The Workplace Shell is radically different from previous versions of OS/2. At first, it can make users of former versions of OS/2 feel insecure and it takes some time to really appreciate the many advantages of the new interface.
OS/2 comes with a tutorial program that can help both experienced and new users learn how to use the elements of the Workplace Shell. This is started automatically once after the installation but can be called later at any time.
The shell consists of an electronic desktop, on which are placed various icons. These icons represent objects such as folders, data files, program references and physical devices. The icon tells the user about the object it represents. Some icons look like folders, while others look like printers. Others may look like a book, a car or an order form.
It is important to understand that the symbols on the screen are just that. A symbol (or icon) may represent a real object or it may be a shadow copy of a real object. The icon provides no differentiation between an object and its shadow copy, although description text of the shadow is gray.
Deleting a shadow copy does not delete the real object. Therefore many large customers may prefer that their users work with shadow copies to prevent them accidentally deleting the real objects.