Using Konqueror

On all of our Linux workstations, we use the K Desktop Environment which is centered around Konqueror, a handy file manager. However, Konqueror is far more than just a file manager. It is also a capable web browser, an SFTP client, a Windows share browser and a manual page viewer and much more. Below are some of the tasks Konqueror can handle, and how you can use this all-in-one application to consolidate previously separate tasks into one application.

Web Browser

Using Konqueror as a web browser is very simple. Just type in the internet address you'd like to visit in the location bar up top and hit "Enter":

Konqueror's Location Bar

Konqueror is based on the same rendering engine as Apple's Safari, so you shouldn't have many compatibility issues. Konqueror's web browsing is also enhanced by featuring Javascript, Java, Flash and other internet plugins available for Linux.

(S)FTP Client

Konqueror's greatest strength is its ability to handle different protocols using plugins. A good example of this is how you can simply type: sftp://yourlogin@hostname or ftp://yourlogin@hostname in the location bar and instantly have a graphical interface for FTP/SFTP, where you can drag and drop to and from other Konqueror windows or even the desktop. Try it out! Konqueror also allows you to edit files directly from the FTP/SFTP session.

Windows Share Browser

If you know the location of a Windows share you'd like to connect to, you can type: smb://sharename/login and hit return. As a good example, you can access your Purdue Career Account files by going to:

smb://offcampus.ics.purdue.edu/careerlogin

where careerlogin is your Purdue login name.

Manual Page Viewer

Konqueror also provides a nice interface for browsing, searching and printing UNIX man pages. All you have to do is type:

man:/manualpage

where manualpage is the manual page you'd like to view. If you'd like to browse the manual pages by section, just type in:

man:/

and hit enter. Konqueror's manual page viewer also supports autocompletion, so as you type in the name of the page you want, it will offer you suggestions. This is very useful if you aren't exactly sure of the name of the man page you need.

Viewing the manual page for pgrep

Tab Everything!

A great feature of Konqueror is the ability to open new "tabs". Tabs are like separate windows contained within one window. This gives you the ability to have multiple items open at the same time without cluttering up your work space. To open a new tab, type "ctrl-t" or click the button . To close a tab, "ctrl-w" or click the button. To switch between tabs, use "ctrl-shift left/right".

Multiple Tabs, Multiple Tasks

More Information

More thorough documentation can be obtained by hitting the F1 key while in Konqueror. The Konqueror manual is quite extensive and should be able to give you even more insight into the capabilities of this multi-functional program.