I upgraded to KDE4 as part of upgrading my Ubuntu install from 8.04 to 8.10. I knew I could expect some quirks with the new KDE release, but I was surprised as many others have found out, that KDE4 sucks big time.

Being a KDE user since version 1.0 or so, I've always liked it's successors which seemed to improve with every release, enhancing and not detracting from what I always thought made KDE so wonderful to use. Ease of use and intuitive design were it's strengths.

KDE4 seems to emulate Windows Vista. The similarities are there, the quirky new launch menu and the sluggish performance are pure Vista.

Then there's the bright idea that there are no more desktop icons in KDE4. Instead there's something called "folder view" which places all of your icons in a scrollable box on the screen.

I'm just disgusted by it. I've always upgraded to a new KDE release and I've never been disappointed. I'm typing the post as I'm running Gnome which is not freezing up like KDE4 was for me just 5 minutes ago. And I get to see all of the icons of my desktop - on my desktop - and not in some dumb little box.

I know, I know, I didn't pay anything for KDE4 so I can't complain. Well, KDE4 is a step back from KDE3 and it seems that even die hard KDE users would agree.

I think I might give XFCE a try again...