new programs - where are they
 

So when you load a program, does it get added to the menu like in Windows? Or do you have to add it to the menu?

It depends. By default programs are not added. You can add them yourself. But if you're using RPMs, programs is added. Some programs (like OpenOffice.org), ask you during installation if you want them added.

some do, depends on how its installed, and which distro/wm. Most of the time though, no. You can either open your menu editor and add it, or just run it from either the run box, or a term.

Cool

Thanks, I'll give that a shot then.

Sometimes I find it easier to just not use the menus at all. For example, if I want to play Unreal Tournament all I have to do is type "ut" in the terminal and then im done. Its a lot faster then going to start->programs->games->ut
plus you get all the system messages, helpful is there is something wrong like an app crashes.