By default, ABRT should be installed on your system, the abrtd daemon configured to run at boot time, and abrt-applet is running in the Notification Area of your desktop session. You can ensure that ABRT is installed by running, as root:

~]# yum install abrt-desktop

ABRT is typically configured to start up at boot time. You can ensure that the abrtd daemon is running by issuing the command:

~]# service abrtd status
abrt (pid  1559) is running...

If you receive abrt is stopped, you can start the abrtd daemon by running, as root:

~]# service abrtd start
Starting abrt daemon:                                      [  OK  ]

You can ensure that the abrtd service initializes at startup time by running the chkconfig abrtd on command as root.

ABRT's applet can be started by hand by running the abrt-applet program as a normal user when logged into your desktop session, or by arranging for it to be started when the GUI session is initialized. For example, on the GNOME desktop, this can be configured in System → Preferences → Preferences → Startup Applications.

When abrt-applet detects a crash, it displays a red alarm icon in the Notifcation Area. You can open the GUI application by clicking on this icon.

Alternatively, you can open the ABRT GUI window by clicking Applications → System Tools → Automatic Bug Reporting Tool.