Step Two
Your desktop and image should look like this one. Now lets setup the gradient layer mask.
First make sure that black is your foreground color.
Select the Gradient Tool. (it is opposite to the Paint Bucket tool).
Across the top, you will see a number of gradient options. Select the "foreground to transparent" gradient. Also select the "linear gradient" box. With this setup, you are ready to apply your gradient layer mask.
Go to the next image for the final instructions.