Kubuntu/Basic

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This section of the Documentation will cover the components available within Kubuntu to meet your desired functionality and make Kubuntu your own.

Networking

This section will help you connect to the internet.

Wired

In most cases the wired network connection will simply work without any changes to the default Kubuntu configuration. Wired network connections are selected as default when they are available.

Wireless

Most wireless cards are supported out of the box by Kubuntu. However, in some cases, the wireless network device may need a restricted driver in order to operate. The best way to check this is to open the jockey-kde application (also known as 'Additional Drivers'). To open this program, click the Kickoff Launcher and search for Additional Drivers. If the device needs a restricted driver, then jockey-kde can help with selecting, installing, and activating the proper driver. Once this is all handled, the system will need to be rebooted. For more information on troubleshooting Wi-Fi on your system, see Wireless Troubleshooting.

Launchers

Kickoff

As a KDE distribution, Kubuntu uses the Kickoff Application Launcher by default. The Kickoff Launcher can be compared with the 'Start Menu' in Windows (pre Windows 8). The icon to launch Kickoff is on the bottom left very much like Windows XP or 7. For more information on how to use and customize it, see Plasma Kickoff.

KRunner

Like Kickoff, KRunner is a launcher, but it does a lot more than just launching applications. Usually KRunner is accessed by pressing Alt + F2. For more information on what it can do, see Plasma Krunner.

Desktop Customization

This section covers the basics of configuring Kubuntu to suit your needs. One of the strengths of the KDE philosophy is the focus on control of just about every aspect of the desktop environment. Wallpapers, themes, widgets, color schemes, splash screens, and more; the options for customization are endless. KDE-Look is the number one location to find customized settings for the KDE Plasma desktop. Some of the applications even allow direct connections to KDE-Look to download a new configuration or image. Themes Kubuntu allows themes to be changed easily. Open System Settings and choose Workspace Appearance in the Workspace Appearance and Behavior section, then choose from the list of installed themes. You can change the theme of the Window Decoration, Cursor Theme, Desktop Theme, and the Splash Screen. Pick from the default choices that are installed, or left-click the 'Get New...' button in each section for more choices. Plasmoids Plasmoids (also called Widgets) can be added by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Add Widgets..., which will bring up a list of Widgets. For more information, see Plasma Widgets. Panel By right-clicking on the desktop once again, you can select Add Panel to get more panels. You can left-click the button on the far right side of the panel to alter the properties of the panel, like changing its height or width or adding Widgets, for example. For more information, see Plasma Panels. Dolphin Dolphin is the default file manager in Kubuntu and can be compared with Windows Explorer. Dolphin looks simple because of great design, while having many powerful features. For more information, see Dolphin. Updating Kubuntu developers release feature and security updates for applications and packages within the Kubuntu system. When updates become available, Kubuntu will display a message in the System Tray. To update the system, open Muon Update Manager and click the Install updates button. After installing some updates, it may be necessary to restart the computer. If so, Kubuntu will display a pop-up and an icon in the System Tray.