How do I make KMail my default e-mail. The O/S is Ubuntu 11.04

are you using unity session or gnome classic session?

I'm using GNOME desktop.

go to system setting and select default programs. then change the default email client from the drop down menu. it will be evolution by default. change it to kmail.

How do I get to 'system settings' ? I've looked in 'Application, Places & System'. In the 'System' sub menu, there are 2 other choices 'Preferences & Administration'. Looked in both and didn't find 'System Setting'. Please note that I'm a novice user and not that familiar with Linux yet.

If you run system settings from dash, there is an option for default applicxations and you can choose kmail from there, if it isn't listed we will take extra steps.

I tried to run system settings from dash. did not work. see below.

ed@ed-GN696AA-ABA-a6202n:~$ sudo dash run system settings
[sudo] password for ed:
dash: Can't open run
ed@ed-GN696AA-ABA-a6202n:~$ sudo dash system settings
dash: Can't open system

Then tried the following:

ed@ed-GN696AA-ABA-a6202n:~$ sudo system settings
[sudo] password for ed:
sudo: system: command not found

If I've enter the command incorrectly, what is it exactly or is it something else all together?

who mentioned sudo in this whole post?

you're right. tried it again without sudo and got the same result. BTW, i tried it without before but just forgot to include it in the post.

ed@ed-GN696AA-ABA-a6202n:~$ dash system settings
dash: Can't open system

I really don´t remember how did looked in 11.04,but try to type in dash system info and there replace your default e-mail client.

If you press the Windows key then dash shows, you can then search in the top bar there.

Tried 'system info'. No change, see below:

ed@ed-GN696AA-ABA-a6202n:~$ dash system info
dash: Can't open system

Tried the 'Windows' key on my keyboard (if thats what you meant) and nothing happened.

Ok lets start again, does your screen look like this:
http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/img/2010/05/ubuntu-unity.png

Or This:
http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news2/How-to-Use-Classic-GNOME-Session-on-Ubuntu-11-04-2.jpg

it looks like the second image - 'Classic-GNOME-session'

Thank you, problem solved.

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.