With the Common Desktop Environment, you can access networked devices and tools without having to be aware of their location. You can exchange data across applications by simply dragging and dropping objects.
System administrators find many tasks that previously required complex command line syntax can now be done more easily and similarly from platform to platform. They can also maximize their investment in existing hardware and software by configuring centrally and distributing applications to users. They can centrally manage the security, availability, and interoperability of applications for the users they support.
Note: The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) 1.0. Help volumes, web-based documentation, and hardcopy manuals might refer to the desktop as Common Desktop Environment, the AIXwindows desktop, the Common Desktop Environment, CDE 1.0, or simply, the desktop.
Topics covered in this chapter are: