What is KDE/pt

So, you have installed Linux and have chosen a KDE workspace for the first time. Or maybe you're returning to KDE software after a long odyssey somewhere else. Or maybe you're planning to use a KDE workspace and applications but want to find out more about them first. What is this shiny thing that's staring at you from your computer?

An International Community

KDE is ours, courtesy of Wade Olson

KDE is more than just software. It is a community made up of programmers, translators, contributors, artists, writers, distributors, and users from all over the world. Our international technology team is committed to creating the best free software for the desktop. And not only contributors, but users and fans of KDE software can be found throughout the entire globe, giving help to other users, spreading the news, or just simply enjoying the experience.

(Image courtesy of Wade Olson)

Um novo e brilhante local de trabalho

KDE começou por ser um ambiente de desktop. As actividades foram crescendo e KDE tornou-se hoje uma equipa internacional que cria Software Livre e de Código Aberto.

O que isto significa na prática é que muitos programas da comunidade KDE funcionam em conjunto para dar-lhe a melhor experiência de computação. Isso significa que necessita de ter o desktop KDE para usar uma aplicação do KDE? Não. Com a ajuda de uma ou duas bibliotecas extra, as aplicações podem ser usadas em praticamente qualquer ambiente de trabalho. Além disso, algum desse software não funciona só em Linux - alguns dos novos mini-dispositivos, smartphones e internet tablets, têm aplicações KDE!

There are a variety of programs to suit any user's needs, from simple yet powerful text editors, to rocking audio and video players, to the most sophisticated integrated development environment. Plus, KDE applications follow a consistent look and feel across the desktop, giving you a comfortable and familiar experience when using any KDE program. Every six months a new, updated version of a huge number of applications is released - and that's known as the Software Compilation (SC). Some other applications don't update at the same time, but release new versions independently.

O software KDE possui muitas outras características que o tornam um ambiente de trabalho topo de gama:

• Um ambiente de trabalho bonito e moderno
• Um sistema flexível e configurável, permitindo-lhe personalizar as aplicações sem recorrer muito à edição de arquivos de texto
• A transparência da rede permite-lhe aceder a arquivos em outras redes e computadores tão facilmente como se estivessem no seu próprio computador.
• Um mundo de software com centenas, ou até milhares, de programas
• Disponível em mais de 60 idiomas

Software Livre

KDE software isn't just any software. It is Free Software. As a user, this is an important fact, even without getting deep into technical or legal considerations. Why? Because as free software, you are free to use KDE wherever you want and in whatever manner you want, no activation keys and no installation limits. And you're free to share it with others as well! So not only do you have in your hands great and powerful software, but you can also give your family and friends the opportunity to enjoy it, too.

Information

Curious about Free Software? Read more about it on the Free Software Foundation's website.

Components

A diagram of the various aspects of the KDE Platform

KDE is a huge community of people who create software. We all have in common that we're building upon an infrastructure we have developed over the years: the KDE Platform.

• the Plasma workspace - the user interface element, customized for different devices such as PCs, notebooks, or mobile devices
• elements of the KDE Platform - exposes common functionality to applications
• KDE Applications - software programs that are written to utilize the platform

More information can be found on Techbase

There's more!

And it doesn't stop there! The KDE community has lots more to offer!

• Other Platforms - Some KDE applications are available for Windows, Mac OS X, and portable devices such as Nokia N810.
• Office and Productivity Suite - KDE is not only fun, it can help you get productive and organized as well.
• Application Development Framework - Dreaming of writing the next killer app? KDE software and community support can help you with that.

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