Renaming files in the GNOME File Manager window or on the desktop can be achieved in two ways. The easiest method is to slowly double click on the file. Make sure this is slow so you do not launch the file but you simply highlight and then click again. At this point the name of the file will enter into the editing mode, your mouse cursor will change to an editing line, and you can type in the new name.
The other method of renaming a file is to right mouse click on the file and choose the Move/rename menu item from the pop-up menu. Using the Move/rename dialog as described in the previous section you may also add a new name for the file you are moving and the GNOME File Manager will rename the file for you.