If you are using Trisquel 7 and haven't gone out of your way to install a new
desktop environment you are almost certainly using GNOME. See Magic Banana's
comment.
It sounds like you have figured out how to manage the bottom panel.
As for the launch menu, does the editor look like the
Thank you for your help. First how do I tell if I am using gnome?
When I go to Main Menu and change settings they do not seem to have any
effect on the launch menu. This is what has been driving me batty.
When I right click on panel I can add to panel as you describe, but how do I
delete
I'm assuming that you're using GNOME, the default desktop environment in
Trisquel.
To edit the launch menu, go to 'System Settings->Main Menu'.
To add an item to you bottom panel, right click on a blank part of it and
select "Add to Panel."
I have been struggling to figure out how to select what shows up in my launch
menu and my bottom panel, to no avail. They are out of control. Please
someone guide me through how to manage them. Tell me what info I need to give
you so you can help me. Thanks in advance!