The KDE Project has released a significant update to its K Desktop Environment software that includes refinements to the Konqueror Web browser derived from collaboration with Apple"s Safari browser team. Some of the most noticeable improvements to KDE 3.2, which is the result of a year-long effort, are in application start-up times and HTML rendering, according to KDE developers. KDE is one of two major packages offering a graphical user interface and integrated applications for Unix and Linux, the main alternative being Gnome. KDE is used as the default interface on systems including Ark Linux, Conectiva, Knoppix, Lindows, Lycoris, Mandrake Linux, SUSE Linux, TurboLinux and Xandros, and is included as an option with most other major Linux systems.
The Konqueror Web browser, which shares its basic engine with Apple"s Safari, has benefited from Apple"s Safari work, KDE said. Konqueror now loads and renders more quickly and has better support for Web standards. One of Apple"s major efforts with Safari has been encouraging users to report sites that don"t work properly with the browser, in order to improve compatibility. KDE includes better support for standards from FreeDesktop.org, which should mean better compatibility with non-KDE applications. The configuration system has been improved, with tweaks to the KDE Kiosk environment management system. The software also brings in a variety of user interface refinements, including a new look called Plastik.