Nearly every Linux® distribution provides binary packages for individual KDE Software Collection applications and the KDE Plasma Workspaces as a whole.

To install an individual application, look for its name in your distribution's package collection. To install one of the KDE Plasma Workspaces, like KDE Plasma Desktop, look for a metapackage or package group, typically kde-desktop.

If you have trouble locating KDE packages for your distribution, please contact their support resources. Many distributions also have a team dedicated to packaging KDE that can provide assistance specific to KDE

The KDE on Windows Initiative provides binary packages of KDE Software Collection applications for Microsoft® Windows®. They also provide a special installer application that permits you to install individual applications or groups and all necessary dependencies easily.

For more information on the initiative and to download the installer, visit the KDE on Windows Initiative.

Individual KDE Software Collection applications can be installed through several different “ports” systems available for Mac® OS. Several different KDE applications also provide their own binary builds for Mac® OS.

For more information, visit KDE on Mac® OSX.

Most BSD™ distributions allows you to install KDE Software Collection applications and the KDE Plasma Workspaces as a whole through their “ports” system.

For more information on installing ports, see your BSD™ distribution's documentation.

Plasma Active is an exciting initiative to bring a new KDE experience to mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. Binary releases are provided for several different devices.

For more information, visit Plasma Active.

Several Linux® and BSD™ distributions offer live media. This permits you to try out the KDE Plasma Workspaces without installing anything to your system. All you have to do insert a CD or connect a USB drive and boot from it. If you like what you see, most offer an option to install it to your hard drive.

There is a list of distributions that offer KDE on live media on the KDE website.

For detailed information on how to compile and install KDE applications see Building and Running KDE Software From Source on KDE TechBase.

Since KDE uses cmake you should have no trouble compiling it. Should you run into problems please report them to the KDE mailing lists.