Lesson 5.2: KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma is a feature-rich, modern desktop environment that combines elegance with powerful customization options. It offers a polished user experience with extensive functionality out of the box.

Installing KDE Plasma

On Ubuntu 24.04, you can install KDE Plasma with:

For a more complete KDE experience with additional applications:

The kde-full package includes:

• All KDE applications
• Additional games and educational software
• Development tools
• Extra themes and widgets

Switching to KDE Plasma

After installation, switch to KDE Plasma:

1. Log out of your current session
2. On the login screen, click the gear icon
3. Select "Plasma" or "Plasma (Wayland)" from the list
4. Enter your password and log in

KDE Plasma Desktop Components

Let's explore the main components of the KDE Plasma desktop:

Plasma Desktop

The Plasma desktop is highly customizable:

• Wallpaper: Static images, slideshows, or dynamic wallpapers
• Widgets: Desktop applets for weather, system monitoring, etc.
• Activities: Multiple desktop layouts for different tasks
• Desktop Folder View: Show desktop icons and folders

Kickoff Application Launcher

KDE's application menu is powerful and searchable:

• Search: Find applications, files, and settings
• Categories: Organized application groups
• Recent Applications: Quick access to recently used apps
• Favorites: Pin frequently used applications

Panel (Task Manager)

The default panel includes:

• Kickoff Launcher: Application menu button
• Task Manager: Shows open windows
• System Tray: Background applications and notifications
• Digital Clock: Time, date, and calendar
• Show Desktop: Minimize all windows

KWin Window Manager

KWin handles window management with advanced features:

• Desktop Effects: Animations, transparency, and visual effects
• Window Tiling: Automatic window arrangement
• Virtual Desktops: Multiple workspaces
• Activities: Separate desktop configurations

Key KDE Applications

KDE comes with a comprehensive suite of applications:

Dolphin File Manager

Dolphin is a powerful, feature-rich file manager:

• Split View: Two-panel layout for file operations
• Terminal Panel: Integrated command line
• Information Panel: File details and previews
• Places Panel: Quick access to bookmarks and devices
• Tabbed Browsing: Multiple folders in one window

Kate Text Editor

Kate is a professional text editor for developers:

• Syntax Highlighting: Support for 300+ languages
• Split Views: Multiple files side by side
• Project Management: File tree and project sessions
• Search and Replace: Advanced text searching
• Terminal Integration: Built-in terminal panel

Okular Document Viewer

Universal document viewer with advanced features:

• Format Support: PDF, PS, DjVu, and more
• Annotations: Highlight and comment documents
• Bookmarks: Mark important pages
• Presentation Mode: Full-screen document viewing

Konsole Terminal

Feature-rich terminal emulator:

• Tabbed Sessions: Multiple terminals in one window
• Split Views: Terminal side by side
• Profiles: Different terminal configurations
• Bookmarks: Quick access to directories

System Settings

KDE's System Settings is comprehensive and well-organized:

Appearance

• Global Theme: Complete desktop theme packages
• Colors: Custom color schemes
• Fonts: System font configuration
• Icons: Icon theme selection
• Cursors: Mouse cursor themes

Workspace Behavior

• Desktop Effects: Visual effects and animations
• Screen Edges: Hot corners and edge actions
• Window Behavior: Focus, placement, and movement
• Virtual Desktops: Workspace configuration

Hardware

• Display Configuration: Multiple monitor setup
• Keyboard: Layout and shortcuts
• Mouse: Pointer speed and buttons
• Printers: Printer management

Plasma Widgets

Widgets (Plasmoids) add functionality to your desktop:

Essential Widgets

• Digital Clock: Time, date, and calendar
• Weather Report: Current weather and forecast
• System Monitor: CPU, memory, and network usage
• Clipboard Manager: Clipboard history
• Notes: Desktop sticky notes

Productivity Widgets

• KRunner: Application launcher and calculator
• Timer: Countdown and stopwatch
• Dictionary: Word definitions
• Calculator: Basic calculator

Activities

Activities are virtual desktops with different layouts:

• Work Activity: Professional applications and tools
• Media Activity: Entertainment and multimedia apps
• Development Activity: Programming and development tools
• Custom Layouts: Different wallpapers and widgets per activity

KRunner

KRunner is KDE's powerful launcher and search tool:

KRunner can:

• Launch Applications: Search and start programs
• Calculate: Mathematical calculations
• Search Files: Find files on your system
• Web Search: Search the internet
• Unit Conversion: Convert between units
• Run Commands: Execute shell commands

KDE Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts for productivity:

System Shortcuts

• Meta + D: Show desktop
• Meta + Q: Show activities
• Meta + Space: Activate KRunner
• Meta + Tab: Switch activities
• Ctrl + Alt + Arrow: Switch virtual desktops

Window Management

• Meta + Arrow: Move window to screen edge
• Meta + Page Up/Down: Maximize vertically/horizontally
• Alt + F4: Close window
• Alt + Tab: Switch between windows

Application Shortcuts

• Meta + E: Open Dolphin file manager
• Meta + T: Open Konsole terminal
• Meta + W: Open web browser
• Print Screen: Take screenshot

Customization Tips

Make KDE Plasma your own with these customizations:

Global Themes

Global themes change the entire desktop appearance:

Desktop Effects

Enable or disable visual effects:

Custom Shortcuts

Create your own keyboard shortcuts:

KDE vs Other Desktops

How does KDE Plasma compare?

KDE vs GNOME

• Customization: KDE is more customizable out of the box
• Resource Usage: Similar, but KDE can be heavier with effects
• Learning Curve: KDE has more options, GNOME is simpler
• Applications: KDE has its own application suite

KDE vs XFCE

• Features: KDE has more built-in features
• Resource Usage: XFCE is lighter
• Modern Feel: KDE feels more modern
• Configuration: Both are highly configurable

When to Choose KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma is ideal for:

• Power Users: Those who want extensive customization
• Windows Users: Familiar interface and workflow
• Modern Hardware: Computers with sufficient resources
• Feature Enthusiasts: Users who want everything built-in
• Visual Appeal: Those who appreciate a polished interface

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Performance Issues

If KDE feels slow:

• Disable desktop effects
• Reduce number of widgets
• Use lighter themes
• Check for background processes

Application Crashes

If applications crash frequently:

• Update your system
• Check for conflicting themes
• Reset application settings
• Try Wayland or X11 (whichever you're not using)

Practice Exercises

What's Next?

Now that you understand KDE Plasma, let's explore GNOME, which offers a different approach to desktop design with a focus on simplicity and workflow!