Kubuntu is a powerful linux OS, boasting usability, configurability and many other slick features. KDE4 coupled with Plasma widgets supplies a stylish desktop. A simple, streamlined installation wizard, useful pre-installed applications , and all-in-one download and setup of extra applications! My review is composed of five parts: Style, Usability, Applications, Ease of Install, and Overall rating.
Style:
OSX-style Kubuntu Desktop
Windows-style Kubuntu Desktop
Kubuntu allows total customization, according to your tastes, your favourite colours, your original OS look/layout and more!
For example, your desktop background can be a 3D satellite image of the Earth/Moon, a slideshow of your favourite pictures (with transition effects), a static image, a pattern, or a webpage. It includes the stunning 3D desktop switching, with your desktops on a sphere, a cube or a cylinder.
The 3D Desktop Cube
The simple styles also increase the…
Usability:
Kubuntu showcases a simple and smooth interface for converts from Windows or OSX, as shown in the Style section. This allows remarkable usability for most, if not all new users. A start-menu style launcher, KickOff offers easy navigation, file/web search and shortcuts to categorized…
Applications:
Kubuntu comes with a suite of useful applications, that allow the average user to complete all of their normal tasks. A web browser, Firefox, an Instant Messenger, Kopete, and OpenOffice, an Office Suite, are a few examples. However, for more specialized use, you’ll have to download more programs.
Personally, I loved the F.O.S.S. (Free,Open-Source,Software) alternative to iTunes, Songbird. It’s “the Firefox of media players”.
Coming from Windows or Mac, you’ll miss some of your native applications.
Don’t worry, there are often free/open-source alternatives. For a list, click here.
After downloading them, you’ll marvel at the…
Ease-of-Install:
The installation of Kubuntu was a snap! Really bright, cheerful and user-friendly! I didn’t encounter any problems. Installing applications in Kubuntu is surprisingly easy, provided that they’re in the repositories. If they’re not, just download the .deb file. It’s easy, one-click setup of any application!
Style: 5/5
The smooth, seductive interface is stylish, but still user-friendly.
Usability: 4.5/5
Most of the OS is very user-friendly, but the Plasma Widget system is confusing for new users.
Applications: 5/5
A wide selection of built-in applications, (many more available free in the repository) perfect the user experience without bloating their system.
Ease-of-Install:Â 5/5
The installation of Kubuntu/add-on applications was a breeze. It was MUCH easier than Windows.
Image Credits: KDE Community Forums, Dedoimedo and Wikimedia
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Im just not ready for Linux. I just love Windows 7 and it does everything I need.
you should try it… it runs faster than windows and requires less recources… and you can have a boot loader at start up with both OS's to choose from… a win or linux session
True! Just tried and it works great. Only that some websites don't look good on it, even if you're using Firefox. But yeah, its fast and more responsive than Windows.
True! Just tried and it works great. Only that some websites don't look good on it, even if you're using Firefox. But yeah, its fast and more responsive than Windows.