Desktop items disappeared after installing Apple OS X security update

I downloaded and installed Apple's new OS X security update (15 Sep 2008) for Power PC that became available via software update feature today.
When I restarted the computer as advised at the end of installation, my hard drive icon and all other desktop files disappeared. Safari works. In Apple menu, the shut down feature only works when Safari is active. Force quit feature shows Safari as the only item while Finder items keeps flashing and disappearing.

Dear BDAqua, Thank you very very much for your advice.
First, I tried the approach of 'safe booting'. The menu items on the top kept flickering and I could not get into either the 'applications' folder or the "users" folder.
Then, I saw your advice to pj3 on another thread about re-running the install disc that came with the computer. I did not have to run all the other steps because re-installing the system with the standard instructions took care of the problem. The hard drive and other desktop files as well as the finder re-appeared.
Thanks again for your kindness.
Cheers!

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