@jwcph it is still referred to as the desktop. The button in the corner shows the "Overview" when you click it, which you can also reach by pressing the Windows key, or if you have a touchpad, swiping up with three fingers.

When the overview is showing you can also just start typing to find whichever app or file you want to run/search for - I've found this to be a much faster way to get around than clicking buttons and icons and also leaves the desktop nice and tidy. For example, want to launch Firefox? Press the windows key, type "fir" and press enter. (You may or may not need more letters depending on what's installed...)

Having said all that, I do find that the "dash to dock" or "dash to panel" extensions are good for people who are accustomed to other desktop environments.