How to set IP address in kubuntu graphical desktop

you can use network manager to do it.

I strongly suggest using the interfaces file as you specified in /etc/network as you can then uninstall network manager as you will never need it, it will reduce resources used as well as speed up the boot.

Its not a hard file to edit and once done you never need to worry about it.

The using of static ip also speeds p the boot as you do not have to wait for dhcp to complete. If you use a static IP you will also need to specify DNS servers (possibly in netwok manager bu certainly in /etc/resolv.conf)

Why are you so averted from editing conf files when it often makes life a lot easier, it also means that you can ssh over to the system to make changes without having to physically attend the system and you can make any changes you wish, you can ven change to IP if your needs change using the interfaces file, then restart the networking process to apply. It is one of the reasons the server install of Ubuntu has no X server.

Short answer, use network manager.

I use Hardy Heron with german KDE-desktop, but I think, the hardware settings are still in the same place:
There is a button in the main menu (Systemeinstellungen in german) 'System settings', i guess in english.
But you can't see the option ('Systemverwaltungsmodus' in german) Administration Mode or so?, if you havn't enlarged the startup-window of this function

hope, it'll help you

mue.de

I do not want to do any file editing while I am promoting Kubuntu for home users to be more friendly and easy administerable by regular user than MAC or Win. And lack of a visual and intuitive tool, where I can do all tuning (without reading manual), is a tremendous drawback. And where in Kubuntu is Network manager? I am logged in as regular user that by default have rights far from root.

Problem is also with system settings. There is network section, but opening of it do not request superuser password (strange) and do not show any connection with actual interfaces and settings.

If the user is a member of the admini group then it can use sudo and gksudo to get priveledges to perform admin tasks.

To make system wide settings changes you will need to launch systemsettings with kdesud. This is the graphical form of sudo.

I understand what you are saying about the gui to configure stuff but in some cases it simply is easier, I do agree that this is scary for new users and understand your needs.