Installing KDE
Introduction
Trisquel comes with a MATE as default desktop environment, however it is possible to install KDE on it. This is actually a very simple task.
Note: There is also a Triskel edition. For most users this is probably the best way to use KDE.
Install KDE on Trisquel
There are two methods to accomplish this.
Install KDE using tasksel
The first is probably the easiest. Use the netinstall version to install Trisquel and when tasksel comes up at the end choose "Triskel desktop environment". One can do this by using the arrow keys to navigate and pressing space to select. After you have chosen all the packages you would like press enter and wait for the installation to finish. When you are done you will have a functioning kde based system.
Install KDE manually
The second method is as follows. First, you must have a netinstall edition of Trisquel. During the installation it is recommended to select the console environment option. With this we have a base system from which we can install the KDE environment.
Trisquel 7 Notes
The next step is will be to install all the necessary packages for KDE in order to obtain a minimal and usable system. It is recommended to install xorg, kde-minimal, kdm, virtuoso-nepomuk, kdesudo, network-manager-kde, kmix, kpackagekit and system-config-printer-kde. Using aptitude, the easiest way to do this would be to issue the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install xorg kde-minimal kdm virtuoso-nepomuk kdesudo network-manager-kde kmix kpackagekit system-config-printer-kdeThis will install all required packages to run KDE.
The advantage of using kde-minimal is that you can install any programs you would need with kde while maintaining a simple and light system. If you require a more complete system you can always replace kde-minimal with kde-standard or kde-full as needed.
After installing these necessary packages it will be possible to start using the KDE graphical environment.
Trisquel 8 Notes
In trisquel 8, the above packages are installed by default / no longer required in . However, by default, there is no window manager so you can't switch / close windows. Therefore, install one:
sudo apt install kwin-x11If you want to change your desktop background, you have to change it separately for the login screen, splash screen, desktop background, lock screen and logout screens. Guidance on how to achieve this is available here:
