Glossary: Difference between revisions

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;<span id="Activities">'''Activities'''</span>
===Activities===
:'''Activities''' are sets of '''Plasma''' ''widgets'' that have their own wallpaper. A bit like [[#Virtual Desktops|''Virtual Desktops'']], but not quite.  
:'''Activities''' are sets of '''Plasma''' ''widgets'' that have their own wallpaper. A bit like [[#Virtual Desktops|''Virtual Desktops'']], but not quite.  


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'''Akonadi'''
===Akonadi===
:The data storage access mechanism for all ''PIM'' (Personal Information Manager) data in ''KDE SC 4''.  One single storage and retrieval system allows efficiency and extensibiliy not possible under ''KDE 3'', where each PIM component had its own system. Note that use of '''Akonadi''' does not change data storage formats (''vcard'', ''iCalendar'', ''mbox'', ''maildir'' etc.) - it just provides a new way of accessing and updating the data.
:The data storage access mechanism for all ''PIM'' (Personal Information Manager) data in ''KDE SC 4''.  One single storage and retrieval system allows efficiency and extensibiliy not possible under ''KDE 3'', where each PIM component had its own system. Note that use of '''Akonadi''' does not change data storage formats (''vcard'', ''iCalendar'', ''mbox'', ''maildir'' etc.) - it just provides a new way of accessing and updating the data.


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'''aRts'''
===aRts===
:The sound framework in KDE 2 and 3.  Its single-tasking nature caused problems when two sources of sound were encountered.  In the ''Plasma workspace'' it is replaced by [[#Phonon|''Phonon'']]  
:The sound framework in KDE 2 and 3.  Its single-tasking nature caused problems when two sources of sound were encountered.  In the ''Plasma workspace'' it is replaced by [[#Phonon|''Phonon'']]  


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'''Containment'''
===Containment===
:A ''Containment'' is a top level grouping of widgets. Each Containment manages the layout and configuration data of its set of widgets independently from other Containments.
:A ''Containment'' is a top level grouping of widgets. Each Containment manages the layout and configuration data of its set of widgets independently from other Containments.


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'''D-Bus'''
===D-Bus===
:An inter-service messaging system.  Developed by RedHat, it was heavily influenced by KDE3's ''DCOP'', which it supercedes.
:An inter-service messaging system.  Developed by RedHat, it was heavily influenced by KDE3's ''DCOP'', which it supercedes.


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'''Dolphin'''
===Dolphin===
:The default file manager in KDE SC 4.  It has a side panel (''Places''), but navigation is mainly by the ''breadcrumb'' trail above the main window.  Split windows are possible, and views can be applied to individual windows. Mounting and umounting USB devices can be done in the side-panel. Other directories can be added to the Places panel.  A ''Tree view'' is also possible.
:The default file manager in KDE SC 4.  It has a side panel (''Places''), but navigation is mainly by the ''breadcrumb'' trail above the main window.  Split windows are possible, and views can be applied to individual windows. Mounting and umounting USB devices can be done in the side-panel. Other directories can be added to the Places panel.  A ''Tree view'' is also possible.


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'''Extender'''
===Extender===
:''Extenders'' are a special kind of popup that can grow out of a [[#Plasma|Plasma]] panel for example. Extenders have detachable parts. Extenders are a new concept that arrived in Plasma for KDE 4.2. Notifications already use this system. This enables, for example, a user to drag a notification of a download or file copy job, onto his or her desktop and keep track of it there. The same can be done for other kinds of notifications, too.  
:''Extenders'' are a special kind of popup that can grow out of a [[#Plasma|Plasma]] panel for example. Extenders have detachable parts. Extenders are a new concept that arrived in Plasma for KDE 4.2. Notifications already use this system. This enables, for example, a user to drag a notification of a download or file copy job, onto his or her desktop and keep track of it there. The same can be done for other kinds of notifications, too.  


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'''Flake'''
===Flake===
:''Flake'' is a programming library to be used in '''KOffice2'''.  Functionally, it provides ''Shapes'' to display content and ''Tools'' to manipulate content. Shapes can be zoomed or rotated and can be grouped to work as a single Shape, around which text flow is possible.  
:''Flake'' is a programming library to be used in '''KOffice2'''.  Functionally, it provides ''Shapes'' to display content and ''Tools'' to manipulate content. Shapes can be zoomed or rotated and can be grouped to work as a single Shape, around which text flow is possible.  


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'''Get Hot New Stuff'''
===Get Hot New Stuff===
:''Get Hot New Stuff (GHNS)'' is an open standard that makes it easy for users to download and install various extensions for their applications. Our implementation of GHNS is used by Plasma (for example to get new desktop themes), and by many applications and widgets.
:''Get Hot New Stuff (GHNS)'' is an open standard that makes it easy for users to download and install various extensions for their applications. Our implementation of GHNS is used by Plasma (for example to get new desktop themes), and by many applications and widgets.


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'''Home Directory'''
===Home Directory===
:That's the place in your system where all your files are kept. You can write your files outside of this folder, but all applications are configured to propose this folder as place to write your files to. It is easier when you keep your things here.  
:That's the place in your system where all your files are kept. You can write your files outside of this folder, but all applications are configured to propose this folder as place to write your files to. It is easier when you keep your things here.  


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'''KControl'''
===KControl===
:''KDE Control Center'', for setting global preferences in KDE 3. Replaced by the [[#System Settings|'''System Settings''']] interface in KDE SC 4.
:''KDE Control Center'', for setting global preferences in KDE 3. Replaced by the [[#System Settings|'''System Settings''']] interface in KDE SC 4.




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'''KDOM'''
===KDOM===
:A [[#KPart|''KPart'']] module making ''KHTML DOM (Document Object Model) '' rendering capabilities available to all applications. [[#KSVG|''KSVG2'']] is built on KDOM for KDE SC 4.
:A [[#KPart|''KPart'']] module making ''KHTML DOM (Document Object Model) '' rendering capabilities available to all applications. [[#KSVG|''KSVG2'']] is built on KDOM for KDE SC 4.




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'''KHTML'''
===KHTML===
:''KHTML'' is the HTML rendering engine for the KDE Plasma desktop, as used by the '''Konqueror''' browser. It also provides a KPart that enables all KDE applications to display web content. A new introduction, ''Qt WebKit'' is also for Plasma and other application development.
:''KHTML'' is the HTML rendering engine for the KDE Plasma desktop, as used by the '''Konqueror''' browser. It also provides a KPart that enables all KDE applications to display web content. A new introduction, ''Qt WebKit'' is also for Plasma and other application development.




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'''Kicker'''
===Kicker===
:In KDE 3, the relocatable bar, usually at the bottom of the screen (sometimes called the [[#Panel|''Panel'']]), on which application launchers, the [[#Pager|''Pager'']], and buttons for running applications reside.  See [[#Panel|''Panel'']]
:In KDE 3, the relocatable bar, usually at the bottom of the screen (sometimes called the [[#Panel|''Panel'']]), on which application launchers, the [[#Pager|''Pager'']], and buttons for running applications reside.  See [[#Panel|''Panel'']]




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'''Kickoff'''
===Kickoff===
:In KDE SC 4 (and some late versions of KDE 3), a launch menu in which apps are sorted by functional group.  "Favorites" replaces the "Most used applications" in ''Classic Menu'', and applications can be added to it.  Right-click also offers the possibility of adding applications to the desktop or panel.  Rapid access to a less-used application is made possible with the search box. Other menus are being worked on, since KDE SC 4 can be used with more than one launcher, should that be required.  
:In KDE SC 4 (and some late versions of KDE 3), a launch menu in which apps are sorted by functional group.  "Favorites" replaces the "Most used applications" in ''Classic Menu'', and applications can be added to it.  Right-click also offers the possibility of adding applications to the desktop or panel.  Rapid access to a less-used application is made possible with the search box. Other menus are being worked on, since KDE SC 4 can be used with more than one launcher, should that be required.  


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'''KJS'''
===KJS===
:KDE platform's ''JavaScript'' engine.
:KDE platform's ''JavaScript'' engine.


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'''KInfoCenter'''
===KInfoCenter===
:'''Kinfocenter''' originated as part of [[#Kcontrol|'''Kcontrol''']] standing alone from KDE 3.1.  In KDE SC 4 up until 4.4 it is replaced by modules configured in [[#System Settings|'''System Settings''']], notably [[#Solid|''Solid'']], and is being reintroduced as an application in KDE SC 4.5.
:'''Kinfocenter''' originated as part of [[#Kcontrol|'''Kcontrol''']] standing alone from KDE 3.1.  In KDE SC 4 up until 4.4 it is replaced by modules configured in [[#System Settings|'''System Settings''']], notably [[#Solid|''Solid'']], and is being reintroduced as an application in KDE SC 4.5.


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'''KIO'''
===KIO===
:''KDE Input/Output framework'' provides a single ''API'' for operating on files, whether local or on a remote server.  Additionally, ''KIO Slaves'' provide support for individual protocols.  Some particularly useful ones are ''http'', ''ftp'', ''sftp'', ''smb'', ''nfs'', ''ssh (fish)'', ''man'', ''tar'' and ''zip''.   
:''KDE Input/Output framework'' provides a single ''API'' for operating on files, whether local or on a remote server.  Additionally, ''KIO Slaves'' provide support for individual protocols.  Some particularly useful ones are ''http'', ''ftp'', ''sftp'', ''smb'', ''nfs'', ''ssh (fish)'', ''man'', ''tar'' and ''zip''.   


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'''Kiosk'''
===Kiosk===
:[http://techbase.kde.org/KDE_System_Administration/Kiosk/Introduction '''Kiosk'''] is a framework for restricting user capabilities on a ''KDE platform'' system, ideal for use in locked-down environments such as Internet cafés.  It is present in KDE 3 and KDE 4, but the adminisration tool, '''Kiosktool''' is KDE 3 only.  It can be used to configure KDE 4 apps, or '''kiosk''' configurations can be maintained by editing config files manually.
:[http://techbase.kde.org/KDE_System_Administration/Kiosk/Introduction '''Kiosk'''] is a framework for restricting user capabilities on a ''KDE platform'' system, ideal for use in locked-down environments such as Internet cafés.  It is present in KDE 3 and KDE 4, but the adminisration tool, '''Kiosktool''' is KDE 3 only.  It can be used to configure KDE 4 apps, or '''kiosk''' configurations can be maintained by editing config files manually.




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'''KPart'''
===KPart===
:A ''KPart'' is an individual component of the ''KDE Plasma desktop'' and allows applications to share their services with other applications. KParts allow '''KMail''' and '''KOrganizer''' to integrate (as plugins) into the '''Kontact''' suite, or [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']] to display sites in '''Akregator'''.
:A ''KPart'' is an individual component of the ''KDE Plasma desktop'' and allows applications to share their services with other applications. KParts allow '''KMail''' and '''KOrganizer''' to integrate (as plugins) into the '''Kontact''' suite, or [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']] to display sites in '''Akregator'''.




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'''Kross'''
===Kross===
: ''Kross'' is a scripting framework, enabling support for multiple scripting languages.  A plugin system allows for the support of further languages in the future.
: ''Kross'' is a scripting framework, enabling support for multiple scripting languages.  A plugin system allows for the support of further languages in the future.




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'''KRunner'''
===KRunner===
:The mini-command-line that is accessed from the Classic menu, the keyboard shortcut ''Alt+F2'', or a right-click on the desktop.  In '''KDE SC 4''' a partial name will display all possible matches
:The mini-command-line that is accessed from the Classic menu, the keyboard shortcut ''Alt+F2'', or a right-click on the desktop.  In '''KDE SC 4''' a partial name will display all possible matches


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'''KSVG'''
===KSVG===
: ''KSVG'' enables support for ''scalable vector graphics'' in a [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']] browser.  ''KSVG2'' extends this for KDE SC 4.
: ''KSVG'' enables support for ''scalable vector graphics'' in a [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']] browser.  ''KSVG2'' extends this for KDE SC 4.




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'''KWin'''
===KWin===
:''KWin'' is the window manager.  This is where window decorations can be changed and themes applied. KDE SC 4 extends KWin to provide support for ''3D Compositing effects'' on the desktop.
:''KWin'' is the window manager.  This is where window decorations can be changed and themes applied. KDE SC 4 extends KWin to provide support for ''3D Compositing effects'' on the desktop.


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'''Mini-CLI'''
===Mini-CLI===
:See [[#KRunner|'''KRunner''']]
:See [[#KRunner|'''KRunner''']]




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'''Nepomuk'''
===Nepomuk===
:"Networked Environment for Personalized, Ontology-based Management of Unified Knowledge",  ''Nepomuk'' aims to remove artificial barriers between information to allow dynamic classification, organisation and presentation of data to the user.  Whether downloaded from the internet, received in an email or scribbled in a note, information is globally searchable and tagged with intelligent data.  See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_desktop ''The Semantic Desktop''] for further discussion of this concept.  
:"Networked Environment for Personalized, Ontology-based Management of Unified Knowledge",  ''Nepomuk'' aims to remove artificial barriers between information to allow dynamic classification, organisation and presentation of data to the user.  Whether downloaded from the internet, received in an email or scribbled in a note, information is globally searchable and tagged with intelligent data.  See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_desktop ''The Semantic Desktop''] for further discussion of this concept.  


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'''Oxygen'''
===Oxygen===
:''Oxygen'' is the default theme of KDE SC 4. Designed to bring "a breath of fresh air" to the desktop by removing the simplistic, cartoonish icons, and replacing them with a clean theme and photo-realistic icons.  Oxygen uses a desaturated palette to avoid the icons becoming a distraction and uses detailed scalable graphics (SVG).  
:''Oxygen'' is the default theme of KDE SC 4. Designed to bring "a breath of fresh air" to the desktop by removing the simplistic, cartoonish icons, and replacing them with a clean theme and photo-realistic icons.  Oxygen uses a desaturated palette to avoid the icons becoming a distraction and uses detailed scalable graphics (SVG).  


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'''Pager'''
===Pager===
:A ''pager'' is a small program or panel applet which shows the position of windows on your desktop and usually, if you have several [[#Virtual Desktops|''Virtual Desktops'']], gives an overview over all.
:A ''pager'' is a small program or panel applet which shows the position of windows on your desktop and usually, if you have several [[#Virtual Desktops|''Virtual Desktops'']], gives an overview over all.




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'''Panel'''
===Panel===
:See [[#Kicker|'''Kicker''']]. In '''KDE SC 4''' the name "kicker" is dropped, and the name "panel" is the norm.  "Applets"; are largely replaced by [[#Widgets|''Widgets'']]
:See [[#Kicker|'''Kicker''']]. In '''KDE SC 4''' the name "kicker" is dropped, and the name "panel" is the norm.  "Applets"; are largely replaced by [[#Widgets|''Widgets'']]




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'''Phonon'''
===Phonon===
:A cross-platform multimedia API, interfacing with existing frameworks, such as ''gstreamer'' and ''xine engines''.  KDE 2 and 3 depended on ''aRts'' for sound.  ''Phonon'' replaces it.  
:A cross-platform multimedia API, interfacing with existing frameworks, such as ''gstreamer'' and ''xine engines''.  KDE 2 and 3 depended on ''aRts'' for sound.  ''Phonon'' replaces it.  


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'''Plasma'''
===Plasma===
:In KDE SC 4 the Plasma Desktop replaces ''KDesktop'', '''kicker''' and the ''superkaramba'' widget engine.  The applets are called '''Plasmoids''', and range from informational widgets to mini-apps such as a calculator or dictionary. Widgets from other sources, such as ''SuperKaramba widgets'' or ''Google Gadgets'' are also supported.
:In KDE SC 4 the Plasma Desktop replaces ''KDesktop'', '''kicker''' and the ''superkaramba'' widget engine.  The applets are called '''Plasmoids''', and range from informational widgets to mini-apps such as a calculator or dictionary. Widgets from other sources, such as ''SuperKaramba widgets'' or ''Google Gadgets'' are also supported.


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'''Qt'''
===Qt===
:(Pronounced "cute") A framework/toolkit for writing cross-platform applications. It is used by many cross-platform applications such as '''Opera''' browser, '''GoogleEarth''' and '''Skype'''. ''Qt'' is developed by Trolltech, who are now part of the Nokia company.  Qt forms the underlying library KDE software is built on.  
:(Pronounced "cute") A framework/toolkit for writing cross-platform applications. It is used by many cross-platform applications such as '''Opera''' browser, '''GoogleEarth''' and '''Skype'''. ''Qt'' is developed by Trolltech, who are now part of the Nokia company.  Qt forms the underlying library KDE software is built on.  


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'''Solid'''
===Solid===
:''Solid'' provides a single API for hardware management.  Hardware is grouped into "domains".  The initial domains relate to ''HAL'', ''NetworkManager'' and the ''Bluetooth'' stack. Since the backends for Solid are pluggable, Solid helps application developers write less code, and have it platform independent.  
:''Solid'' provides a single API for hardware management.  Hardware is grouped into "domains".  The initial domains relate to ''HAL'', ''NetworkManager'' and the ''Bluetooth'' stack. Since the backends for Solid are pluggable, Solid helps application developers write less code, and have it platform independent.  


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'''Soprano'''
===Soprano===
:''Soprano'' is a sub-project of [[#Nepomuk|''Nepomuk'']], providing a repository for gathered information such as tags, ratings, etc..  This makes the information available to [[#Strigi|''Strigi'']]  
:''Soprano'' is a sub-project of [[#Nepomuk|''Nepomuk'']], providing a repository for gathered information such as tags, ratings, etc..  This makes the information available to [[#Strigi|''Strigi'']]  


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'''Strigi'''
===Strigi===
:A deep-indexed search daemon, ''Strigi'' aims to be fast and light-weight.  It also uses ''SHA-1 hash'' which will help in the identification of duplicate files.  
:A deep-indexed search daemon, ''Strigi'' aims to be fast and light-weight.  It also uses ''SHA-1 hash'' which will help in the identification of duplicate files.  


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'''System Settings'''
===System Settings===
:KDE SC 4 replacement for [[#KControl|'''KControl''']] (Control Center) providing modular control over the KDE platform.  
:KDE SC 4 replacement for [[#KControl|'''KControl''']] (Control Center) providing modular control over the KDE platform.  


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'''Threadweaver'''
===Threadweaver===
:This thread programming library spreads work among multiple-core processors where available, prioritising them before queueing them for execution. ''ThreadWeaver'' provides a high-level job interface for multithreaded programming.  
:This thread programming library spreads work among multiple-core processors where available, prioritising them before queueing them for execution. ''ThreadWeaver'' provides a high-level job interface for multithreaded programming.  


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'''Virtual Desktops'''
===Virtual Desktops===
:A popular concept of Unix based window managers is the one of ''virtual desktops''. This means you have not only one screen where you can place your windows on but several. When you switch to a different desktop (usually with a pager) you will only see the windows which you started on your new desktop or moved to it. A window can also be made "sticky" which means it appears on all virtual desktops.
:A popular concept of Unix based window managers is the one of ''virtual desktops''. This means you have not only one screen where you can place your windows on but several. When you switch to a different desktop (usually with a pager) you will only see the windows which you started on your new desktop or moved to it. A window can also be made "sticky" which means it appears on all virtual desktops.




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'''WebKit'''
===WebKit===
:HTML ''rendering engine'', originating from a fork of [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']]. Adopted by Apple and developed for Safari. ''Webkit'' brings the whole functionality back to KDE SC 4, where it is available through Qt.  
:HTML ''rendering engine'', originating from a fork of [[#KHTML|''KHTML'']]. Adopted by Apple and developed for Safari. ''Webkit'' brings the whole functionality back to KDE SC 4, where it is available through Qt.  


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'''Widget'''
===Widget===
:Collins English Dictionary: "Any small mechanism or device the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten." In KDE software terms, a '''widget''' is a single component on the canvas. Other common names that are analogous are "applet" or "gadget". Superkaramba Themes, Apple's Dashboard, Google Gadgets, Yahoo Widgets, Vista Sidebar Widgets, Opera Widgets are all examples of other widget systems (some of which are supported by Plasma as well).
:Collins English Dictionary: "Any small mechanism or device the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten." In KDE software terms, a '''widget''' is a single component on the canvas. Other common names that are analogous are "applet" or "gadget". Superkaramba Themes, Apple's Dashboard, Google Gadgets, Yahoo Widgets, Vista Sidebar Widgets, Opera Widgets are all examples of other widget systems (some of which are supported by Plasma as well).




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'''X-Server'''
===X-Server===
:The ''X-Server'' represents a basic layer upon which the various GUIs like the KDE Plasma desktop are built. It manages the basic mouse and keyboard input (from the local host as well as from remote hosts) and provides elementary graphic routines to draw rectangles and other primitives.
:The ''X-Server'' represents a basic layer upon which the various GUIs like the KDE Plasma desktop are built. It manages the basic mouse and keyboard input (from the local host as well as from remote hosts) and provides elementary graphic routines to draw rectangles and other primitives.




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'''XMLGUI'''
===XMLGUI===
:A programmers' framework for designing the user interface.  It is extensively used by ''KParts''  
:A programmers' framework for designing the user interface.  It is extensively used by ''KParts''  


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'''ZUI'''
===ZUI===
:The "Zooming User Interface".  "By zooming out, users can get an overview of all the object groupings that they have made. These groupings may reflect the projects they are working on, be ways to keep different sets of files organized, etc. By hovering or clicking on one of these groups when zoomed out, users can either get a preview/snapshot of what is in the grouping, or zoom in on that grouping so that it is displayed full size on the physical screen." ''aseigo''.  
:The "Zooming User Interface".  "By zooming out, users can get an overview of all the object groupings that they have made. These groupings may reflect the projects they are working on, be ways to keep different sets of files organized, etc. By hovering or clicking on one of these groups when zoomed out, users can either get a preview/snapshot of what is in the grouping, or zoom in on that grouping so that it is displayed full size on the physical screen." ''aseigo''.  


Revision as of 18:13, 25 June 2010

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Home >> Introduction >> Glossary

This page sets out to provide a non-technical reference, together with links for further information or demonstration.

A General Overview

A KDE 4.0 Visual Guide: and a 4.1 screencast gives an excellent overview of KDE Software Compilation 4 in the early days.

The following glossary is intended to help you find your way through the mists of new names and new concepts. In some cases you can find a link from a KDE 3 component to its equivalent in the context of KDE SC 4 software.


Activities

Activities are sets of Plasma widgets that have their own wallpaper. A bit like Virtual Desktops, but not quite.
For example you have a "work activity" with commit rss feeds, a note with your TODO, a Folder View with your work related files, and a subtle wallpaper.
Next to it, you have your "freetime activity", with previews of family photos and dogs, rss feeds from your favourite blogs, a Folder View showing your movie collection, a twitter applet and of course that Iron Maiden wallpaper you have been loving since the early 80s.
At 1700 hours sharp you switch from the "work activity" to your "freetime activity".
More info:
Creating Activities


Akonadi

The data storage access mechanism for all PIM (Personal Information Manager) data in KDE SC 4. One single storage and retrieval system allows efficiency and extensibiliy not possible under KDE 3, where each PIM component had its own system. Note that use of Akonadi does not change data storage formats (vcard, iCalendar, mbox, maildir etc.) - it just provides a new way of accessing and updating the data.
The main reasons for design and development of Akonadi are of technical nature, e.g. having a unique way to access PIM-data (contacts, calendars, emails..) from different applications (e.g. kmail, kword..), thus eliminating the need to write similar code here and there.
Another goal is to de-couple GUI applications like kmail from the direct access to external resources like mail-servers - which was a major reason for bug-reports/wishes with regard to performance/responsiveness in the past.
More info:
Akonadi for KDE's PIM
Wikipedia - Akonadi
Techbase - Akonadi


aRts

The sound framework in KDE 2 and 3. Its single-tasking nature caused problems when two sources of sound were encountered. In the Plasma workspace it is replaced by Phonon
More info:
Wikipedia - aRts
aRts Home Page


Containment

A Containment is a top level grouping of widgets. Each Containment manages the layout and configuration data of its set of widgets independently from other Containments.
The end result is that you can group widgets within a Containment according to the significance to your working pattern, rather than by directory grouping.


D-Bus

An inter-service messaging system. Developed by RedHat, it was heavily influenced by KDE3's DCOP, which it supercedes.
More info:
FreeDesktop.org: What is D-Bus?
Wikipedia: D-Bus


Dolphin

The default file manager in KDE SC 4. It has a side panel (Places), but navigation is mainly by the breadcrumb trail above the main window. Split windows are possible, and views can be applied to individual windows. Mounting and umounting USB devices can be done in the side-panel. Other directories can be added to the Places panel. A Tree view is also possible.
More info:
Wikipedia - Dolphin (software)
Road to KDE 4: Dolphin and Konqueror
Ars Technica: A First Look at Dolphin
Youtube - KDE 4 rev 680445 - Dolphin
Introducing KDE 4 Blog - Dolphin
The UserBase File Management Tutorial

Extender

Extenders are a special kind of popup that can grow out of a Plasma panel for example. Extenders have detachable parts. Extenders are a new concept that arrived in Plasma for KDE 4.2. Notifications already use this system. This enables, for example, a user to drag a notification of a download or file copy job, onto his or her desktop and keep track of it there. The same can be done for other kinds of notifications, too.
More info:
Mockup Screenshots
The Elements of Plasma


Flake

Flake is a programming library to be used in KOffice2. Functionally, it provides Shapes to display content and Tools to manipulate content. Shapes can be zoomed or rotated and can be grouped to work as a single Shape, around which text flow is possible.
More info:
KOffice Wiki - Flake


Get Hot New Stuff

Get Hot New Stuff (GHNS) is an open standard that makes it easy for users to download and install various extensions for their applications. Our implementation of GHNS is used by Plasma (for example to get new desktop themes), and by many applications and widgets.
More info:
Home of GHNS
An article on GHNS in KDE SC 4


Home Directory

That's the place in your system where all your files are kept. You can write your files outside of this folder, but all applications are configured to propose this folder as place to write your files to. It is easier when you keep your things here.
More info:
Wikipedia - Home directory


KControl

KDE Control Center, for setting global preferences in KDE 3. Replaced by the System Settings interface in KDE SC 4.


KDOM

A KPart module making KHTML DOM (Document Object Model) rendering capabilities available to all applications. KSVG2 is built on KDOM for KDE SC 4.


KHTML

KHTML is the HTML rendering engine for the KDE Plasma desktop, as used by the Konqueror browser. It also provides a KPart that enables all KDE applications to display web content. A new introduction, Qt WebKit is also for Plasma and other application development.


Kicker

In KDE 3, the relocatable bar, usually at the bottom of the screen (sometimes called the Panel), on which application launchers, the Pager, and buttons for running applications reside. See Panel


Kickoff

In KDE SC 4 (and some late versions of KDE 3), a launch menu in which apps are sorted by functional group. "Favorites" replaces the "Most used applications" in Classic Menu, and applications can be added to it. Right-click also offers the possibility of adding applications to the desktop or panel. Rapid access to a less-used application is made possible with the search box. Other menus are being worked on, since KDE SC 4 can be used with more than one launcher, should that be required.
More info:
Kickoff Sneak Preview
Design documentation

KJS

KDE platform's JavaScript engine.

KInfoCenter

Kinfocenter originated as part of Kcontrol standing alone from KDE 3.1. In KDE SC 4 up until 4.4 it is replaced by modules configured in System Settings, notably Solid, and is being reintroduced as an application in KDE SC 4.5.
More Info:
Wikipedia - KInfoCenter


KIO

KDE Input/Output framework provides a single API for operating on files, whether local or on a remote server. Additionally, KIO Slaves provide support for individual protocols. Some particularly useful ones are http, ftp, sftp, smb, nfs, ssh (fish), man, tar and zip.
More info:
Wikipedia - KIO
Linux.com - Master the KIO slaves
Breaking the Network Barrier


Kiosk

Kiosk is a framework for restricting user capabilities on a KDE platform system, ideal for use in locked-down environments such as Internet cafés. It is present in KDE 3 and KDE 4, but the adminisration tool, Kiosktool is KDE 3 only. It can be used to configure KDE 4 apps, or kiosk configurations can be maintained by editing config files manually.


KPart

A KPart is an individual component of the KDE Plasma desktop and allows applications to share their services with other applications. KParts allow KMail and KOrganizer to integrate (as plugins) into the Kontact suite, or KHTML to display sites in Akregator.


Kross

Kross is a scripting framework, enabling support for multiple scripting languages. A plugin system allows for the support of further languages in the future.


KRunner

The mini-command-line that is accessed from the Classic menu, the keyboard shortcut Alt+F2, or a right-click on the desktop. In KDE SC 4 a partial name will display all possible matches
More info:
Youtube - KDE SC 4.1 KRunner


KSVG

KSVG enables support for scalable vector graphics in a KHTML browser. KSVG2 extends this for KDE SC 4.


KWin

KWin is the window manager. This is where window decorations can be changed and themes applied. KDE SC 4 extends KWin to provide support for 3D Compositing effects on the desktop.
More info:
Road to KDE 4: KWin Composite
KDE SC 4 Desktop Effects Video Tour
Youtube - KDE SC 4.0 KWin Composite Showcast
Youtube - KWin compositing config & intro


Mini-CLI

See KRunner


Nepomuk

"Networked Environment for Personalized, Ontology-based Management of Unified Knowledge", Nepomuk aims to remove artificial barriers between information to allow dynamic classification, organisation and presentation of data to the user. Whether downloaded from the internet, received in an email or scribbled in a note, information is globally searchable and tagged with intelligent data. See The Semantic Desktop for further discussion of this concept.
More info:
Wikipedia - Semantic Desktop
Wikipedia - NEPOMUK Framework
NEPOMUK website
NEPOMUK KDE
Userbase Nepomuk page

Oxygen

Oxygen is the default theme of KDE SC 4. Designed to bring "a breath of fresh air" to the desktop by removing the simplistic, cartoonish icons, and replacing them with a clean theme and photo-realistic icons. Oxygen uses a desaturated palette to avoid the icons becoming a distraction and uses detailed scalable graphics (SVG).
More info:
Wikipedia - Oxygen Project
Oxygen Icons


Pager

A pager is a small program or panel applet which shows the position of windows on your desktop and usually, if you have several Virtual Desktops, gives an overview over all.


Panel

See Kicker. In KDE SC 4 the name "kicker" is dropped, and the name "panel" is the norm. "Applets"; are largely replaced by Widgets


Phonon

A cross-platform multimedia API, interfacing with existing frameworks, such as gstreamer and xine engines. KDE 2 and 3 depended on aRts for sound. Phonon replaces it.
More info:
Wikipedia - Phonon (KDE)
Phonon website


Plasma

In KDE SC 4 the Plasma Desktop replaces KDesktop, kicker and the superkaramba widget engine. The applets are called Plasmoids, and range from informational widgets to mini-apps such as a calculator or dictionary. Widgets from other sources, such as SuperKaramba widgets or Google Gadgets are also supported.
More info:
Wikipedia - Plasma (KDE)
Plasma website
Plasma FAQ
Youtube - Plasma Applets Galore (Part 1)
Liquidat's Blog


Qt

(Pronounced "cute") A framework/toolkit for writing cross-platform applications. It is used by many cross-platform applications such as Opera browser, GoogleEarth and Skype. Qt is developed by Trolltech, who are now part of the Nokia company. Qt forms the underlying library KDE software is built on.
More info:
The Qt Toolkit
Qt Demo Videos

Solid

Solid provides a single API for hardware management. Hardware is grouped into "domains". The initial domains relate to HAL, NetworkManager and the Bluetooth stack. Since the backends for Solid are pluggable, Solid helps application developers write less code, and have it platform independent.
More Info:
Discover Solid
Solid Brings Hardware Configuration and Control to the KDE platform


Soprano

Soprano is a sub-project of Nepomuk, providing a repository for gathered information such as tags, ratings, etc.. This makes the information available to Strigi
More info:
More about Nepomuk-KDE: Soprano and KDE platform integration


Strigi

A deep-indexed search daemon, Strigi aims to be fast and light-weight. It also uses SHA-1 hash which will help in the identification of duplicate files.
More info:
Strigi - the fastest and smallest desktop searching program
Wikipedia - Strigi


System Settings

KDE SC 4 replacement for KControl (Control Center) providing modular control over the KDE platform.
More info:
KDE SC 4 System Settings illustrated


Threadweaver

This thread programming library spreads work among multiple-core processors where available, prioritising them before queueing them for execution. ThreadWeaver provides a high-level job interface for multithreaded programming.
More info:
Why Multithreading? (Technical article)


Virtual Desktops

A popular concept of Unix based window managers is the one of virtual desktops. This means you have not only one screen where you can place your windows on but several. When you switch to a different desktop (usually with a pager) you will only see the windows which you started on your new desktop or moved to it. A window can also be made "sticky" which means it appears on all virtual desktops.


WebKit

HTML rendering engine, originating from a fork of KHTML. Adopted by Apple and developed for Safari. Webkit brings the whole functionality back to KDE SC 4, where it is available through Qt.
More info:
The Webkit home page
Wikipedia - Webkit


Widget

Collins English Dictionary: "Any small mechanism or device the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten." In KDE software terms, a widget is a single component on the canvas. Other common names that are analogous are "applet" or "gadget". Superkaramba Themes, Apple's Dashboard, Google Gadgets, Yahoo Widgets, Vista Sidebar Widgets, Opera Widgets are all examples of other widget systems (some of which are supported by Plasma as well).


X-Server

The X-Server represents a basic layer upon which the various GUIs like the KDE Plasma desktop are built. It manages the basic mouse and keyboard input (from the local host as well as from remote hosts) and provides elementary graphic routines to draw rectangles and other primitives.


XMLGUI

A programmers' framework for designing the user interface. It is extensively used by KParts
More info:
Wikipedia - XMLGUI
Wikipedia - Qt Style Sheets


ZUI

The "Zooming User Interface". "By zooming out, users can get an overview of all the object groupings that they have made. These groupings may reflect the projects they are working on, be ways to keep different sets of files organized, etc. By hovering or clicking on one of these groups when zoomed out, users can either get a preview/snapshot of what is in the grouping, or zoom in on that grouping so that it is displayed full size on the physical screen." aseigo.
More info:
Youtube ZUI demo
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