Kubuntu is a KDE Desktop based version of the new, wildly popular Ubuntu Linux distribution. Starting with the 2.6 kernel, and KDE 3.4 it includes all standard desktop applications, server applications, and is built on the solid foundation of Ubuntu.

OSDir.com: How'd this get started?:

Andreas Mueller: Well, I am employed by Canonical, my Job was a rocking liveCD, (I'm the Gnoppix guy) and a Gnome user who uses some KDE-Apps ;). Time to time I fixed some KDE apps (which were unsupported in universe) so they'd work/compile . Mark (Shuttleworth) asked if I want work on the KDE part, since I already had experience with KDE packages. I thought it was a new great challenge.

Jonathan Riddell: Ubuntu was in development for about a year before it was announced. It was obviously going to be something big. So I was quite jealous when I learned it would have Gnome. The Ubuntu developers always intended for a KDE distribution and after their first release Jeff Waugh contacted me and others about the idea and some of us picked it up.

OSDir.com: What do you think are its best features?

Andreas Mueller: As foundation-stone for kubuntu's success, it's the success/simplicity of the rock solid base of Ubuntu's Desktop. KDE with it's version 3.4 improved the accessibility on the applications layer. Last not least, is the great community behind Ubuntu/Kubuntu.

Jonathan Riddell: A well supported distribution with the latest KDE. Most of our best features come from KDE, HAL support for removable devices is a big plus for example. We also follow the Ubuntu philosphy of keeping the desktop tidy, there's no desktop icons by default but applications, settings, storage media, home folder, wastebin etc is easily reachable from the panel.

OSDir.com: What is cooking for future releases?

Andreas Mueller: The next goal will be probably KDE 3.5, a better useability/accessability, user documentation, and graphical installer. We are in early contact with companies which have an interest in Kubuntu to contribute something. Closer cooperation with Debian is also on the list. A Roadmap will be discussed on our next Team Meeting in Australia (http://udu.wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuDownUnder).

Jonathan Riddell: We are eager to see how the next KDE release will fit in with the next Ubuntu release. Generally though, we need to work on system tools to get a better package manager, update notifier and system configuration.

OSDir.com: Where you big Ubuntu fans in the beginning and is this an extension of your love or was it the challenge of making the alternative to the Gnome default?

Andreas Mueller: Aren't we all Ubuntu lovers? This appearance shows again, what is possible in a world without software patents, living in a free software environment.

Jonathan Riddell: I was a fan of the idea of Ubuntu while it was still in development. When I saw a working copy I knew this would be an excellent opportunity to make the best distribution for the KDE desktop as well.

Kubuntu on OSDir.com