Is beta 3 kde 4.1 stable for new linux user

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Hello,

I am a new user of linux. have tried opensuse 11 with gnome and really liked it. However I would prefer to have the new kde 4.1 desktop and would like to know if the beta 3 version is stable enough for someone who is new to linux or should I wait for the rc.

thanks,

chris

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KDE-4.1 on openSUSE-11, for some one new to Linux? My view is NO. It will not have had the testing to obtain the stability, and one will need to put experimental repositories in place to update and maintain the KDE-4.1 (since openSUSE-11.0 comes with KDE-4.0.4).

I believe its better to wait for openSUSE-11.1 with KDE-4.1.2

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IMHO KDE-3.5.x is still more functional and easier to use than KDE-4.1.x, so if you wish something “other” than Gnome, then IMHO for the time being, KDE-3.5.x is a better choice for features, stability (and less frustrations). However there will be a big shift in the learning curve going from 3.5.x to 4.1.x, and if time to learn is of importance, then again, I would wait until openSUSE-11.1 and go direct to KDE-4.1.2 with openSUSE-11.1

I do have a view that KDE4 will ultimately be a success, … it is just experiencing typical teething pains.

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Chris,

“new user” and “beta” don’t play well together, believe me. While Beta 3 is pretty solid, I’d wait until it is released. Until then, play with KDE3.5 or Gnome.

Uwe

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I’m going to disagree here find 4.12 very stable. But my best argument is that if you are new to opensuse might as well learn one WM. As 11.1 is just around the corner and it my be confusing to first learn kde43 then go to kde4.
Just my 2c

Geoff

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I’m running 11.1 beta3 in VirtualBox. I know that doesn’t resolve the “learning too many desktops” issue, but its a safe way to check out the latest kde. I’ve yet to have a problem running it in a virtual machine, so I think it will be a safe bet by the time the rc comes around.

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just my 2 cents i would install both 4.1 and 3.5 and learn both that way the learning curve wouldn’t be so great
i’m running 4.1 and rarely have a crash or error like geoff i find 4.1 very stable

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I’ll disagree with those who say it isn’t stable. 4.1 is stable enough. Sometimes those who loved 3.5 and are struggling with the move to 4 will try to convince you that it isn’t stable enough, but it is time those people get over it and start to encourage a move to 4.

In short, my mother and father ar eboth in their 60’s, my father is only jsut learning how to use a computer, and they both are enjoying 4.1 on beta 3. So, if they can use it, and have no problems, then so can you :wink:

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Thats encouraging … but I confess in my case, before I move my 82year old mother from KDE-3.5.5 (on 10.2) to KDE4, I am going to ensure I understand the “ins and outs” of KDE4 first. I’m still struggling to ensure she leaves winME !! and does not get diverted to the now unsupported winXP (her PC tri-boots to winME/winXP/openSUSE).

I’ve read kdenetwork manager has hiccups on KDE4 on openSUSE-11. Has anyone tried kdenetwork manager on 11.1 with KDE-4.1.2 ?

Now that I have a wireless DLink card in my Test PC, I may try it (kdenetwork manager) myself soon.

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Oh for the sake of my dear mom I hope they will support KDE3 for at least one more year… :smiley:

The thing is: anyone who is changing to Linux will have to get used to a new desktop-environment anyway - in case of KDE3 that’d be one who will be discontinued pretty soon, so the user will have to learn another environment as soon as this happens. KDE4 is pretty different from KDE3, I often find myself looking for the most basic settings - in my favourite DE…

In my opinion KDE4.1 (the factory-version) is stable enough to start with it - yet I mostly still use KDE3.

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I completely agree with above that if you want to try new environment and learn it theres no point of going to 3.5 since suse 11.1 and kde 4.1 with it is just around the corner. For the time being I would recommend you to stick with Gnome since its a bit different but still great and no matter what most users say I think its better for starting on Linux than KDE and in two months just get opensuse 11.1 with relatively stable kde 4.1 which is just fantstic. I have to admit (just a few months back strong GNOME user ;) ) that Im really excited about KDE4 and love it…