Nautilus is an easy to use graphical shell for GNOME that integrates graphical file management, web browsing, system management and more using a sophisticated, extensible component architecture.

• An innovative, next generation graphical file manager
• icons can be any size, and are individually resizable by the user
• zooming UI shows more detail at higher zoom levels
• uses file contents (images, text) to represent files
• user assignable file attributes are represented by graphical emblems
• a directory can control its own presentation by including a metafile or component
• content and attribute-based "search folders" frees users from the file hierarchy
• most documents are viewable directly from the shell via components
• Multiple user levels offer an optimized UI for both novice and expert users
• Easy end-user customization via a simple, drag and drop interface

• component architecture allows new functionality to be added on-the-fly
• framework is uri-based, like a web browser
• multiple content views available, based on protocol, MIME type and user preference
• meta-views to annotate content with descriptive info, and aid navigation
• extensible, virtual file system allows viewing inside tar archives, packages, etc
• Mozilla-based component for first-class web browsing

• new services can be added at run-time via the component architecture
• encapsulates software and hardware configuration for service to use
• file-oriented services (back-up, synchronization)
• installation and configuration management services
• software update service