ChrisShaul.com

KDE4 My first impressions

I downloaded and installed KDE 4 on my Kubuntu Linux laptop tonight. Actually, it is a dual-boot system with Windows XP as there are still a couple things that I need windows for work. But for the most part, I run in Linux.

Using Kubuntu and following the instructions on their website, things went very smoothly. I ran the apt-get install command. Watched things download and watched them install.

I logged out of KDE 3 and then selected KDE 4 from the options menu at the login screen.

I logged in and wa-la there was KDE4’s desktop.

I have only poked around for a half hour or so, but I have generally an overall favorable impression. They only flaw I have seen so far is running Citrix, there is no reference to it on the taskbar. Just a blank space.

I updated the desktop effects, added a clock and battery meter widget. Ran a few programs, and played with the new K menu, including the search. It took me a while to get used to the new format. Being able to toggle between a menu and a list of applications took a bit of getting used to. It seems that my Google desktop failed. Not surprised though. Picasa worked.

All-in-all, I like the look and feel of it. But I think it will take a little getting used to. I will continue to use it and work at getting up to speed. KDE.org/Docs here I come!