How do I install KDE when I'm running Windows XP?

[taylrl3]

How do I install KDE when I'm running Windows XP?

Hi,

I am currently running Windows XP on my pc at home. In uni however, I use KDE. I would like to be able to use the same OS when at home too but still want to be able to use Windows when I want.

Is KDE a separate version of Linux or do I need to install Linux then add KDE as a GUI? I'm a little confused. Also do I need to partition my hard-drive and will this mean uninstalling Windows as I no longer have the disc.

I bought a new external hard-drive especially for this, could I just load Linux/KDE onto that so I boots whenever it is plugged in.

Anyway, as you can see I am in a mix of a muddle over all this. Surely it can't be that difficult. Any help most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[story645]

Is KDE a separate version of Linux or do I need to install Linux then add KDE as a GUI? I'm a little confused.

KDE is a desktop management system/graphical environment that sits on top of a linux distro. Since you're new to all this, I'd suggest installing kubuntu, which is ubuntu+kde and one of the friendlier linux distros out there.

Also do I need to partition my hard-drive and will this mean uninstalling Windows as I no longer have the disc

You don't need to uninstall linux when partitioning a harddrive, just make sure not to overwrite windows. Look at the instructions for creating a dual boot system, or just install kubuntu from windows.

I bought a new external hard-drive especially for this, could I just load Linux/KDE onto that so I boots whenever it is plugged in

Kind of. what you're looking for then is basically ubuntu on a flashdrive/booting from flash. It's a little bit more complicated to do (or it used to be), but totally possible.

 

[quicknote]

Hello,

Thank you for your question. Installing KDE on a Windows XP system can be a bit tricky, as KDE is designed primarily for use on Linux operating systems. However, it is possible to install KDE on a Windows XP system by using a virtual machine or by dual-booting your system.

To install KDE on a virtual machine, you will first need to download and install a virtual machine software such as VirtualBox or VMware. Once you have a virtual machine set up, you can then install a Linux distribution that includes KDE as its default desktop environment, such as Kubuntu or openSUSE. This will allow you to use KDE within the virtual machine while still being able to access your Windows XP system separately.

Alternatively, you can dual-boot your system by partitioning your hard drive and installing a Linux distribution alongside your Windows XP system. This will allow you to choose which operating system to boot into when you turn on your computer. However, this method may require you to uninstall and reinstall Windows XP, so it is important to backup any important files before proceeding.

If you have a separate external hard drive, you could also install a Linux distribution on it and boot from the external drive whenever you want to use KDE. This would not require any changes to your Windows XP system, but it may be a bit slower since it is running from an external drive.

Overall, installing KDE on a Windows XP system requires some technical knowledge and may involve some trial and error. I recommend doing some research and reading tutorials specific to your desired method of installation before proceeding. Best of luck!