Clean all the icons off your desktop.
Some you can just throw away, I'm sure.
Some are program shortcuts that can live in your dock or launch bar or system tray or whatever your computer's operating system calls that handy spot. (Tip: if there's an option to hide that bar except when you move your mouse down there to use it, do).
Some are files you're working with, but they can sit inside one folder called "Desktop March 06" or whatever, which you open when you need them and don't have to see all the contents when you don't.
A clear desktop on your computer allows it to take it's natural role as a workbench, always ready for the project at hand.
Discardia 