Did you just switch to Linux and realise that pressing Win Key + D shortcut doesn't take you to the desktop? Yes, by default this keyboard shortcut for 'Show Desktop' doesn't work in Linux. Show Desktop Shortcut for the Gnome Desktop By default, Gnome should come with a Show Desktop icon. Look for it. You can also use CTRL + ALT + D shortcut on your Gnome Desktop to bring the Desktop View. If you're too used to the Win+D shortcut, there's a way you can enable it to act as the 'Show Desktop' shortcut. Here's how you can make Win+D to show up the desktop for you: Just fire up the shell, and enter the following command:

$ gconftool-2 -t str –set /apps/metacity/global_keybindings/show_desktop "d"

That's it. Press Win + D keyboard shortcut, and you're taken to the desktop instantly. Show Desktop for the KDE Desktop The same CTRL+ALT+D key works on KDE as well, or you can add a panel (if it's not there already) by right clicking on the panel, clicking on 'Add' >> 'Special Buttons' >> 'Desktop Access'. Drag the button and place it anywhere on the panel. I'm not sure of how to go about changing the shortcut combination in KDE, let me know in the comments if anyone has got a solution to this.