Displaying complete file names on the desktop

If by complete filenames you mean filenames with extensions then for that you don't need to go to the terminal. You can go to Finder > Preferences. Here in the advanced tab check the box that says "Show all filename extensions"

Then [this thread|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1769728] has information that might be useful for you. These instructions are for Leopard so there is no guarantee that it will work in Snow Leopard but you can still give it a shot.

I have files on the Desktop that don't have that issue. But when I add characters to them I eventually reach the breaking point -- 37 characters is fine; 38 characters causes the file name to truncate. I suppose there may be a way to set a secret pref to show a larger number of characters using Terminal.

Anyone know how many characters the OS file system is limited to -- ignoring display issues, I mean?

Rob