GNOME vs. KDE for a newbie
 

Hello all,
I'm pretty much new to Linux and I want to consider it as an opportunity to move away from Windows and at least try something else which is out there.
Just a quick and fairly subjective question, though. I am a newbie to Linux, have used Windows systems so far in my life and use my computer mainly for office-type work/surfing online/playing media files. So, from GNOME and KDE, which would anyone here recommend for someone like me? I have heard KDE described as more 'windows-like' than GNOME, but I've also heard that statement derided - ultimately, even though I want to try something different to Windows, a bit of familiarity would be helpful.
So, anyway, if anyone would advise one GUI over another, all input is appreciated.
Cheers all.

The biggest difference is that KDE is more configurable than GNOME, which some people claim can be more overwhelming for other users. KDE can look pretty much however you want, but most distributions come with it set up to look like Windows out of the box. On most distributions, you can install both, and that's what I recommend you do - it all comes down to personal preference anyway. If you need help installing either one, state the distribution you're using and what graphical environment you're currently using.

Are you new to windows, too?

If you don't think you're significantly rooted into windows, GNOME would be better. But if you're used to the windows-way, I'd try KDE first.

If you don't like it, though, just do what I'm planning to do; install GNOME and KDE on the same OS, and before you log in just pick which ever to log in with, and then alternate. Best of both worlds, that way you can experience the two most popular DEs.

You might want to give XFCE a chance, too, if you're a minimalist.

I've gone full-circle. Starting with SUSE maybe 5 years ago, KDE seemed fine---except maybe sometimes a bit gimmicky---all the KKKKKKKKs and such.

Then I was impressed with the simplicity and cleanness of Gnome and Fedora

Then I discovered all the things I could not do in Gnome

Now I use KDE

I agree that you should try them both. Chances are that you will quickly gravitate to one or the other. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

As a side comment, I continually find it amusing that a percentage of the people posting in a Linux forum complain that KDE is too configurable. :D

If you're just coming from the windows world, then kde does feel more "at home".

But hey, as others say, install both and play. You'll soon work out which you prefer.

Personally, I hate gnome with a passion. I've made considerable efforts to try to get on with it 4 or 5 times. Plus I don't give a toss what the "illuminati" say about it being purer with all the garbage about gnome and GTK (it's build toolkit etc) and open source. KDE works for me along with the Qt stuff it's built from, very well (yes thats despite all the gimmicky "K" stuff).

regards

John

Yes, install both. In ubuntu you just install the kubuntu-desktop package and you're done. In suse I think it's KDM and GDM... but it'S been a while. It's foolproof. Just intall both and find out.
I used to prefer kde, then I switched to gnome. This thread inspired me to try kde again... installing.
I really don't care. You'll find your ways around both pretty quick. KDE definitely has more options. I have no idea why I switched. But I think there was a reason.

Re: GNOME vs. KDE for a newbie
 

Ok, cheers all.
Looks like I'll have to try both, see what suits me. Got a good few other things to do first - partitioning up my drive and installing the OS itself, for starters. :)
XFCE does look quite neat, but a bit too minimalist for my tastes (have been coddled by the slight flashiness of Windows XP for too long...)

Being a new commer to linux as well, i would definitly suggest KDE. By the way i would say that it depends on distribution also, but generally i feel more "at home" with KDE. I had started out with Gnome on FC, but then changed to Mandriva, took one look at Gnome there and instantly hated it. So moved on to KDE and IT REALY IS QUITE STRAIGHT FORWARD and the configuration tools are a big plus. You can do all sorts of configurations graphically so thats a GOOD POINT. lol

That stuff isn't even true anymore, Qt is now GPL'd.
KDM and GDM are just the login managers, which should automatically be installed when you install the corresponding desktop.

I've never tried KDE myself, but as far as my older-than-spit computer running debian etch goes, I like gnome just fine. Apparently I'm somewhat of a minority around here though. Every time I look at KDE it just seems too crowded. The menu bars are always huge and I also don't understand what is more windows-like about it. The only real difference I can see between windows and gnome is that the "start bar" is on top rather than the bottom panel. Also, from the times when I've run KDE apps on gnome, they always seem more prettied-up which I don't really care for.

Just my two cents

Don't discount Xfce.

Its very functional, and works quite well with older/slower hardware. My personal opinion....

Gnome>>>Xfce>>>Terminal>>Faced Stomped by Golf Cleats>>Eyes Gouged>>KDE

IGF

Careful now, let's not start a flamewar. :)

And I had my marshmallows all ready too. <sigh>

Would someone mind explaining to me what is meant by "KDE is more windows-like" I have never understood that.