KDE (K Desktop Environment) 3.5

By: Philip McCartney
Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Description: KDE
Version: 3.5
Released: November,29 2005
Website: www.kde.org

KDE stands for K Desktop Environment. It is a graphical user interface for *NIX workstations designed to provide users with a more familiar look and feel that is often associated with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. But most of all, it's free.

This latest KDE release has many new features that have either been added or refined. With the numerous applications that can run under KDE, it makes it the perfect desktop for those who are new to as well as seasoned veterans of Linux, BSD, or any other *NIX variant who is searching for a desktop environment to meet their needs. As I am writing this review, I am listening to an audio CD I created and have it playing through XMMS, which at the moment, is running on top of KDE 3.5.

KDE 3.5 also incorporates SuperKaramba which is an application that allows the user to run different widgets on the desktop. A widget is a small application that can be designed by anyone to do just about anything. Examples of some widgets include Liquid Weather, a graphical program that interacts with various weather sites and can provide updated weather reports for practically any area that you specify either by city, region, postal code, etc. Another type of widget could be a system monitor that provides the user with real-time statisticss on the current state of the hardware and software that the user is working on. Many more widgets are available for download, and can be either very useful tools or just plane fun entertainment.

Konqueror is the integrated Web browser that is included with KDE. It is the second browser to pass the 'Acid2' CSS compliance test. Apple's Safari Web browser was the first. Both Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox do not pass the Acid2 CSS test. Konqueror also includes a much requested adblock tool that prevents the unwanted ad popup's that seem to plague many sites these days.

Kopete, a multi-format communication/chat program, now allows users to incorporate webcams with their online conversations either in Yahoo or MSN chats. This application consolidates multiple user accounts into a single interface. Whether you use AIM, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ, or whatever it is you use, Kopete makes it easy and convenient to chat with and manage your friends wherever they are and whatever they may use.

Another great feature of KDE is that you are not limited to just KDE applications. GNOME applications can integrate within KDE just as well. So, if you have a favorite GNOME program that you like to use, libraries allow you to access them within KDE without giving up anything or having to worry about finding something else as a replacement.

Although I am somewhat biased in my opinion as to the desktop I like using, I have been using KDE for a number of years, and it only seems to get better. I have included a number of screenshots from my desktop. I could be more elaborate with the layout, but I wanted to keep everything as fairly simple as possible without overwhelming newcomers.

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