Desktops for Linux - Using the KDE

  1. Starting the KDE

    The KWM (Window Manager)

    The KDE comes with its own window manager, kwm. It is not necessary to use this wm, but it does integrate nicely with the KDE and allows some extra features.

    The KFM (File Manager)

    This is perhaps the most fundamental part of the KDE. It is actually a browser that lets you seamlessly explore the internet or your filesystem, in a manner similar to Windows 98.

    Many of KDE's features are implemented from within the kfm -- the help browser and trash can are a few examples.

    The kfm supports standard browser features like bookmarks, caching and proxies. It also supports HTML 3.2 about as well as Netscape Navigator 3.0 and includes support for JavaScript.

    The Panel

    The panel is actually made up of two parts, and is somewhat like a hybrid between the UNIX CDE and the Windows Taskbar. It consists of the following parts:

    • The K Menu (AKA Application Starter)

      The K Menu is similar to the Windows Start Menu or the Mac Apple Menu.

    • The Window List

      The window list is a common feature in most X window managers. It simply allows you to see which apps are running and offers a way to switch between them.

    • The Home Directory Button

      The Home Directory button on the panel allows you quick access to your home directory via the kfm browser.

    • The Button Bar

      The button bar is similar to the CDE in that it has several buttons, each of which can be configured, that give access to common features.

      Some of the buttons also spawn menus. They can be identified by the small vertical arrows on their upper-right corners.

    • Virtual Desktops

      Another common feature in X window managers, the virtual desktop buttons let you gather windows on four different desktops and easily switch between them all.

    • The Help Browser

      The Help Browser is kfm in disguise. It is well-integrated with the KDE, and while I found the documentaion to be good, it was incomplete in some sections.

    • The KDE Control Center

      The KDE Control center is similar to the Macintosh or Windows Control Panel.

      The Control Panel gives quick access to commonly-configured elements of the KDE, such as desktop appearance, sounds, and titlebar configuration.

      The Control Panel is a single application that divides configuration elements into a 'tree' format, similar to that seen in the Windows Explorer. Clicking on a particular element displays configuration options in the window. Each element may be further sub-divided into one or more 'tabs', which help to further group configuration information.

      Note: If the 'Swallow Modules' option is turned off, clicking on an element opens a new window.

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Presentation by Tom Wheeler @ SLUUG Linux SIG -- 9/19/1998