my computer is alot different its not a windows computer its somthing called kde 3.5 - computer help ! ?

Question

i dont kno \w how to work it and i cant download anything i tried downloading aim and its confusing like it wont show up and i tried downloading alot other stuff and it just wont work how to download things with firefox and KDE 3.5 type of computer ?

Answer 1

you're running linux most likely, kde is the window manager.



When it boots up, see if it says ubuntu or debian or redhat or centos or fedora, before the screen comes up that says kde. Depending on what you have there, that'll tell you what you're downloading for. It's not windows.



Pidgin is an instant messaging program that works on linux and windows, it is compatible with aim and superior to it in every way. It most likely is already installed on your computer. But if not, install the version that corresponds to the linux distribution you have.

Answer 2

KDE is an X Windows desktop environment for the Linux operating system. Firefox does run on Linux, so its likely you are working on a linux machine.



Downloading on Linux is a little bit different that Windows. Generally applications you download from Windows (games and what not) are pre-compiled as executables so they just run (the .exe file you see and can click on).



On Linux however, installing applications takes a slightly different direction. Instead of you downloading directly via your web browser, you actually install applications through package management.



Depending on what version of Linux you are running, it works slightly differently. However, I would image somewhere you have the option to either Add/Remove programs or have an application called Synaptic Package Manager.



From these programs, you can select a huge amount of Software ('packages') to install without having to go find them on the web.



Applications found on the web are usually just the source code (un-compiled) and you would have to compile them yourself after download. If you're not a Linux kinda person and unfamiliar with Linux, I'd avoid this.



If I was you, I'd ask a friend to format the disk and put Windows on the machine. You'll find it a lot easier to manage.



Otherwise, Drop a comment on your question with what version ('Distribution') of Linux you are running and I can navigate you to the correct menu to find an IM program.



You may already have an IM application installed that can handle AIM, take a look at your programs list and go to the "Internet' program group. You may see one there.



Good Luck!

Answer 3

Many versions (Distros) of Linux use the KDE desktop, and you probably have Kubuntu Linux. My first question is: How did you get it, you obviously didn't install it yourself?



Here's the full description of Kubuntu:



Kubuntu is an excellent alternative to Windows, if you are willing to learn how to use it. It's free, it's virtually malware free and it goes like stink on most Windows computer hardware.



But, it ain't Windows. Windows programs (Games, in particular) don't run on Linux, unless listed on http://www.wineHQ.org. That means any program that ends in ".exe", won't even run.



To be able to IM with AOL, MSN, and Yahoo users, all you need is the free GAIM Linux app. Just look for it in the KDE menu > Add Programs tool...



TIP: If you don't want to learn Linux, you will have to buy Windows and install it, after you format the hard drive, which will completely remove Linux.

Answer 4

This is mostly adding to information that the last guy provided.



Depending on which distribution you are using, there will be a program called a package manager that can be used to download and install programs.



If you are using Ubuntu or Fedora (Used to be Redhat) then you will have easy access to a lot of packages that do what you might normally expect windows to do. The biggest difference is that most of the software will be free (and totally legitimate).



The same is true of most distributions, but Ubuntu and Fedora are the ones most geared towards being user friendly to a broad audience.



SuSe is another good one in that field, but is a little more rough around the edges if you are not a techi.



If the computer came pre-installed with Linux, then there is a good chance that it is either Fedora or Ubuntu.





Edit:

Another addon based on another users comment. If you tell us the distro you are using there are a LOT of people in the Linux community that are willing to walk new guys through a lot. :-)



We are a little rough around the edges, and not always user friendly, but there is a large strong community behind you if you are using any branch of Linux.



There are a few exceptions, but they generally don't come on pre-installed systems. :)

Answer 5

You are running Linux. This is NOT Windows. If you bought the machine like this you may need to approach the manufacturer for documentation on how to do these things, although the documentation should come with it.

Answer 6

I love linux, I love kde and gnome. thats all