Corel, KDE Create Integrated Linux Desktop

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November 30, 1998 (4:06 PM EST)

By Andy Patrizio,

Corel Computer and the K Desktop Environment (KDE) Project have forged an alliance to provide an easy-to-use, integrated interface for Corel's NetWinder Linux-based thin-client computers.

Corel will bundle KDE, a graphical interface for Linux that looks very similar to the common desktop-environment GUI used on all major flavors of Unix, along with several software products. The package includes WordPerfect 8, Netscape Navigator 4.5, Citrix ICA Client for connectivity to a Windows NT application server, and the Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), a comprehensive graphical editor.

Both KDE and GIMP are open source products, like Linux, and their source code is readily available for modifications. Corel plans to eventually add its other software products, such as Quattro Pro and Draw, and replace Citrix ICA client with JBridge, a Java technology it is developing for connecting to application servers, according to Ron McNab, vice president and general manager of Corel.

There won't be any custom extensions to the KDE desktop -- just a complete integration of the bundled software for ease of use and administration, said McNab. It's possible to put together a Linux desktop now with all of the software Corel plans to bundle on the NetWinder, but not without a lot of work, he added.

"We're trying to put together a best-of-breed collection and really simplify it," McNab said. "We think we understand the needs of a corporation and what they need on a desktop from a user and administrator's role, and we are in a good position to implement all that."

According to one analyst, the KDE desktop is an excellent GUI for Linux and the Corel bundle is a good value, but it won't convert Windows users.

"People already buying Windows machines with Office won't introduce something different into the mix because it's different," said Steve Kleynhans, vice president of workgroup computing strategies at The Meta Group. "The biggest issue with corporations is they are trying to get down to a single standard, not introduce some kind of variation."

The NetWinder thin clients are expected to ship in early 1999. Corel may also create a single Linux installation for PCs that would install Linux, KDE, and all of its integrated applications.