is case sensitive.

    Keep your password secret!

    To keep your password secret, the password field displays a dot for every character entered. As with any password, keep your account password private. Do not share it with anyone or write it down in plain view.
  4. The desktop environment now loads. In some desktop environments, a small box containing a logo and some icons called a splash screen may temporarily appear. When your splash screen (if you have one) disappears, your desktop is ready for use. You can now launch applications to access the Internet, manage files, and play media. These tasks are described in the following chapters.