How do I get a windows-like environment?
 

My very first introduction to Linux was RedHat 9.0. It was very easy to install, but it also installed a bunch of stuff that I didn't want/need.

So, I have Debian installed now. I've read that it ranks among the best and if I've learn how to work with this distribution, then it should be relatively easy to switch to others later if I feel the need.

Anyway, is there any way I can get the windows-like environment in Debian? I have Window Maker installed right now just for the sake of having a GUI. But, I think I'm looking for more.

For example, I'd like to be able to navigate through my hard drive without having to open a terminal window.

Is there a particular program I should be looking for, or a package I need to download?

Thanks.

When you click on My Computer in windows you're opening a window. It can't be avoided. If you want a more windows like desktop environment....... I like kde, second choice would be gnome. Windowmaker is kind of minimalist for a lot of people. Any file manager (kde has an excellent one) will allow you to browse your hard drives.

You said 'open a terminal window'! Sorry, I misread. As I said, any file manager should do it. There may be one in windowmaker.

Well...... KDE is recognised as being more Windows like than GNOME, so KDE under Red Hat 9 should have been ok (rather than using the typical gnome under Red Hat) - I personally like KDE, even if it is a little large - there is even a Redmond "style" or "theme" under KDE/Konqueror.

Ok. Thanks.

Do I have to install KDE as an entire package, or can I just install the pieces of if that I want?

During the installation process, you can choose which components you wish to install.

You need arts, kdelib and kdebase packages installed, in that order. Then any extras come in their own packages (kdemultimedia, kdegames, kdenetwork etc...). If you want to use the internet, you possibly want kdenetwork, for kppp (if you use dialup), although it's up to you. There's a description of each package and links to the debian sources at http://www.kde.org

The best way is to find the debian source address and use apt (but you may already know that, I don't know how lon g you've been using debian)

Guy

I recently installed KDE on a new Debian install. All you have to do is use a terminal window and enter the following commands:

aptitude update
aptitude install kde

Alternatively you could install KDE with these commands:

apt-get update
apt-get install kde

That's all there is to it on Debian.

Why on earth did you exhume this two year old carcass?


Cheers,
Tink

You might also consider trying Xandros (another linux distro).
Xandros was built in mind to look like window and designed
to attarct window users.

http://www.xandros.com

Sheng-Chieh

Go to the xfce.org website.There is a user-friendly installer available there.you can download it and experience the speed.Xfce and everything goes faster...

Closed and sent back to the depths of which it came from!