The KDE Project has released an update to its desktop software for GNU/Linux and other Unix-like variants, following up from the launch of KDE 2.2 and KOffice last month. The upgrade is available for download from KDE's Web site and a number of mirror sites. K Desktop Environment (KDE) 2.2.1, released today, focuses on improving documentation and translations for its 42 different language versions, but also includes performance improvements and bug fixes, the group said. The new version will let applications start up faster and improve the way the built-in browser handles Web content. The next major upgrade to KDE, version 3.0, is due for beta release in December with final release scheduled for next February. KDE is one of the most popular desktop environments for Unix-like operating systems, another being GNOME. KDE is a collaboration by hundreds of independent software developers working to create a graphical user interface for Linux and other Unix offshoots to compare with the usability of commercial operating systems. KDE, like Linux, is based on an open-source development model, meaning that source code for the software is freely available for alteration, and any improvements that are made must themselves be redistributed to other developers. See the Linux Lounge for the latest GNU/Linux and open source headlines. See the Operating Systems News Section for the latest headlines on Linux, Windows and other operating systems. See the Software News Section for full coverage. Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the Linux lounge forum Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read other letters.