Well I couldn't see "device status" but I did find "new toolbox" (somewhere!) which opens up a set of icons on the left of the screen .Is that progress?

Edit: it looks like the icons on the left do control what is displayed on the right hand side......

geordief, you can customize Gimp by clicking on 'Edit' and go down to 'Preferences'. When you're done setting things how you want them you will have to close Gimp and then restart it.

Yes, keep working on it until you get it close to this. Your tool options should be on the same side as your tools and over to the right your will have your layers, paths, and channels, add more if you like.

Click on Edit > Preferences > Reset button.
Restart Gimp.

I also suggest upgrading to Gimp 2.8.14

The unusual arrangement is because of the position of the docks before switching to single window mode.
Go to Edit -> Preferences -> Window Management -> Reset Saved Window Positions...
Restart Gimp.
There should be 3 windows, Tools & options - The image window - Dialogs for layers, brushes etc.
Now Use Windows -> Single Window Mode, then resize to fit your display.

A couple of very short videos that I made for other people.

Getting the tool options back to that box which says You can drop dockable dialogs here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqEUZvvhFKY&hd=1

Dialogs all jumbled up? Revert Gimp back to a default state
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2sKkA3vqvw&hd=1

If you DOUBLE CLICK any tool in the toolbox the tool options dialog window should pop up.
I also agree with Odin. You should update to the newest version.

rich2005,

Thanks for the advice - your two videos have got me a stable setup each time I open the gimp.

david.

You can make your shapes in filters > Path > Path Shape Creator

I only did this one quickly.
You may need to add a script to get it in your menu though.
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