Getting KDE Software for linux distros

As KDE produces Free Software, you can download and install KDE programs in most cases free of charge. On this page can read below about various ways to get KDE software.
Table of content

* General Information
* Trying the KDE Software Compilation
* KDE SC 4.4 (recommended for end users)
* KDE 3.5 (previous major version)
* KDE SC on Windows and Mac OS X

General Information

KDE software consists of a large number of individual applications and a desktop workspace as a shell to run these applications. You can run KDE applications just fine on any desktop environment. KDE applications are built to integrate well with your system's components. By using also KDE workspace, you get even better integration of your applications with the working environment while lowering system resource needs.

KDE workspaces run fine on relatively recent PCs, but they will also work on older machines with more constrained resources.
Trying the KDE Software Compilation
Applications

KDE applications run fine on most Linux, BSD systems. In these cases, the recommended way to install a KDE application is to use your operating system's software management tool to install it. It comes included with most Free operating systems.
The Workspace

Trying out a desktop workspace can seem a daunting task. Installing Linux or BSD requires a commitment that you may not be quite ready to give yet. Try KDE provides a list of resources for alternative methods of trying a KDE desktop and applications, some of them without even needing to have Linux or BSD installed.

Installing one of KDE workspaces on your system is easy if you use the major Linux distributions; it's included in nearly all of them! A partial list can be found here: Distributions Shipping KDE workspaces

There are also several vendors that ship it on CD-ROM. A partial list can be found here: KDE workspaces on CD-ROM

Links to binary packages can be found on the appropriate release pages. If you wonder why favorite distribution is not on the list, read the KDE Package Policy first.

There are instructions available for building the source code. Building from source code is not recommended for normal users as it requires knowledge of software development tools.
KDE SC 4.4

KDE SC 4.4 is the version for the majority of end users that look for the latest stable KDE software release. Please see the KDE 4.4 Info Page for details.
KDE 3 series

KDE 3.5 is the previous version of the KDE desktop and applications. While this release starts to show its age and is not actively developed anymore, it is still available for users. If in doubt, choose the KDE SC 4 version. Please see the KDE 3.5.10 Info Page for details.
Windows and Mac OS X

KDE software on these Operating Systems is in experimental state. Things might, or might not work properly at this point in time.

An installer for KDE applications on Windows is available on windows.kde.org. These are experimental packages. On TechBase you can find detailed installation instructions.

For Apple's OSX, there are technology previews of some applications available on mac.kde.org.