Simple questions about softwares

[showgun]

I must say that after a week using Debian 4.0 etc I am starting to feel a bit more relax and I have no regret having dumped Windows.

My questions are as follow.

1) Other than personal visual preferences is there a reason why one should use Gnome over KDE or vice versa?

2) Debian 4.0 comes with Gnome 2.14 can I download Gnome 2.18 and install it or is it not recommended?
The same with Open Office to latest 2.2?

3) Iceweasel 2.0.0.3 vs Firefox 2.0 are they the same or is there advantage to install Firefox 2.0
the same with Thunderbird 2.0 vs Icedove 1.5
and is there reasons why one should not use them?

Thanks

[iwanabeguru]

1. No
Someones say the kde looks better , the answer for this , no its not but eat more system resources.

2. Updating gnome isn't recommended for a newbie. You have two opportunity. The first , download the debian package from the sid distribution , but making a mixed system not a good idea, second you download the source and compile it , it needs much time and you need many development packages, and it isn't a simple task.

updating OOo , you can do it , just download the deb packages , untar it , go the directory which contains the deb files , and run the command

dpkg -i *.deb

3.iceweasel and firefox is same , the icdeove and thunderbird is same too, its only a legal consideration.

[devils casper]

1. No
Someones say the kde looks better , the answer for this , no its not but eat more system resources.

i disagree. KDE is more customizable than GNOME and you can stop all unnecessary services through its Control Center easily.
i dont wanna start another 'which one is best?' war. all depends on likes/dislikes and how much you about particular DE.

[showgun]

In regard to Ooo 2.2 are we talking about the download from OpenOffice.org?
Or the experimental package on Debian website?

I just installed KDE and can see just about everything games etc.. installed but under the themes still only have choices for Gnome do I have to uninstall Gnome first?

THanks

[devils casper]

I just installed KDE and can see just about everything games etc.. installed but under the themes still only have choices for Gnome do I have to uninstall Gnome first?

NO. you can install as many Desktop Environments or Window Managers as you like. Logout, click on Session tab in Login Screen and select KDE.

[showgun]

I was not thinking about login into an other user session.
THanks