Why are Downloaded Files Invisible in Ubuntu?

[CRAZYBUBBA]

I'm downloading files in Ubuntu 8.10 with firefox. The files are downloaded to my desktop and I can open them after clicking on the "downloaded items" tab in forefox but it seems that they are invisible otherwise, ie: unviewable if I simpily try to look for them at the desktop and they are unclickable if I access them through the "places" tab.

Help?

[schnitzelcore]

Are you sure you downloaded them to the Desktop and not to your /home?

[CRAZYBUBBA]

I've since moved from Ubuntu, but yes they were on my desktop, simpily invisible. This only happened with half the downloads.

[syedj]

Could the invisible files be just hidden files? I am sure you know but still thought I would mention it. Under Linux (or any *NIX OS) any file or directory name that starts with a "." is a hidden file/directory. e.g. .tcshrc won't be visible from any file browser until you specifically enable hidden files to be show. From the command line "ls -a" will show these hidden files.

[CRAZYBUBBA]

I've now reinstalled Ubuntu on 10 GB of my HD and the problem seems to be inexplicably solved.

[Jimbro727]

Ah the similarities between Ubuntu and Windows. Reinstalls that magically solve problems