Final 4.9 version of KDE SC

The free KDE SC desktop environment is now available in the final version 4.9.

A new version of KDE has now appeared. This engine is stamped 4.9 for the free desktop environment which is popular with Linux distributions. Every six months, numerous applications are updated, which is where the Software Compilation name comes from (KDE SC).

The Dolphin file manager has had some work done on it with the forward and back buttons of the mouse being integrated, along with improvements to the display and file sorting, and searches based on metadata like evaluations, tags, size, author, date and pictures also being added.

The Dolphin user interface integrates an improved panel, allowing you to rename documents. A plug-in also adds support for various version of the Mercurial management system like Git, Subversion and CVS.

The Konsole terminal emulator is now capable of searching the Web for selected text (via the KDE Web shortcuts), while tabs are better managed and a folder has been made available so that you can drag and drop things into the window.

The KWin window manager has been improved to assist in the user’s activities through its window management, with a new task manager being added. Besides this, files can also be linked to an activity.

For applications, a new data import assistant is present (settings, messages, filters, calendar, address book) to help manage personal information from the Evolution and Thunderbird email clients, while contacts and account information from Google is also present.

The Okular document viewer can save PDF files with notes. The Gwenview picture viewer comes with a full screen option for browsing photos and the Juk music player handles various radio streams.

As for the platform, we can also note that preparation work has been done for the integration of the Qt5 framework. "This will provide more granularities, making it easier for selective parts of the OS to be used while considerably reducing their dependencies".

More information on the official announcement