KDE newcomer. How do you run program foo from KDE?
 

Hi: I've just run KDE for the first time since last slackware installation (slackware 14.1). First thing I looked for on the screen was some sort of a general menu. However, I haven't been able to find any. For instance, right now I want to run some PDF reader. Can you explain me how to proceed?

You should have a default panel along the bottom of the screen. If not, right-click somewhere on the desktop, unlock widgets, right-click again and add a default panel.

I'm seeing the panel and three icons on the left: Kickoff Application Launcher, Show Activity Manager and Konqueror. In the app launcher, hummm. I think I was rather rush[?]. I come from Xfce and think I will have to let some time pass by before getting familiar with KDE. I have just quit Xfce because I am already tired at some untidiness.

You can change the application launcher to something resembling Xfce's by right-clicking the launcher and switching to classic style.

Most kind of you, thanks.

alt+f2 can bring up a small window to run programs if you know the name

On the KDE menu "classic style," there is a "Run Command" item. You can run any program, including a command line program like vim that runs in a terminal, from that item.

I much prefer the "classic style" to the "application launcher" style.

The Kickoff icon should display the KDE menu somewhat like what you're used to in Xfce. It has a nice app Search function, customizable Favorites, as well as the sorted areas just like Xfce (Internet, System, Settings, etc.). BUT while you can run it from Xfce the incredibly powerful and diverse KRunner is integral in KDE. It is invoked w/ Alt + F2, or simply right clicking on the desktop and selecting Run Command. However it does much, much more than just that. Check this out !

--- Awesome KRunner ---

In KDE here simply typing starts a search for me, apps or whatever tho am in Stretch/Sid... :)