Very nice article, but I suggest a new user try the KDE-specific apps first. Not only are they (obviously) well integrated in a KDE system, they are often as good or better than the alternatives. New users simply tend to become confused when confronted by too many choices, in my experience. 

 I'd add a few other apps that I have found worthwhile on my own Kubuntu system. For example, the Calibre ebook reader handles many different formats for those who like to read downloaded books regularly.

 I dispense completely with the too-bloated and security-problematical Adobe Reader...KDE's built-in Ocular is far smaller, faster, and has some extremely helpful features to boot. 

 There are many utilities that can be helpful, too. For a writer, for example, getting a well-organized font selection is helpful--I use Fontmatrix for this.

 Finally, I suggest setting up a separate partition for root with another, larger one for /home. That way, the entire system isn't hosed when the inevitable update rolls around.

 

Such a broad generalism, as the concept of a "perfect desktop" will vary from user to user.

 I've got to wonder though why install Thunderbird and Evolution surely one application is suitable. On that note why not present Kontact / the KDE PIM suite as a viable option?

 Also why bother with Acrobat Reader at all, KDE's Okular fills the role admirably.

I could go on, Amarok (KDE) and Rhythmbox / Banshee as well???

K3B (KDE) both is a burning app and capable of ripping so why bother with Brasero & Sound Juicer. Totem (GTK) and not Kaffeine (KDE).

 In going down this track not only are you ignoring a number of excellent KDE applications but at the same time losing the benefits of their excellent intergration with said desktop environment.

 I also run KDE  having 'migrated' over from GNOME about 6 months ago.

In order to give it a 'fair go' I stuck with 'pure KDE', for a time. As things stand now I've introduced three "best of breed" applications that are non KDE, where I've found the 'native' apps lacking in a feature I need.

What you describe is hardly a perfect desktop from my point of view, more like application overkill.

First I'd like to say great Howto article.

Some things I may suggest for new users:

• To avoid the terminal (because I know some people seem to be scared of using it or just hate it) new users can,  add the partner repositories by selecting System Settings, Add and Remove Software, Settings, Edit Software Sources, then select them. I add all: main, universe, restricted, & multiverse – and you can also change where they're downloaded from.

• On the Other Software tab you can check that the partner repositories are selected

• On the Updates tab Since I like the latest software available, I select Pre-released updates and Unsupported updates in addition to the  Important security updates, and Recommended updates. (I wouldn't recommend these pre-release/unsupported updates for everyone)

• To add the medibuntu repository, it's just easier to copy and past into the terminal the command from: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu The terminal must be used to do this. But it is the fastest easiest way of doing it.(Knowing commands and how to use the terminal, you can actually get some stuff done much faster than using a GUI.) **I like Google Earth, available in the medibuntu - makes for easy installation via the package manager.

• I too prefer and recommend Synaptic package manager, and I would definitely suggest installing the kubuntu-restricted-extras

• Skype is now officially in the repositories (the partner repositories)

• If you choose to download and save deb packages instead of installing right away, again to avoid the terminal, you can just use Dolphin (the file manager) go to your download folder and click on the deb file and Gdebi will install it (of course make sure the architecture matches 32bit or 64bit) 32bit packages can be installed on 64bit systems but you'll have to use the terminal and force install it using apt-get. I have to do this with Lightscribe packages which are not available in 64bit 

The only application that I would disagree with is F-Spot. Installing it requires many mono dependencies as well as being covered by Microsoft Patents. Whereas Digikam and KolourPaint would be even better replacements, digikam for photos and kolourpaint for basic editing along the lines of paint.exe on a Windows system. Plus they are both QT-based, meaning they both fit in properly to the kde system.

Rather than instructing people to edit their sources.list to add the medibuntu repository, it would be better to have them create a new medibuntu.list file in /etc/apt/sourceslist.d/ then add the repository information there.

Later, Seeker