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Topic: Linux

KDE netbook desktop: My guide to configuring and using it

Summary: The KDE netbook desktop is a little-known and underappreciated alternative that is included in every KDE installation. My step-by-step guide is designed to help raise its profile

J.A. Watson

By J.A. Watson for Jamie's Mostly Linux Stuff |

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Configure Desktop

It is important to note that the KDE netbook desktop is included in every KDE 4 installation — but it is not the default, so you have to activate it if you want it. It works brilliantly on every netbook I have tested, with complete support out of the box for all the hardware including Intel Atom, AMD C-50, C-60, E-350 and E-450 CPUs, Intel and AMD/ATI graphics, Intel, Broadcom, Atheros and Ralink network and Wi-Fi adapters, and as little as 1GB to as much as 4GB of memory.

Although I have chosen openSuSE 12.1 for the screenshots here, I could have done the same thing on Mint 13 KDE, Mageia, or any other current KDE 4 distribution.

To activate the KDE netbook desktop, go to the KDE menus and select Configure Desktop to get to the control screen where you can choose the netbook desktop.

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Topics: Linux, Laptops, Open Source, Reviews

J.A. Watson

About J.A. Watson

I started working with what we called "analog computers" in aircraft maintenance with the United States Air Force in 1970. After finishing miliary service and returning to University, I was introduced to microprocessors and machine language programming on Intel 4040 processors. After that I also worked on, operated and programmed Digital Equipment Corportation PDP-8, PDP-11 (/45 and /70) and VAX minicomputers. I was involved with the first wave of Unix-based microcomputers, in the early '80s. I have been working in software development, operation, installation and support since then.

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14 comments
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  • KDE netbook desktop: My guide to configuring and using it

    Another outstanding desktop for Linux Distros

    Kudos to the KDE Team, Experience Freedom!
    daikon
    Reply 7 Votes

  • love KDE

    I was someone who previously used KDE 3 and then jumped ship with 4.0, which is similar to the situation with Gnome 3 now. I ended up with a "mutt" installation of xfce alongside gnome shell and unity shell not really being totally happy with any one of those, and then it became tough to figure out how to configure all that mess as they would be fighting each other it seemed. I read a review of KDE 4.8 and gave it a shot. I am VERY happy I did and now I am a KDE fan again.
    deathjazz68
    Reply 4 Votes

  • An FYI for KDE users ...

    ... as Qt is foundational for KDE:

    "Summary: Nokia is closing down the Brisbane office responsible for Qt and its development team, possibly in preparation for selling off the user interface framework.
    http://www.zdnet.com/au/nokia-closes-brisbane-qt-office-amid-sale-rumours-7000002008/
    Rabid Howler Monkey
    Reply 1 Vote

  • Two Items (probably not Kubuntu-specific)

    First, on my netbook, when I boot with a live Kubuntu 12.04 USB, it automatically loads the KDE netbook desktop.

    Second, on my desktop, running a daily build of Kubuntu 12.10, you can create a virtual desktop (called an Activity) from a template called Search and Launch that has all the goodies you show, but you can always return to the default desktop/activity.
    Marco Parillo
    Reply 2 Votes

  • Step 1: install Windows

    That is the only configuration step you need.
    toddbottom3
    Reply 1 Vote

    • But you users tell us

      Then you'll be opening yourself up to a vast numbers of trojans and malware than the other platforms.
      Plus it will add to the cost of the netbook.. If the netbook came with windows you can recoup some of your money by getting a refund on the windows license.. That will bring the cost of the netbook down a bit more.. Plus linux runs faster than windows.. From what i hear from numerous companies that handle cross platform software.
      Anthony E
      Reply 9 Votes

    • Step 2: Reboot

      n/t
      ldo17
      Reply 6 Votes

    • Step 3: Reboot

      n/t
      ldo17
      Reply 6 Votes

    • Step 4: Look for Windows Drivers

      Visit vendor sites looking for drivers, download, install, discover they don't work with your version of Dimdows, vendors provides no updates, says you must buy the new model.
      ldo17
      Reply 5 Votes

    • Step 5: Reboot

      Have you tried turning it off and on again?
      ldo17
      Reply 5 Votes

    • Step 6: Rebooting No Longer Makes Windows Stable Again

      Need to reinstall.
      ldo17
      Reply 6 Votes

    • Step 7: BSOD appears

      Time to toss todd's bottom into the trash.
      CaviarBlack
      Reply 8 Votes

    • Step 2

      Run all apps on your 27 inch monitor in full screen Metro...no wait can use that word now...Romper Room glory.
      JeveSobs
      Reply 1 Vote

  • WHOOOOP !!!

    THis is really terrible ! WHERE is the link to the view-as-one-page feature? No consolodated Blog enry or PDF??? Have you any inkling how much difficulty that us ADSD / Dyslectic kids have with this 'Slide Show format? Would you use a step-ladder for an access point to a Handicap restroom? Hey ! C'mon - get it together.
    Regulus
    Reply Vote
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