##################### Welcome to *Kubuntu* ##################### .. image:: images/Kubuntu-1704-Desktop.png :align: center *Kubuntu* is a user-friendly Linux-based operating system that use the *KDE* *Plasma Desktop*. With a predictable six-month release cycle as part of the *Ubuntu* project, *Kubuntu* is the Linux distribution for everyone. *Kubuntu* includes more than 1,000 default packages (applications or utilities) and has access to more than 64,000 other packages to suit your needs. *Kubuntu* is based on the Linux kernel and includes the core *Ubuntu* applications as well as *KDE* software. *Kubuntu*'s core applications include software for the most common needs, like: * Browsing the web. * Personal Information Manager which includes email. * Office applications * Playing multimedia files. * Plus much more! The *Kubuntu* Philosophy ========================= * *Kubuntu* will always use the solid base of the *Ubuntu* project, plus the latest from the *KDE* project. As part of the Ubuntu project and community, *Kubuntu* will continue to use the infrastructure and support that the *Ubuntu* project offers. We will strive to be the best *KDE* based Linux distribution available. * *Kubuntu* will always be free of charge. There is no extra fee for an enterprise edition; we make our best work available to everyone on the same free terms. * *Kubuntu* will always include the best translations and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer, to make *Kubuntu* usable by as many people as possible. * *Kubuntu* will always be committed to the principles of free software and open source development; we shall encourage people to use free and open source software, improve it, and pass it on. What is Linux? =============== Linux is an operating system kernel that resembles the Unix operating system. The kernel is the main software required for any operating system, providing a communication bridge between hardware and software. Linux has become a leading element of the worldwide movement to embrace free and open source software. The term "GNU/Linux" is a way of referring to operating systems based on the Linux kernel combined with parts from the `GNU Project `_. What is *KDE*? =============== *KDE* is an international technology community that creates and supports free software for desktop and portable computing. Among *KDE*'s products are a modern desktop system for Linux and Unix platforms, comprehensive office productivity and groupware suites, as well as hundreds of software applications in various categories including internet and web applications, multimedia, entertainment, education, graphics, and software development. *KDE* software is translated into more than 65 languages and is built for ease of use with modern accessibility principles in mind. *KDE*'s full-featured applications run natively on Linux, BSD, Solaris, Windows, and Mac OS X. The *KDE* Workspace is the default desktop for *Kubuntu*. Thank You! =========== The entire *Kubuntu* team thanks you for choosing *Kubuntu!* :Authors: Kubuntu Team :Version: 17.10 ; Released: 24/1/18