.desktop files and logging out

[Justin Whelan <justinwhelan tiscali co uk>]

Hi,

after getting gnome finally working i noticed the desktop littered 
with .desktop files. When clicking on these files gnome opens them in 
kate/kwrite rather than executing them. How can I tell gnome that these files 
require executing rather than associated with kate, and is it possible to 
integrate this information into the gnome package.

I have also noticed an absence of any logout options. where is it or how do i 
create one.

Thanks

Justin Whelan