About Kubuntu

## About Kubuntu

Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Canonical Ltd. and members of the Ubuntu Documentation Project

Credits and License

Abstract

This document is an introduction to Kubuntu. It explains the Kubuntu philosophy and roots, as well as introduces the Kubuntu desktop.

## Introduction to Kubuntu

Welcome to Kubuntu 8.04: the Hardy Heron Release. Kubuntu is a user-friendly Linux operating system that utilizes KDE, the K Desktop Environment. With a predictable 6 month release cycle as part of the Ubuntu project, Kubuntu is the Linux distribution for everyone. The entire Kubuntu team would like to thank you for using Kubuntu.

Kubuntu includes more than 1,000 pieces of software and has access to more than 25,000 other applications to suit your needs. Kubuntu starts with Linux version 2.6.24 and KDE 3.5.9, and then covers every standard desktop application from word processing and spreadsheet to Internet access applications, web server software, email software, programming languages and tools, and more.

### Philosophy

The team behind Kubuntu makes the following commitment to its users:

- Kubuntu uses the solid base of Ubuntu plus the latest KDE. We are part of the Ubuntu community and use their infrastructure and support. Our mission is to be the best KDE distribution available.

- Kubuntu will always be free of charge, and there is no extra fee for an “enterprise edition”, we make our very best work available to everyone on the same free terms.

- Kubuntu includes the very best translations and accessibility infrastructure that the Free Software community has to offer, to make Kubuntu usable by as many people as possible.

- Kubuntu is entirely committed to the principles of free software and open source development; we encourage people to use free and open source software, improve it, and pass it on.

### Live CD

### Your data is safe

If you have not initiated the install of Kubuntu, and are just running the Live CD to see what Kubuntu has to offer, then your data is safe. This Live CD will not harm your data unless you intend to do so by clicking the Install icon and utilize the entire hard disk during the install.

Welcome to the Kubuntu Live CD. The Live CD provides you with a test run of Kubuntu without destroying the data that is currently on your computer. The Live CD also provides you the option to install Kubuntu onto your system in a variety of ways. You can install it as a standalone system by utilizing your entire hard drive or you can set it up as an option in a multi-boot system.

When you are finished viewing Kubuntu from the Live CD, simply reboot your computer and remove the CD from the drive. This will allow you to boot normally back into your default operating system.

### Equivalent applications

Kubuntu comes with a variety of applications that will allow you to get up and running right from the start. Whether you plan on using your system for browsing the web, word processing and office use, multimedia, email, and more, Kubuntu has a great variety of applications that you might be used to coming from another operating system such as Mac OS X or Windows. The following is a common list of equivalents in hope of getting you up and running faster.

Application equivalency in Kubuntu

Internet Explorer or Safari

  Konqueror is the default web browser for Kubuntu. Firefox is also available for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Internet section of the Kubuntu documentation.

Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Apple's Mail

  The Microsoft Outlook and Apple's Mail equivalent is Kontact. If Kontact is more than you need and you are used to Microsoft Outlook Express, then you can use KMail. Mozilla's Thunderbird is also available for installation. Further information is available in the Internet section of the Kubuntu documentation.

Microsoft Word

  OpenOffice.org Writer is the default word processor for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Office section of the Kubuntu documentation.

Microsoft Excel

  OpenOffice.org Calc is the default spreadsheet application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Office section of the Kubuntu documentation.

Microsoft PowerPoint

  OpenOffice.org Impress is the default presentation application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Office section of the Kubuntu documentation.

Microsoft Windows Media Player

  Amarok is the default audio application for Kubuntu and Kaffeine is the default video application. Further information is available in the Multimedia section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the Amarok Handbook and the Kaffeine Handbook.

Winamp and iTunes

  Amarok is the default audio application for Kubuntu. There are various other applications as well for multimedia use. Further information is available in the Multimedia section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the Amarok Handbook.

AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Jabber, ICQ, and more

  Kopete is the default instant messaging application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Internet section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the Kopete Handbook.

mIRC and other IRC clients

  Konversation is the default IRC client in Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Internet section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the Konversation Handbook.

WinZIP or WinRAR

  Ark is the default file compression application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Ark Handbook.

CD/DVD Burning

  K3b is the default CD/DVD burning application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the Multimedia section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the K3b Handbook.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

  KPDF is the default PDF viewer for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the KPDF Handbook.

### What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system kernel that resembles the Unix operating system. The kernel is the main software required for free operating systems such as Kubuntu. Linux has come to define the worldwide movement to embrace free and open source software. GNU/Linux is another way in which many refer to the Linux kernel. The GNU/Linux term was created by the Free Software Foundation since the Linux kernel was created with the many components from the GNU Project.

Find out more about Linux at any of the following websites:

- Linux.org

- Wikipedia

- get GNU/Linux

### What is KDE?

The default desktop environment for Kubuntu is KDE, a powerful Free Software graphical desktop environment for Linux and Unix workstations. It combines ease of use, contemporary functionality, and outstanding graphical design with the technological superiority of the Unix operating system. KDE is one of many desktop environments for Linux users. KDE sports an impressive array of easy to use, but powerful, graphical interface applications for users of all ages in both home and work environments. For developers, KDE provides a robust application development framework that enables rapid creation of first rate applications implementing cutting-edge technology.

For further information on KDE, refer to KDE's website located at http://www.kde.org.

### KDE for Ubuntu and Gnome Users

KDE is in many ways similar to GNOME, but there are a few distinct differences which distinguish KDE as a desktop environment. KDE uses C++ at its base, with Qt (the Q-toolkit), whereas GNOME, using GTK, is written in C. KDE is the older and most widely used desktop environment, and is known to stress more the importance of features, and more recently, usability. GNOME more notoriously prides itself on simplicity and ease of use. Popular criticisms of GNOME are that it's lacking in features and applications, while it's often commented that KDE has too many features which may themselves be hard to locate.

Nevertheless, KDE and GNOME respectively target different audiences, and are fundamentally different in some respects, and the question of which desktop environment is superior is inherently a subjective opinion in many ways. Because of this, to at least make a proper decision about which is more suited to yourself, it is advised that you try them both out. Thus, it is very easy to install GNOME from a Kubuntu setup, and equally easy to install KDE from an Ubuntu setup.

### Switching Desktops

As an Ubuntu user, you may be concerned that your favorite GNOME applications will not run under Kubuntu. That is not the case. In recent times, much work has been done to increase compatibility between GNOME and KDE. Today, virtually all GNOME applications will run under KDE and vice versa.

While the KDE desktop is very different from that of GNOME, all your favorite GNOME applications will be integrated with your KDE menu system.

Another concern for users wanting to try Kubuntu may be that KDE will become their only desktop once it is installed. While we do indeed hope you will make KDE your desktop of choice, this is not the case; both desktop session types can be run after installing Kubuntu. Furthermore, during installation you will be given the choice of using either the GNOME Display Manager (GDM) or the K Display Manager (KDM) as your login manager.

Either display manager will suffice, and after installation you will be able to run both GNOME and KDE session types. Feel free to try KDM. You can always switch back to GDM later if you like. The only noticeable difference will be the artwork used before you log in.

To install Kubuntu, you just need to install the kubuntu-desktop package.

### Getting help

There are various locations for you to receive help with your Kubuntu system. A list of the most common locations are found in the Getting Help section of the Kubuntu documentation.