Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

[ebozzz]

I know that Ubuntu, which I am currently running, has a Gnome desktop and Kunbuntu uses a KDE desktop. I am posting this using the Live Kubuntu disc and there is definitely a difference in the look and feel. Can someone please help me understand what the difference is in functionality and usefulness between these two distros? I am totally confused!

[stevemac58]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

I too have used both desktops. First Ubuntu and then Kubuntu.
I may be talking through a hole in my head, but as far as I could see, it is really about the look and feel. There are obvious differences in some of the applications and the default desktop that is provided. However, I found the functionality very similar.

For me it came down to which desktop I prefered, for looks (I know, shallow). I also found Adept easier to work with for downloading new applications.

[pulpfile]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

I think it is all look and feel.
Because you can run Gnome programs in KDE, and vice versa.
Am I right?

[Pendragon]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

For me it came down to which desktop I prefered, for looks (I know, shallow). I also found Adept easier to work with for downloading new applications.

I would not call it ‘shallow’ it’s what you get used to. I have to switch between that other operating system and Mandriva (for my accounts) and Kubuntu (for getting used to another distro), but I always use KDE as the desktop because, I like it (the new Edgy is first class in my view), it’s easier as I don’t have to remember to click at the top or bottom of the screen to open a program etc and everything is in a similar place on all three.

Regards, P.

[beetlespace]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

Yes the main difference between Kubuntu and Ubuntu is their use of the KDE desktop and the Gnome desktop. So what's this mean? Simply the way each one handles the way it completes the tasks you want to do and the features they offer.

For example, the file browsers/managers each desktop manager uses are different but accomplish the same basic tasks. KDE uses Konqueror and Gnome uses Nautilus. They both do pretty close to the same things, but it's the way they do them. Copying files, managing folders, etc. I like Konqueror for two features I have come to depend on. One is the split window view and the other is the built in FTP client. I use these a lot because I work quite a bit with web design stuff and they come in handy! It's these extra features that makes them different. The same thing can be said for the desktops themselves.

It comes down to personal preference. I like a clean shiny desktop with lots of eye candy and things that look great. The transparency in KDE is second to none and the endless customization options are awesome. Would I want this for a server or a machine I needed performance rather than looks, no. I realize the more “gadgets” I use the more the system performance suffers. But it's a trade off I have accepted.

Do what I do, get another PC and have both!! LOL

[ebozzz]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

First of all, I want to thank all of you for responding. I never received any email notifications so I thought that no one had responded! I guess that I need to check my profile settings?

[ebozzz]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

Do what I do, get another PC and have both!! LOL

I've got 4 desktops and a server in my home network. That for each member of the family and server that is used for file sharing, shared printing and storage. I got one of each of the Edgy distros. So far it looks like the installs are going to go like this:

Edubuntu - My 6 year old.
Kubuntu - My 14 year old. Blue is her favorite color. Need I say more?
Ubuntu - My wife.

As for me, I am still undecided. I like both but I am kind of leaning in the direction of Kubuntu. Hard to go wrong with either as a desktop OS. Now what I REALLY need is a server OS. Neither Dapper nor Edgy will work on my old unit.

[Tynach]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

I have Gnome and KDE on the same computer, on the same installation. Just choose which envirenment you want when you log in!

To download Gnome, use adept and install "Ubuntu-desktop."

[ebozzz]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

I have Gnome and KDE on the same computer, on the same installation. Just choose which envirenment you want when you log in!

To download Gnome, use adept and install "Ubuntu-desktop."

You downloaded Gnome after you had completed the Kubuntu install, right?

[Tynach]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

Right. It's on the same installation.

Just boot into Kubuntu after any installation (Doesn't have to be fresh, and you don't need any live cd), and download Ubuntu like you would any other program.

However, it has LOTS of packages to download...

Same with Kubuntu. If you have Ubuntu, you can download Kubuntu by installing kubuntu-desktop.

[ebozzz]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

Got it and thank you. That may be the route that I will take since I really like both desktops.

[Tynach]

Re: Kubuntu, Ubuntu........What's the difference?

I would recommend getting Ubuntu and installing Kubuntu, though. I did the opposite, and gnome is really acting up for me.