On the desktop you will see icons that can be used to access some of the most common places on your system. In addition, you will see a single, multipurpose, panel at the top of the screen.
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On the far right, you will see indicators and a clock. Click the clock to see the monthly calendar.
You can customize the panel by right-clicking the panel and selecting Panel ยป Panel Preferences. You can also add and remove panels using this dialog.