Translations by Guanglin Du

The default desktop 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.

Nevertheless, KDE and GNOME respectively target different audiences, and are fundamentally different in some respects. 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.

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, 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 is often commented that KDE has too many features which may themselves be hard to locate.

<application>Amarok</application> is the default audio application for Kubuntu and <application>Dragon Player</application> is the default video application. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/musicvideophotos">Multimedia</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the <ulink type="help" url="help:/amarok">Amarok Handbook</ulink> and the <ulink type="help" url="help:/dragonplayer">Dragon Player Handbook</ulink>.

<application>OpenOffice.org Calc</application> is the default spreadsheet application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

The Microsoft Outlook and Apple's Mail equivalent is <application>Kontact</application>. If <application>Kontact</application> is more than you need and you are used to Microsoft Outlook Express, then you can use <application>KMail</application>. Mozilla's <application>Thunderbird</application> is also available for installation. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/internet">Internet</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>OpenOffice.org Writer</application> is the default word processor for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>OpenOffice.org Impress</application> is the default presentation application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

KDE for Ubuntu and Gnome Users

<application>Amarok</application> is the default audio application for Kubuntu. There are various other applications as well for multimedia use. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/musicvideophotos">Multimedia</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the <ulink type="help" url="help:/amarok">Amarok Handbook</ulink>.

If you have not started 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 <guibutton>Install</guibutton> icon and use the entire hard disk during the install.

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.

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.

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.

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 using your entire hard drive or you can set it up as an option in a multi-boot system.

The Microsoft Outlook and Apple's Mail equivalent is <application>Kontact</application>. If <application>Kontact</application> is more than you need and you are used to Microsoft Outlook Express, then you can use <application>KMail</application>. Mozilla's <application>Thunderbird</application> is also available for installation. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/internet">Internet</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>OpenOffice.org Writer</application> is the default word processor for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>OpenOffice.org Calc</application> is the default spreadsheet application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>OpenOffice.org Impress</application> is the default presentation application for Kubuntu. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/office">Office</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation.

<application>Amarok</application> is the default audio application for Kubuntu and <application>Dragon Player</application> is the default video application. Further information is available in the <ulink type="help" url="help:/kubuntu/musicvideophotos">Multimedia</ulink> section of the Kubuntu documentation as well as the <ulink type="help" url="help:/amarok">Amarok Handbook</ulink> and the <ulink type="help" url="help:/dragonplayer">Dragon Player Handbook</ulink>.

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

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.

Your data is safe

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 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.

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

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

This document is made available under the Creative Commons ShareAlike 2.5 License (CC-BY-SA).

This documentation is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AS DESCRIBED IN THE DISCLAIMER.

Philosophy