Desktop - whats the difference
 

I need some help on Windows desktops managers for Linux. Is the desktop GNOME like a Windows desktop and is KDE similar? Do they need each other to run or can they operate independently? All help is very welcomed!

They can run independently of eachother. However, if you have the space, I would install both (or at least the library files from both, but installing the whole thing is usually easier... if you have the space) so that you're not hampered at all.

Thanx Thymox the problem I have is not to do with me installing it. Its for my dissertation. I need some technical data on the subject. Its more to do with the setup of desktops and how they function. The two I wanted to focus on was GNOME and KDE. I will consider others if they are relevant. Are there any good books or sites on the subject. I have Red Hat 7 Unleashed and want to use some of the information in that. If you are running a desktop how do you know what desktop it is? Sorry for the long reply.

you're planning on writing a dissertation just based on text references? surely you should USE them and then you'll know what you're talking about...

and homework questions are really not liked on here. this isn't a blatant as most though.

Aha! If it's for your dissertation, then I would suggest that you read stuff from the horses mouth:

http://www.xfree86.org/

I am covering a lot more but I was stuck on this. Many Thanx!

In response to Chris, I have used Linux and I am still learning as much as I can. My work, if your interested, is based on understanding the complexities of installing Linux/Open source software at a company level. Yes I agree practical experience is good and understanding what you are doing is better. Which is why I posted my question. It was not an attempt to obtain all the answers from here, I wanted to be pointed in the right direction. I have used GNOME but did not understand what exactly it was. If I caused offence then I am sorry.

And to add to Thymox's response, go over the home of KDE http://www.kde.org and GNOME http://www.gnome.org I'd encourage you to join the developer's mailing lists on both, there is a lot of information floating around these lists.