While I am a big fan of KDE I feel that it is getting rather bloated. Do you think that there are some techniques to make it more reponsive while keeping it the way it is?

I am no programmer so these ideas might not be possible. I am just giving out some constructive criticism to try and improve KDE (or just discuss it with my fellow geek - that would be you guy's).


Maybe combining some common/similar applications like Kaboodle and JuK will reduce some of the bloat. That way you might have less processes running.

Debugging for memory leaks.

Removing some high bloat frills from KDE.

Removing some obsolete programs or frills.

A program that will remove individual components of KDE, like if you dont want a certain KDE application you could remove it.

I enjoy using KDE but some of the stuff I don't want or need. I like to have a well contained and slim OS and only use programs that I need (plus their dependencies).

Questions, Comments?

Yeah I think for the next couple of versions the KDE dudes should stop working on features and concentrate on speeding it up.

I don't know about combining programs, I think people like the separate programs for different reasons, it would be better to just have better programs, one that has the features of both JuK and Kaboodle for example. There probably are some already.

And for removing parts of KDE why can't you just use the package manager for your distribution...?

slackware... from what i remember about slackware, its an all or nothing installer..you selec kde, and unless you have patience to go through everything individually, selecting install or not on optional packages, all of kde will be installed.

try to install it the gentoo (greatest distro ever created in the entire history of time) way.... of course slackware does not have emerge so you will have to do it all manually....

export CFLAGS="-O3 -march={your cpu} -fomit-frame-pointer -pipe"
export CXXFLAGS="-O3 -march={your cpu} -fomit-frame-pointer -pipe"
and compile QT, KDELIBS and KDEBASE.

that will give you a lean KDE.

also, look into pre-linking.

or be a porn star.. and switch to gentoo

I agree. It just doesn't make sense. I think kde can certainly be one of the most appealing desktops but I suppose it's one or the other. Bloat or not. The not being use another desktop or a different window manager as well. Also, I can't really think of a desktop enviorment that can not be bloated. Even gnome is bloated for me at times with it's bonobo activation server etc.

There are ways to prevent it, use something lightweight like icewm or others. But even then as soon as you run a kde program in thoose windowmanagers here comes, kdeinit, and kdcop bla bla.

I think in due time the developers will make some type of compromise and sacrifice the extreme with a lighter solution. Maybe a "KDELite". lol

I agree. Many people I know who are curious about Linux* after listening to all the hype about how fast it is and how small it is compared to windows left sorely disappointed after trying to get it to breathe some new life into their old machine (note: the same hardware runs WinNT w/o the same kind of desktop/GUI latency problems).

* Yes, Linux is just the kernel and not the 10,347 other packages on the CD, but your typical end user isn't going to make the distinction.