The X Window System allows a user to dramatically alter the appearance of his desktop by substituting a different window manager from that installed by default with his distribution. Lately, window managers have evolved into complete desktop environments, including basic tools like a file manager and a program launcher. Standard UNIX promotes the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) and Linux now has the "K" Desktop Environment (KDE).

At the UUASC January meeting, member Mike Elliott will demonstrate some of the features of these new environments with a special emphasis on KDE. If there is a particular desktop environment which appeals to you, please bring along your reference material, or even your computer, and we'll add that choice to the discussion mix.