The file manager displays the files and folders as icons that can be opened by double-clicking. As you open folders, each folder becomes part of a "chain" that is displayed above the file list. Clicking on each folder takes you to the clicked folder.

The window controls are pretty basic and Windows 3.1-like. The buttons in the upper-right minimize and maximize the window, and the button on the upper-left opens a window menu when clicked and closes the window if double-clicked. Minimized windows appear on the desktop.

Setting the screensaver using the Style Manager.

Of course a calendar program is included with CDE.

Single-clicking on the "window" button will bring up a menu that anyone who is familiar with Windows 3.x will recognize.
Double-clicking closes the window, like 3.x does.

This is the text editor included with CDE.