When I log in (as myself) I see the standard wall paper but no icons
menu bars task bars etc.
Before you log in you can set the type of the desktop with the gear icon
that appears when you click on a user. you can change to another layout and
things may become clearer.
hit ctl-alt-f1 to jump to a terminal screen and log in.
Ensure you have a reasonably good install:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
If this installs some stuff then things may improve for you.
Ta
Ken
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