Other Help Topics :: Differences between DSL versions 3.x and 4.x

A keynote difference between the two version streams is the default desktop setup.

Version 3.x is delivered with 17 desktop launchers (shortcuts); one for each of the major programs installed in the iso.

Version 4.x is delivered with a minimalist set of launchers; 4.1 has 5, 4.2 may have less.

The 4.x lineage has a stronger MS Windows look an feel.

I would not call 4.x icons program launchers.

While 3.x that is the desktop icons only capability. These icon program launchers can only be found on the desktop.

4.x icons are typical of what icons can normally be expected to do; drag-and-drop and represent data files. Opening the home directory/folder in 3.x versus 4.x dramatically shows this difference.

Since 3.x is application centric, of course there would be many application launchers on the desktop, that is the mode of operation.

Since 4.x is document centric, i.e., your documents your home folder and desktop would not be filled with application shortcuts as they are not necessary or even needed for the expect mode of operation.

So, in comparision, 4.x has many more icons, and uses icons throught the system.

in 4.x the expected mode of operation is to process data via icons.

If you approach 4.x with a "3.x mode of operation" then you are not experiencing the new capabilities now present in DSL.

original here.