Linux basics: The KDE desktop

By Jack Wallen March 4, 2009, 3:56 AM PST

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KDE 4 Desktop

This Techrepublic Gallery will introduce you to the KDE 4 desktop. From this gallery you will see just how simple and user-friendly the KDE desktop is. KDE has undergone some drastic changes from version 3 to version 4. Some feel the changes were a step back. I think, after viewing this gallery, you will agree the changes were a step forward.

This is the default KDE 4 desktop. As you can see it covers almost all of the standard desktop elements you have come to know and depend upon. The only thing missing would be desktop icons.

KDE Panel

This is the KDE panel. This panel works like a typical panel with the exception of configurations. To configure the panel you have to first unlock the widgets (which is done with a right click on the panel.)

KDE Menu

As you see, the KDE 4 menu is set up as tabs. If you do not like this, you can right-click the start menu icon. You will see a menu entry, Switch To Classic Menu Style if you prefer the standard menu style.

Notification Tray

Many of you know this as the System Tray. This is where you will find a number of small applets that give you information, status, or allow you to connect to sub-systems such as printing and networking.

Panel Options

If you right-click the Panel, you will see the Panel Options menu. This is where you gain access to configure various aspects of the panel. You can also add widgets as well as add new panels to your desktop.

Add Widgets

Widgets are small applications that you can add to your desktop that serve a number of functions. You can add news tickers, mounting tools, and various fun toys (cartoon strip viewers, sports score tickers, etc.) To gain access to this menu, click the small icon in the top right of the screen.

Mouse Menu

To access this menu, you right-click on any empty space on the desktop. From this menu, you can add various objects, lock your screen, log out, and run a command.

System Settings - Advanced

This is the control panel for the system. This is where you configure your computer. Here you can deal with more low-level features and other services that require root user privileges.

By Jack Wallen

Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for TechRepublic, The New Stack, and Linux New Media. He's covered a variety of topics for over twenty years and is an avid promoter of open source. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website jackwallen.

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