Adding a top panel, Gnome Style

From Linux Mint

A Gnome Type Panel.

You add the panel by right clicking on the existing panel and select "New panel"
The opinion about a second panel is the authors opinion
A second panel on the top of your desktop is a very useful aid. You can add many icons there, which you may use to 'quick-start' various programs. NOTE! A second panel can be added to the KDE desktop too.

This way, we can have an uncluttered bottom panel. This panel may be used to minimize various windows for easy access, as well as to add to it other useful program icons.

Both panels, top and bottom, are very configurable. You can change their width, their color and other features, by right-clicking on them and using the Add To Panel option or Properties ( if you want to change their looks ). A right click on a panel's clear section will bring up the menu needed to make any desired changes.