I don't listen to the radio often, but once in awhile, I do. So, I really didn't want the FM_Radio applet taking up space on my desktop just for the few times I actually use it. What I did was create a .desktop file, using vi, in "/usr/share/applications/hildon" .
I called the file "radio.desktop" and this is what it contains:
This creates a menu item in Extras called FM_Radio. When clicked, it launches the fm_radio configuration, from which, I start listening to any of the stations listed. I can then minimize (sorry for the Windoze term) the application and continue doing other things.

Problem solved. This was probably pretty obvious the the Linux gurus here, but I thought I'd post it for those that aren't that familiar with it. And thanks to this article: http://www.internettablettalk.com/wi...e_program_menu

Good idea, useful information. Thanks for posting!
Cheers

and what about stopping the radio? If I have the applet in my desktop, run the application as you said, start listening to a radio station, and then close it.. it will keep the radio.

The whole point of this was to not have the applet on the desktop, thus closing the application, stops the radio. There is also a menu item to stop it.

I would love to loose that app from my desktop but I'm even a bit lost by what you wrote (your a Linux guru to me ), any chance you could do a bit of a step by step. I know my way around terminal and commands so no problem there.

What I'm a bit lost with is what is a .desktop file and how to create it

Another way of achieving this is:
1) Install the osso-statusbar-cpu plugin.
[you will already have it under 'installable' applications in the application manager if you installed XTerm from maemo-hackers]
2) add a 'new' command:
Similar to last screenshot in above url: on statusbar click on newly installed 'clock-osso-statusbar-cpu' plugin / Settings / Commands / New and enter:
Description: fmradio
Command: fmradio

To open fmradio just click on the new command in the drop-down list.
You can also easily run other programs this way.

PS
i. above probably needs prior installation of the fmradio applet.
ii. I miss having access to the station drop-down running fmradio this way.
iii. ALWAYS check the audio level on the 'Sound' plugin on the STATUS bar, especially after switching between headset and loudspeaker output; unfortunately fmradio without fail reduces the volume

It follows freedesktop standards:

http://standards.freedesktop.org/men....0/apcs03.html

It may be long to read but this website covers all available options
Works in all window managers that follow this standard: kdm, gnome,..

"What I'm a bit lost with is what is a .desktop file and how to create it"

No problem, kudos1uk. A .desktop file is one that defines items in the menus (it probably does other things as well). Just go to the "/usr/share/applications/hildon" directory and have a look at the contents of some of the others there, using more. I used vi to edit the file. As soon as you finish editing the file, it will show up in the Extras menu.

btw you don't need to copy it to the /etc/others-menu folder. That was an unnecessary step, and I'll remove it.