Me too, in this case - thank you!

Quick answer (since you might need it quickly on a weekend): Synaptic can be seen as either a fine-grained version of Software Center (same function, but allowing much more detailed control) or a more verbose version of apt-get (one that explains to you what you're going to get). You could type man synaptic into a terminal to get a highly detailed explanation, or use the help menu of Synaptic itself for a fine overview. Actually, it is highly self-explanatory, with a description of each item you can install. (Hope this helps a bit - I'm totally self-taught.) This post was edited by Emery Fletcher at June 10, 2012 7:33 AM PDT

Running as root means that any I/O action has full access to every aspect of the operating system. Any input from the mouse, keyboard, or even internet connection has full permission to alter anything on your system. If you make a typo or click in a wrong place, your system immediately performs the action. Worst of all, you are then as vulnerable to an internet intruder as you were on Windows - though Windows malware doesn't work and a virus doesn't propagate in Linux.

I don't know if wattOS will allow you to run permanently as root, which is a very risky way to operate. The best way to get around that is to bundle all the things you want to mark in Synaptic into one batch before you do the "Apply".

Thanks, everyone!  I was hesitant to do the Delete from the right-click, because the Properties showed enough files that I was worried it was a good deal more than just the icon I was deleting. And Biff, I'm embarassed I didn't think of that, because it's the most reliable way.  Here I was looking through everything else!