Jaunty Musings

[Steven Vollom]

On Friday 01 May 2009 02:52:05 pm Ian L. Target wrote:
> Amichai Rotman wrote:
> > Hello all,
> >
> > I know I already wrote to the Kubuntu list, but I was not answered -
> > so I am trying the Ubuntu list too...
> >
> > I recently upgraded from Kubuntu 8.04 to Kubuntu 9.04 using the online
> > method.
> >
> > I was actually surprised to see how smoothly the upgrade process was.
> > I was pretty sure it will break my system and I'd have to re-install
> > from scratch...
> >
> > I am trying to get used to the new concepts introduced in KDE 4.2.2,
>
> I also am surprised at the ease of my upgrade.  I went from 8.04 to 9.04
> no problem.
>
> However, my desktop is rather slow, not to mention I just don't like the
> looks of it.  Are there any alternatives to using the plasma-type
> stuff?  I don't think my older computer can handle of that graphics
> stuff.  Where do you go to change the the settings?  And once I get
> there, can anyone suggest a simpler (quicker, less CPU intensive)
> desktop?  The more plain and simple, the better.
>
> Ian
Dear Ian,

I am not so experienced, however, if I understand your desire, it may be as 
simple as removing the 'Kmenu' widget that shows the new method of finding 
applications and installing from the widget menu, by clicking on the small 
acorn and opening add widgets, then highlight the alternate application 
launcher widget that says Traditional menu based application launcher on it.

It doesn't provide additional speed, so if that is your motivator, you might 
still want to change OS's.  Xubuntu is a lean OS, I am told.  It doesn't 
require more than 256mb of ram, is fast and works pretty good, from what I 
have been told.  Nonetheless, if you haven't given the new desktop a real 
chance, I believe that is a mistake.  I have had to use the new OS because of 
my hardware, and have been using it for a couple of months.   After 
familiarizing myself with the new system, I no longer missed my  earlier 
Kubuntu OS and Desktop.  

Some of the widgets are so useful, you will be unwilling to give them up, and 
the new system seems to be better too, once you have become used to it.  As 
far as using up memory, I don't know the difference.  One of the reasons I had 
to use Jaunty was due to the amount of memory I have, 8gb.  So memory has not 
been a problem for me, but I just love the new OS for ease of use.  It is far 
superior to the older versions of KDE, once you become used to it.

If you multi-task, open a dozen applications, and remember how it used to be 
to find the application you wanted to change to using the prior KDE.  Then make 
sure you have installed the Desktop Effect called 'Present Windows' under 
'Windows Management'.  With 10 or 20 applications open, move your cursor to 
the upper left hand corner of the desktop and watch all 20 become visible on 
the desktop, shrunk in size so that they do not overlap, then click on the 
application of choice and watch it come to the surface.  You will just love 
that feature of the plazmoids.

You may write me on my personal address if you want to talk about the 
application in detail, where it might not be appropriate using the List; I 
will be happy to share with you how to take advantage of the new features.  In 
a short period of time, I would be surprised if you did not adjust and prefer 
the new system of use.  

Cordially,
Steven