Hi Folks...

I'm very new here. I very recently was switched from Ubuntu 10 to Kbuntu. I'm not sure what version this is, I do believe that it is probably the newest out. This wasn't really my idea, but at the moment there is nothing I can do about it.
I'm having a hard time understanding the new layout, and dynamics of Kbuntu. I really, really miss the ease of use of Ubuntu as well as a couple of the applications. The biggest advantage that has happened since I switched is that my dvd drive finally works properly. I don't want to be a programmer. I'm just an ordinary end user, who knows a very little bit more than I should (read: enough to screw my computer up if I don't pay attention.)
Can anyone give me some suggestions on how to acclimate myself to the new environment? I do know I need a Windows emulator, if this doesn't have one preinstalled.

Thanks for your time and suggestions!

Becky

Firstly even though you have Kubuntu installed, you can still run all the Gnome applications that you were used to in Ubuntu.

The main difference between KDE and Gnome is that you have more control over the way things work - which may not be what you want at the moment. But have a look in System settings to see if it offers some ideas of the things you want to change so that KDE works more as you would like it to do.

To run Windows programs, you need to install wine - in that respect KDE is no different from Gnome.

can you be a bit more specific in what your needs/problems are

to find the version of kde in any kde app just click on the tool bar help -> about kde and the version will be displayed

You might benefit by perusing http://userbase.kde.org

The last time I checked Ubuntu and Kubuntu were the same operative system, the only difference is the packages (applications etc.) that are shipped by default. So if you want "Ubuntu" back, you should be able to install the GNOME desktop and the applications you miss.

With that said, if you're more specific what kind of problems you have with KDE Software I'm sure we can provide better help.

It sucks that it wasn't your idea to install it and I don't agree with that at all if someone talked you into or convinced you they knew what was better for you than you did.

If you installed Kubuntu from within Ubuntu, you should be able to log into either DE. If you did a clean install of Kubuntu, going to Kpackagkit and searching for "ubuntu-desktop" and installing it should give you the option of choosing either DE when re-booting or logging in.

If that works, use Ubuntu as you're used to it, to get work done. Then, if you want, log into Kubuntu when you have the free time and learn its advantages as well as what it has to offer.

That's great I did not know I can still run the Gnome apps with Kubuntu!

mkpaul wrote:That's great I did not know I can still run the Gnome apps with Kubuntu!

You can , and Gnome apps, under KDE, can be indistinguishable from KDE apps.
See here:

mkpaul wrote:That's great I did not know I can still run the Gnome apps with Kubuntu!

And you can probably login into gnome as well without any trouble. In the login screen just select "gnome" and you are ready to go.

Regards