I'm doing as much research as possible before attempting my first install of a Linux distro.

These two programs keep popping up in my reading, and I cannot understand exactly how they differ.

Is WindowsMaker the same TYPE of program as KDE, or are they different TYPES of programs?

If they are different, does a KDE type program require a WindowsMaker type program to run, or can it run independantly (and vice versa)?

What other programs are similar to the KDE type? The WindowsMaker type?

I've been to the websites of both programs and haven't found satisfactory answers to my questions.

Thanks in advance.

It's really not easy in the beginning, is it...? I just started a couple of weeks ago and I'll try to explain it. Linux can but doesn't have to us X, an engine that enables Linux to be run with a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Like the other operating system nobody dares to mention (but you can say Voldemoort around here...). Now, all big Linux distros come with X. On top of that, many come with not one GUI but 2, 3 or more. Both KDE and WindowMaker are GUI. Other GUIs are GNOME, Fluxbux, IceWm (anything sounds familiar?) KDE is a big and shiny GUI that competes with GNOME to be the most user-friendly one. Chances are, if you have a newer PC with 128MB RAM or more and a fast CPU, you'll end up using KDE or GNOME. I have a PI 233 with 64MB RAM, I use a window manager (that is another Linux term for all the different GUIs) called IceWm - it uses a lot less RAM. Now, many of the window managers come with lots of applications, for example GNOME comes with its own Control Center, KDE with a Package Manager and so on. But most of the time you can use KDE apps in GNOME and vice versa - its all Linux after all.

My advice: Start installing. I have installed in the last two weeks 8 different distros to find out what Linux is all about. I ended up using Knoppix, which is Debian based (apt is very cool). If you are like I on highspeed, start burning CDs. Knoppix is on 1 CD, the new SuSE is on 1 CD, you can try for fun DSL which is a 50MB distro.

Now I hope some truly experienced gal/guy will correct my mistakes.

KDE is just a type of Graphical User Interface

WindowMaker is another type of Graphical User Interface.

They just look and "feel" different.

Programs and software work normally between any of them. No worries.

Thanks for the responses guys. I am actually typing this through Mozilla from my FRESH Debian install.

In my thread in the Newbie section, I was linked to the "Verbose Debian 3.0 Installation Walkthrough."

It was written so well, that I decided to just go for it and install Debian 3.0 - and it WORKED!!!

Remember, this is coming from someone who didn't even really know Linux was an OS a week ago.

Anyway, the walkthrough had me install XFree86, WindowMaker, Synoptic (SUPER COOL) and Mozilla - just enough to get me on my way.

I am super greatful to that link and the guy who linked me to it (can't remember his name!).

But, it wasn't until this post that I finally was confirmed that all the above mentioned programs are all just different GUI's.

Thanks guys!

I want to help you escape the darkside.

There are many different window managers, desktop environments, etc.
If you are interested in customizing your PC, you might want to look at
Fluxbox and also at this screenshot thread to see some of the possibilities.

Thanks Chinaman. With the help of misterflibble from this forum, I've now upgraded to Debian Testing and have installed a bunch of helpful software, including KDE and Gnome on top of my previous WindowMaker install.

My new linux machine is starting to shape up nicely. Tommorrow, hopefully we can tackle the sound card and printer and USB.