Here is the trick to create the show desktop icon for the ubuntu operating system.

Make sure you already having the utility called xte. (type xte in the console and check whether it is already exists or not), If not, then do

sudo apt-get install xautomation

The above command will automatically install the xte utility.

or download the debian package from the below website and install manually.

http://in.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/pool/universe/x/xautomation/xautomation_1.03-1_i386.deb

now goto the desktop and right click –> choose “create launcher”

Type: Application
Name : Show Desktop
Command : xte “keydown Control_L” “keydown Alt_L” “key d” “keyup Control_L” “keyup Alt_L”
Comment : Show Desktop

press ok to create the launcher, and drag the launcher to your gnome panel. That’s all. you created the show desktop icon for your ubuntu.

Enjoy and let me know if you face any problems.