When you start the system you are presented with one of two login screens: a text login or a graphical login screen. If you are presented with a text screen you should log in and execute the startx command to run the KDE. If you are presented with a graphical login screen you can select the KDE as your environment and log in. At this point you should be in the KDE, which is split into three parts:

The Desktop: This is actually the entire screen area. Pointers to frequently accessed files and applications can be located on the desktop for fast access. There are four such desktops by default that can be configured separately.

The Panel: The panel is the bar at the bottom of the screen (by default). This is used to launch applications, switch between desktops and lock the screen for security.

The Taskbar: This is the bar at the top of the screen (by default). All active applications are listed on the taskbar, and clicking on one of the applications will bring it to the foreground.

Note: On some installations the taskbar may be hidden.