What is Kubuntu? Who it is for
Kubuntu is built on Ubuntu. It uses KDE Plasma as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Kubuntu at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: KDE Plasma
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the Calamares installer
Who Kubuntu suits
Kubuntu suits people who want Ubuntu's base with KDE Plasma and plenty of customisation.
Strengths
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- The KDE Plasma desktop, with a great deal of customisation built in.
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Kubuntu from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Kubuntu bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Kubuntu
- Ubuntu vs Kubuntu
- Kubuntu vs Xubuntu
- Kubuntu vs Lubuntu
- Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Budgie
- Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio
- Kubuntu vs KDE neon
Installing software on Kubuntu
Kubuntu uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kubuntu good for beginners?
Yes. Kubuntu is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Kubuntu use?
Kubuntu uses KDE Plasma. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Kubuntu need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Kubuntu based on another distribution?
Kubuntu is built on Ubuntu.
How often is Kubuntu updated?
Kubuntu follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Kubuntu without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.