Hidden files

[John]

Mike wrote:
> Hi..
> 
> I would like to know how to make files "Hidden". I have some config/dat
> files for a program (WinMX) running in "Wine" that appeared on the
> desktop. I would like to hide them from cluttering up my nice clean desk :)
>

Linux/nix does not have hidden files in the same way that DOS does. 
                Whether files in *x are considered hidden is determined 
by name .fred is hidden, derf is not. The significant difference is the 
leading dot.