Mon Mar 07 2022
Exploring the Best Features of the KDE Desktop Environment
1. Customization
KDE is renowned for its extensive customization options. You can change the look of the KDE Plasma workspace. Sometimes like to set colors and looks to suit your moods. Icons, widgets, fonts, pointers, the window decorations, and much more. You can also download and install new themes if you don’t like installing one. Window decorations define the look of the borders and buttons on the window frame. Widgets are the buttons, sliders, and general look of the applications within the windows. Color schemes and other styles can be saved and used later when you want to change again.
2. Krunner
KRunner is a powerful search and command launcher tool in KDE. It works as a 'jack of all trades' tool. You can open apps, by typing their names there; you can also 'kill' any app with it, too. Just type ‘kill’ followed by the name of the app. It can be triggered by hitting the Alt+F2 key. Krunner can do more than just open apps or files and folders, you can perform many tasks from it such as calculation and conversion. You can open websites, bookmarks, and also search your Kmail. You can play movies, music, directly from the krunner - just enter the complete path of the file. You can open any directory just by entering in the entire path of that directory.
3. Plasma Widgets
KDE's Plasma desktop offers a wide range of widgets that can be added to the desktop or panel. These widgets provide quick access to information like weather forecasts, system monitoring, and application launchers, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
4. Session management
In Plasma, you can very easily save the entire working session and when you boot into your system again all of that work will open as it was before. It can be accessed through System Settings > Startup and Shutdown. The option called ‘Session Management’ at the bottom allows you to save the current session or change it to 'start with an empty session'. The Autostart option on the same window makes it easier for users to manage which applications or scripts start at boot or login.
5. Dolphin file manager
Dolphin is KDE's default file manager. It is one of the many gems that KDE has; by far it is the best file manager which can perform tasks that others can't. The basic functionality of Dolphin can be further enhanced by adding new services. And any third party developer can create a new package for Dolphin to integrate a service, such as Dropbox, with the Plasma desktop. In Dolphin, you can easily select multiple images and change their names. To rename files, just select them and hit F2, that will open a file rename dialog. Dolphin is also capable of showing thumbnails of different file types including images, videos, and text - which improves the overall desktop environment.
6. Baloo File Search
Baloo is KDE's file indexing and search framework. It makes searching for files on your system incredibly fast and efficient. Users can locate files using keywords, tags, and metadata, making file management a breeze.
7. A multi-monitor bliss
Plasma is bliss for those with multiple monitor setups. Plasma gives each monitor a personality of its own - which is quite limited on other DEs. You can give each monitor a different wallpaper. Each monitor can have its own desktop layout and panels.
8. KDE Connect
KDE Connect is a handy feature that enables seamless integration between your desktop and Android smartphone. With KDE Connect, you can receive notifications, share files, control media playback, and even use your phone as a touchpad or remote control for presentations.
9. Customize the KDE Desktop
You can change the entire layout of the desktop instead of being stuck with the default one. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose the last option 'Default desktop ' from the context menu. It will open the ‘desktop settings’ option. Then select one as your choice.
KDE also offers a plethora of desktop effects and animations that enhance the overall user experience. From window animations to desktop transitions, these effects can be customized to suit your preferences. Effects include things like "Wobbly Windows," where the windows jiggle like Jello when moved. Other effects include various animations like shattering, fading, and gliding when windows are opened, minimized, maximized, and closed.
10. Activities and Virtual Desktops
KDE allows users to create activities and virtual desktops, providing a unique way to organize and manage workspaces. Activities are like custom desktops, each with its own set of widgets and applications, allowing users to separate work, personal, or project-related tasks.
11. Global Shortcuts and Gestures
KDE provides extensive support for global keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures. Users can define custom shortcuts to perform various actions and streamline their workflow.
12. Konsole
Konsole is a kick-butt terminal emulator program for the desktop. It was written for KDE, but it can also run on other desktops. And here is where the GUI desktop combines with the CLI to enhance admin-fu. Konsole window allows for multiple tabs with a separate terminal session in each tab.
13. Cross-Platform Compatibility
While KDE is most commonly associated with Linux distributions, it's worth noting that it's not limited to the Linux ecosystem. KDE applications and Plasma desktop can be installed and used on other platforms, including Windows and macOS.
Conclusion
The KDE desktop environment offers a rich and versatile computing experience, characterized by its robust feature set, customization options, and user-friendly design. Whether you're a Linux enthusiast or someone looking to try out a new desktop environment, KDE provides a compelling and highly customizable experience that caters to a wide range of user preferences. Its commitment to innovation and user empowerment makes it a standout choice in the world of Linux desktop environments.