Kubuntu uses the same core as Ubuntu, but has a different interface. It uses KDE
which gives you a different look and feel and different applications to do the
same thing. Ubuntu uses Gnome. Both KDE and Gnome are desktop managers.


Some people think that KDE looks more like Windows and Gnome looks more Mac-like
which is to do a disservice to both. KDE uses single click like the Mac and
Gnome uses Double click like Windows. Gnome has the menu bar at the top like a
Mac and KDE has it at the bottom like Windows. You can change the placement of
the menu bar and single click and double click in either, so in the end it comes
down to what you like the look and feel of and applications that you prefer.

KDE likes to name its applications with cutesy names that begin with K. Gnome
does not have this annoying habit, but its names are no less strange.

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/kdegnome
en....pedia.org/.../Comparison_of_X_Window_System_desktop_environments
www.onlamp.com/.../gnome--kde-face-off.html

Most people have strong feelings one way or the other. I don't since I change
them to suit the way I work. I always use the menu bar at the top and use
single-click no matter what desktop I am in. I mix the applications and use the
ones that I prefer. For example, I use K3b the KDE burner and Pidgin the Gnome
preferred IM in either one. For email, I don't like either's offering so I use
Thunderbird, a third party email program.

The thing to do is to install both and try them out and change them to suit the
way you work. Then find out which one is the one you prefer. Don't feel
constrained to use either one. There are other choices such as XFCE and Fluxbox
or you can combine the applications and use a mixed system.

When you have more than one desktop manager installed you change between them at
the bottom of the login screen at Options or Sessions, depending what login
screen you have installed. Mine has changes so many times that I forget what the
original one looks like.

If you want to install Kubuntu, it can be found in Synaptic under Metapackages
or you could install KDE under KDE. With Kubuntu, you get KDE dressed up the way
Canonical wants it and a with slightly modified application set. The same can be
said for Gnome versus Ubuntu. Ubuntu comes with Gnome, but if you install Gnome,
it will remove the Ubuntu look and feel and install a few different
applications.

When installing from the repositories pay strict attention when it says it is
removing anything as you may find yourself without Ubuntu and have Gnome
instead. This is because some libraries or dependencies may be different and
when you install something it may be asking for a dependency that requires you
to de-install Ubuntu and replace it with Gnome. You will notice the difference
when you see the Ubuntu button replaced with the Gnome footprint icon and you
will have different logon screens. aside from that it won't be that much
different.

As for what is easier, it depends on you. The great thing is to have choice. It
can be overwhelming at first, since both Apple and Microsoft lock you in to one
look and feel as part of their corporate strategy. Linux should be liberating,
if nothing else. So, shake off the shackles and .. enjoy!