KDE 3.2 is here

The latest version of the K Desktop Environment was released last week, with added applications, features and improved usability, according to the developers.

KDE 3.2 is the third major release of the KDE3 desktop platform, an open source desktop environment that runs on Linux and Unix platforms. The environment includes folder management, Web browsing, e-mail and instant messaging.

According to the KDE Project, which maintains and develops the open source desktop, KDE 3.2 launches applications faster than previous KDE versions. The clutter in the desktop menus has been reduced and the “look and feel” has been refined, say the developers. Web performance has also been improved and made more standardized. Improved accessibility features for users with disabilities were also added.

New applications in the latest KDE include:

* Kwallet: an application for collecting and securely storing passwords and Web form data.

* Kontact: an application that combines KDE e-mail, calendaring address book and other features into a single interface.

* KGpg: a tool that provides a KDE-based interface for using and editing security encryption tools such as PGP and GnuGP.

* JuK: a juke-box music player for KDE PCs.

* Kopete: an instant messaging client that can support AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu, Jabber, IRC, SMS and WinPopup.

KDE is the default desktop for many Linux distributions such as Conectiva, Lindows, Mandrake Linux, SuSE Linux and Xandros. It can also be loaded on Debian, Free/Open/NetBSD, Red Hat, Slackware and Solaris, and other Linux distributions.