Exploring the next generation KDE desktop
Desktop Party
© Lead Image © Elena Schweitzer, 123RF.com
The KDE desktop has at least a thousand tweaks for configuring your user interface down to the tiniest detail. KDE SC 5, the next generation K desktop, will be no exception.
Desktop environments have an equally strong effect on user satisfaction and productivity as does the underlying infrastructure of a distribution, and the Linux world is firmly divided into two design camps: supporters of the Qt framework [1] and supporters of Gtk+ [2]. Often KDE also acts as a first point of contact for users who switch from Windows to Linux. The way the desktop is controlled and visuals facilitate the transition. Rich configurability in particular is one of the KDE desktop's greatest strengths.
Both KDE and Gnome are the elder statesmen of Linux. KDE was founded in 1996 as the "Kool Desktop Environment," and the Gnome project was founded three years later. Lately, both desktops have evolved in opposite directions – which does not mean the two projects do not cooperate – such as in the Free Desktop Project [3]. The Gnome development process is increasingly moving toward a reduction of visible features, whereas KDE tends toward the other extreme and continually implements additional components, such as the semantic desktop.
Besides the Software Collection (KDE SC), which I will look at in this article, the KDE project also released the Calligra Office Suite [4], which emerged from KOffice, and KDE Extragear [5]. Extragear comprises programs such as the Amarok jukebox, K3b burning software, Digikam photo management, Konversation IRC client, and Kaffeine media player (Figure 1), which round out the current KDE SC with additional applications.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.
-
Zorin OS 18 Hits over a Million Downloads
If you doubt Linux isn't gaining popularity, you only have to look at Zorin OS's download numbers.
-
TUXEDO Computers Scraps Snapdragon X1E-Based Laptop
Due to issues with a Snapdragon CPU, TUXEDO Computers has cancelled its plans to release a laptop based on this elite hardware.