How to Install KDE Desktop Environment on Ubuntu 13.04 (Kubuntu)

A default Ubuntu 13.04 installation comes with the unity graphical user interface. As with many things unity is not your only option for a graphical user interface. There are several other desktop environments available for Ubuntu 13.04 that you can download and install for use.  This tutorial will show you how to install the KDE desktop environment on Ubuntu 13.04 also known as Kubuntu.

In this tutorial we will be installing the KDE desktop environment alongside Unity which will allow you to choose which desktop environment to log into when you come to the login screen.

KDE is arguably a more flashy and customizable desktop environment for Linux than any other desktop environment. KDE and GNOME are the two most popular desktop environments by far. KDE has its own set of applications written specifically for the KDE desktop environment which makes it seem to be more closely integrated and consistent throughout the user experience.

This tutorial will be showing you two ways to install KDE on your Ubuntu 13.04 desktop. If the first method is to go to the Ubuntu software center and search for the kubuntu-desktop package and clicking install as shown below.

Ubuntu_KDE_Install_01

The second method is to go to the terminal and typing the following command.

sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop

Both of these methods will install the KDE desktop environment. Once the installation is complete you will be able to go to the top right corner and log off. Once you have logged off you will be taken to the login screen in which you will click on the Ubuntu logo as shown below.

Ubuntu_KDE_Install_02

After clicking on the Ubuntu logo, you will click on KDE Plasma Workspace as shown below.

Ubuntu_KDE_Install_03

You will now be able to log in to the KDE desktop environment with your user password. The KDE desktop environment will look similar to the screenshot shown below.

Ubuntu_KDE_Install_05

Congratulations, you are now able to boot into the Unity desktop environment and the KDE desktop environment. If you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Also, if you found this tutorial helpful please like and share so that other people will find this tutorial more easily.