Contributor Apiman
Enhance mobile devices sync
Ubuntu
In :
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
Written by jherran the 28 Feb 08 at 15:01.
Global category: Hardware support.
New
There are lot of people having troubles syncing their devices (pda, smartphones, etc.) with ubuntu. At this poing there is only one solution available, multisync, and works for only a few devices, and it's very limited on their functions.
And I think, this is a very important point for lots of people.
**Suggestions from duplicate idea 397 work on that idea :
1) Clean up the Opensync and SyncML plugin packages to work properly with Evolution by default.
2) Set up an official Ubuntu SyncML server for Ubuntu users.
3) Possibly clean up open source SyncML clients for the different mobile platforms.
Developer comments
The current status of mobile devices synchronization in Linux is generally is quite shaky. It *can* work but it's a lot of work usually. There are a few efforts around but there's no single project that works in the majority of the situations.
This is also caused by manufacturers not using a single synchronization protocol. The most promising project now is OpenSync[1] which supports basically SyncML 1.1 and the Nokia variation and it works with several degrees of success between phones and desktops but the project itself is in a constant alpha state with a lot of issues, the GUI is simplistic and there are no integrated resources to sync with online contacts/calendars
like Google's. This can be overcome by preparing Evolution and/or Thunderbird to do it.
In short, despite the infrastructure is mostly there, we need work to make it a seamless experience for the user.
Bear in mind that this is a huge effort. Synchronization looks simple but there's a lot of factors and situations that need to be addressed like how to synchronize devices with different capabilities and how to keep 3 way synchronizations (desktop, online and mobile).
Solution #2:
Sync both PC and phone with google calendar & contacts
Instead of creating hardware interfaces for every phone/PC combination, Canonical could take different approach, and sync both devices to a online service such as Google Contacts/Calendar or perhaps even with Ubuntu One.
On the PC side, Evolution already supports this to an extent but the process can be made much more streamlined. From the phone side, projects like GCalSync have already started something like this but few have seen the potential in this, and there is massive room for improvement.
This could be the next step in cloud computing and could bypass all the device driver issues and unwilling hardware manufacturers, since most phones already support Java or a similar language.
Instead of creating hardware interfaces for every phone/PC combination, Canonical could take different approach, and sync both devices to a online service such as Google Contacts/Calendar or perhaps even with Ubuntu One.
On the PC side, Evolution already supports this to an extent but the process can be made much more streamlined. From the phone side, projects like GCalSync have already started something like this but few have seen the potential in this, and there is massive room for improvement.
This could be the next step in cloud computing and could bypass all the device driver issues and unwilling hardware manufacturers, since most phones already support Java or a similar language.
Solution #3:
Get behind Conduit and make it shine
Conduit seems to be a worthy step in the right direction to solve this particular issue. I would suggest that Canonical puts some muscle behind this and kill off this issue once and for all.
http://live.gnome.org/Conduit
Conduit seems to be a worthy step in the right direction to solve this particular issue. I would suggest that Canonical puts some muscle behind this and kill off this issue once and for all.
http://live.gnome.org/Conduit
SVG support in OpenOffice
Written by mydoghasworms the 14 May 09 at 08:56.
Related project: OpenOffice.org Drawing .
New
Currently, OpenOffice does not support SVG, which is used in other applications, e.g. InkScape. SVG support is currently available only through third-party plugins.
Having SVG support would allow e.g.:
* Making use of drawings created in InkScape
* Making use of more OpenClipart clipart, much of which is in SVG format
Solution #1:
Compile Firefox with PGO by default
Written by
Dinth the 15 Feb 09 at 12:43.
One of reasons why Firefox is so slow on Linux, is that Windows version is compiled with PGO - https://developer.mozilla.org/en/Building_with_Profile-Guided_Optimization . Ubuntu devs should compile firefox packages with PGO enabled to speed up Firefox on Ubuntu
Solution #2:
Compile Firefox with ICC (Intel compiler)
Written by
Dinth the 15 Feb 09 at 12:46.
Propably compiling Firefox with ICC would greatly speed up this application.
It is a trouble when user must do compiling with so unusual compiler on his own, but Ubuntu devs can easly do it and put binary packages in repository, or at least PPA.
Propably compiling Firefox with ICC would greatly speed up this application.
It is a trouble when user must do compiling with so unusual compiler on his own, but Ubuntu devs can easly do it and put binary packages in repository, or at least PPA.
Solution #3:
Add native 64bit Java and Flash packages to PPA
Written by
Dinth the 15 Feb 09 at 12:52.
There are avalible native 64bit Java and Flash versions on Suns and Adobe websites. ATM they are in beta state, but there are pretty much stable, so why dont package them to repo or at least PPA? This would greatly speed up Firefox on 64bit systems - now, sometimes nspluginwrappers takes 50% of cpu power when playing video from some sites.
There are avalible native 64bit Java and Flash versions on Suns and Adobe websites. ATM they are in beta state, but there are pretty much stable, so why dont package them to repo or at least PPA? This would greatly speed up Firefox on 64bit systems - now, sometimes nspluginwrappers takes 50% of cpu power when playing video from some sites.
Solution #4:
Help with Systemtap so that Developers can work out WTF is going on
Its simple, profiling tools on Ubuntu are WAY behind.
Ubuntu should join in on the Systemtap project so that we have a better tool available to help identify the reasons why Firefox is so slow on Linux.
Doing so will also speed up every other program in the repos.
Its simple, profiling tools on Ubuntu are WAY behind.
Ubuntu should join in on the Systemtap project so that we have a better tool available to help identify the reasons why Firefox is so slow on Linux.
Doing so will also speed up every other program in the repos.
Solution #5:
Work with Mozilla to Ensure Linux version is Perfomance Optimized
There probably aren't as many developers testing the linux version as this isn't the biggest install base.
There probably aren't as many developers testing the linux version as this isn't the biggest install base.
Solution #6:
Support the development of swiftweasel
Written by
JanMalte the 19 Feb 09 at 06:56.
Support the development of the swiftweasel project.
This is an pgo compiled version of firefox.
http://swiftweasel.tuxfamily.org/
Solution #7:
Epiphany as default browser
I have been using Epiphany for the last months, and I really enjoy it. I still miss some Firefox extensions, but it's ok. I think it is a good choice for Ubuntu. Maybe not now, but when it gets a stable webkit support.
I have been using Epiphany for the last months, and I really enjoy it. I still miss some Firefox extensions, but it's ok. I think it is a good choice for Ubuntu. Maybe not now, but when it gets a stable webkit support.
Solution #8:
Support the development of Google's Chrome
Written by
brownbat the 14 Mar 09 at 02:20.
The "support x browser instead" options are tanking, but I wanted to give everyone an option to vote down (or up?) Google's browser too.
The "support x browser instead" options are tanking, but I wanted to give everyone an option to vote down (or up?) Google's browser too.
Solution #9:
Port Firefox to Qt
Written by
flammon the 14 Mar 09 at 22:18.
I love GNOME and use it every day, have been since pre 1.0 but I think that its weakest part is GTK/GDK. Qt is faster and GPL so perhaps it is time to start porting. Firefox is mostly written in C++ so using Qt shouldn't be a problem.
The project has already begun and I'm anxious to see the results.
http://browser.garage.maemo.org/news/10/
I love GNOME and use it every day, have been since pre 1.0 but I think that its weakest part is GTK/GDK. Qt is faster and GPL so perhaps it is time to start porting. Firefox is mostly written in C++ so using Qt shouldn't be a problem.
The project has already begun and I'm anxious to see the results.
http://browser.garage.maemo.org/news/10/
Solution #11:
Option to install firefox32 on 64-bit distributions
Edit: I take this back. I upgraded to Janty 9.04 and Firefox works like a charm with the Flash 10 driver!
I have been using Ubuntu 64 bit versions for several years. And what I still don't like is that my system slows down pathetically when the browser tries to load a Flash or Java applet which are used on most pages on the Internet today, not to mention ads.
Although, its not exactly Ubuntu's problem that the sources providing these plugins do not entirely support x86_64 platforms, users should have the freedom to choose whether or not to use these packages and how to use them.
There should be a meta package that installs firefox32 and removes firefox64 on 64 bit versions of Ubuntu. Also, plugins for Firefox like Flash, Java, Adobe Reader, Shockwave, etc. should be replaced with 32 bit versions without any intervention.
Edit: I take this back. I upgraded to Janty 9.04 and Firefox works like a charm with the Flash 10 driver!
I have been using Ubuntu 64 bit versions for several years. And what I still don't like is that my system slows down pathetically when the browser tries to load a Flash or Java applet which are used on most pages on the Internet today, not to mention ads.
Although, its not exactly Ubuntu's problem that the sources providing these plugins do not entirely support x86_64 platforms, users should have the freedom to choose whether or not to use these packages and how to use them.
There should be a meta package that installs firefox32 and removes firefox64 on 64 bit versions of Ubuntu. Also, plugins for Firefox like Flash, Java, Adobe Reader, Shockwave, etc. should be replaced with 32 bit versions without any intervention.
Have gnome accept non-rectangular desktops
Written by rpgsimmaster the 9 Oct 09 at 01:39.
Related project: Gnome .
New
When working with multiple monitors of different resolutions, and when not working with panels above/below the smaller of the monitors, the desktop icons can spill into areas of the desktop not visible to the user. It is also possible to lose the mouse in this area because the mouse boundaries are specified by the desktop, not the screens.
When in multi-head mode on Windows using different resolutions, Windows restricts the movement of the mouse to stay within the area of the desktop, which may be non-rectangular. Gnome (or even X) needs to do something like this.
Solution #1:
Have gnome restrict mouse movement and desktop icons
Have gnome restrict mouse movement and desktop icons to within the visible monitor area, not just the virtual desktop.
Have gnome restrict mouse movement and desktop icons to within the visible monitor area, not just the virtual desktop.
Solution #2:
Teach gnome "the end of a screen"
This option contains more, than just "restrict mouse movement".
Gnome should be able to know, which screen has which resolution.
E.g. If the main monitor has a resolution of 1280x800 and the 2nd 1680x1050 - AWNs feature "Maximized windows cannot overlap the bar" does not work, because AWN gets the distance to the bottom from the whole resolution (which is 2960x1050) instead of the active screen. So A maximized window covers the AWN Bar, but doesn't use the lower space on the 2nd monitor.
This option contains more, than just "restrict mouse movement".
Gnome should be able to know, which screen has which resolution.
E.g. If the main monitor has a resolution of 1280x800 and the 2nd 1680x1050 - AWNs feature "Maximized windows cannot overlap the bar" does not work, because AWN gets the distance to the bottom from the whole resolution (which is 2960x1050) instead of the active screen. So A maximized window covers the AWN Bar, but doesn't use the lower space on the 2nd monitor.
Solution #1:
Cheese installed by default in Ubuntu
Written by
nq6 the 2 Oct 09 at 17:00.
Cheese uses your webcam to take photos and videos, applies fancy special effects and lets you share the fun with others.
Cheese is a very interesting program, small and can be inserted in Ubuntu by default. Today we have almost all Notebooks webcams installed. It would be very interesting.
Note: The installation could be smart. If one was identified Webcam on the machine, it installed the Cheese.
Cheese uses your webcam to take photos and videos, applies fancy special effects and lets you share the fun with others.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34236634@N07/3974255671/" title="cheese-big por caricaturassa, no Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3974255671_04fabd53e3_o.png" width="256" height="256" alt="cheese-big" /></a>
Cheese is a very interesting program, small and can be inserted in Ubuntu by default. Today we have almost all Notebooks webcams installed. It would be very interesting.
Note: The installation could be smart. If one was identified Webcam on the machine, it installed the Cheese.
Solution #2:
"Best" webcam program should be chosen
Whichever webcam program is considered the best in terms of user-friendliness, features, integration and ease of future development should be the one integrated, or offered as an option for installation :)
If this is Cheese, then this should be the one chosen!
I am only suggesting this because I am unsure what the actual best Webcam program on Ubuntu is, and surely, whether it's Cheese or not, wouldn't it be logical to install the one that is the best? I am VERY confused as to why people keep marking this down :(
Whichever webcam program is considered the best in terms of user-friendliness, features, integration and ease of future development should be the one integrated, or offered as an option for installation :)
If this is Cheese, then this should be the one chosen!
I am only suggesting this because I am unsure what the actual best Webcam program on Ubuntu is, and surely, whether it's Cheese or not, wouldn't it be logical to install the one that is the best? I am VERY confused as to why people keep marking this down :(
Solution #3:
Prompt for install when hardware detected
Not all (and as far as I know, very few) people have webcams. Therefore, there is little reason for webcam software to be installed by default. Instead, Ubuntu should propt to install applicable applications on detection of hardware. This would not only be limited to webcams but would also apply to fingerprint readers, bluetooth devices, etc.
Not all (and as far as I know, very few) people have webcams. Therefore, there is little reason for webcam software to be installed by default. Instead, Ubuntu should propt to install applicable applications on detection of hardware. This would not only be limited to webcams but would also apply to fingerprint readers, bluetooth devices, etc.
Solution #1:
Auto-generated solution of idea #8326
Written by
Kosimo the 10 May 08 at 13:16.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #8326 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #8326 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution.</i><br /> Thanks!
Solution #2:
Right Click->"Scan Wireless Networks"
Add a "scan wireless networks" option to right click context menu of nm-applet.
Add a "scan wireless networks" option to right click context menu of nm-applet.
Solution #3:
Scan on left-click
Written by
anabelle the 29 Jan 09 at 15:01.
Since you click to see if you are connected or to connect to a new network it could work similar to OSX.
Once you click it scans for networks and include new results in the lists... no right clicking or anything.
Since you click to see if you are connected or to connect to a new network it could work similar to OSX.
Once you click it scans for networks and include new results in the lists... no right clicking or anything.
Solution #4:
Use wicd instead of network manager
Written by
elbel86 the 1 Feb 09 at 04:19.
wicd is a great alternative to network manager and offers many more options in its gui, including a refresh button. Of course, wicd isn't even in the repos yet, so it could take some time to get it in.
wicd is a great alternative to network manager and offers many more options in its gui, including a refresh button. Of course, wicd isn't even in the repos yet, so it could take some time to get it in.
Solution #5:
Automatically show new wireless networks without any user interaction
Written by
Endolith the 2 Feb 09 at 07:47.
If there is a problem with Network Manager not showing new networks when they have changed, then fix that problem.
We should not be adding "Refresh" buttons to things that should always be up-to-date. When would you *not* want the list refreshed? Never. If Network Manager were functioning optimally, the button would serve no purpose, so there is no reason to add it.
Let's make things function correctly instead of adding poor workarounds.
If there is a problem with Network Manager not showing new networks when they have changed, then fix that problem.
We should not be adding "Refresh" buttons to things that should always be up-to-date. When would you *not* want the list refreshed? Never. If Network Manager were functioning optimally, the button would serve no purpose, so there is no reason to add it.
Let's make things function correctly instead of adding poor workarounds.
Solution #6:
Solution in place in 0.7.3 or so: Rescan on startup and if the applet is used.
I'm paraphrasing the solution that one of the developers has implemented (I believe in a version slightly after 0.7) for the purpose of clarifying the brainstorm understanding of what the developers have done to solve the problem.
One of the developers has said that more recent patches to NetworkManager will result in the following behavior:
- When a user interacts with the applet, a rescan will occur immediately if one hasn't within the last 20 seconds. For two minutes thereafter, it will do 20 second interval rescans, then drop to 120 second scans.
- When the applet starts up or the wireless card is re-enabled after being disabled, NetworkManager will do 20 second interval scans for two minutes, and drop back down to 120 second interval scans after that.
So by NetworkManager version 0.7.1 or 0.7.3 or so, any other behavior that doesn't get a rescan as fast as that should be some kind of bug.
I'm paraphrasing the solution that one of the developers has implemented (I believe in a version slightly after 0.7) for the purpose of clarifying the brainstorm understanding of what the developers have done to solve the problem.
One of the developers has said that more recent patches to NetworkManager will result in the following behavior:
- When a user interacts with the applet, a rescan will occur immediately if one hasn't within the last 20 seconds. For two minutes thereafter, it will do 20 second interval rescans, then drop to 120 second scans.
- When the applet starts up or the wireless card is re-enabled after being disabled, NetworkManager will do 20 second interval scans for two minutes, and drop back down to 120 second interval scans after that.
So by NetworkManager version 0.7.1 or 0.7.3 or so, any other behavior that doesn't get a rescan as fast as that should be some kind of bug.
Solution #7:
Integrating WifiRadar into network manager
WiFi Radar is a Python/PyGTK2 utility for managing WiFi profiles.It enables you to scan for available networks and create profiles for your preferred networks. At boot time, running WiFi Radar will automatically scan for an available preferred network and connect to it. You can drag and drop your preferred networks to arrange the profile priority.
WiFi Radar is a Python/PyGTK2 utility for managing WiFi profiles.It enables you to scan for available networks and create profiles for your preferred networks. At boot time, running WiFi Radar will automatically scan for an available preferred network and connect to it. You can drag and drop your preferred networks to arrange the profile priority.
Solution #8:
Make it clear that a scan is in progress
Written by
korin43 the 28 Oct 09 at 19:43.
#6 is nice, but it leaves users feeling like NetworkManager isn't rescanning at all. It would be better if it had some sort of feedback like "Scanning for Networks".
#6 is nice, but it leaves users feeling like NetworkManager isn't rescanning at all. It would be better if it had some sort of feedback like "Scanning for Networks".
Integrate Google Wave into Ubuntu
Written by suneej the 30 May 09 at 15:31.
Related project: XChat-GNOME IRC Chat .
New
Google Wave is open-source and will be released later this year. If it could be integrated into Ubuntu then it could greatly improve the productivity and communication of networked Ubuntu users. For example more than one person can work on a GIMP or OpenOffice document simultaneously in real time etc...
Solution #1:
Integrate Google Wave into Ubuntu
Written by
suneej the 30 May 09 at 15:31.
Google Wave is open-source and will be released later this year. If it could be integrated into Ubuntu then it could greatly improve the productivity and communication of networked Ubuntu users. For example more than one person can work on a GIMP or OpenOffice document simultaneously in real time etc...
It can be integrated into the Ubuntu desktop....because its open-source it can easily be modified
Google Wave is open-source and will be released later this year. If it could be integrated into Ubuntu then it could greatly improve the productivity and communication of networked Ubuntu users. For example more than one person can work on a GIMP or OpenOffice document simultaneously in real time etc...
It can be integrated into the Ubuntu desktop....because its open-source it can easily be modified
Solution #2:
Application Plugins to make use of Google Wave features
The best way to accomplish this task is to write plug-ins for the existing applications, to integrate new features based on Google Wave into the existing applications like GIMP or OpenOffice.
Plug-ins are OPTIONAL for user and are easy to develop, since they can be written without modifying the actual application code.
The best way to accomplish this task is to write plug-ins for the existing applications, to integrate new features based on Google Wave into the existing applications like GIMP or OpenOffice.
Plug-ins are OPTIONAL for user and are easy to develop, since they can be written without modifying the actual application code.
Solution #3:
Use wave for the ubuntu community
Written by
arand the 1 Jun 09 at 10:17.
Use wave to bring together all scattered pieces of the ubuntu community: Forums, mailing lists, launchpad, wiki, brainstorm, irc, etc., and hence create a common, transparent interface applicable to all things ubuntu. Old services will remain, extensions will congregate content into the wave interface.
Use wave to bring together all scattered pieces of the ubuntu community: Forums, mailing lists, launchpad, wiki, brainstorm, irc, etc., and hence create a common, transparent interface applicable to all things ubuntu. Old services will remain, extensions will congregate content into the wave interface.
Solution #4:
Integrate programs one-by-one into Google Wave via plugins
Written by
kareeser the 3 Jun 09 at 01:56.
Quick example: Evolution.
Both are viable programs on their own, Evolution supports POP and IMAP, and is a general PIM which would benefit greatly from Google Wave as a sync backend. Evolution could even keep their layout, but interface with Google Wave like their own API does.
Quick example: Evolution.
Both are viable programs on their own, Evolution supports POP and IMAP, and is a general PIM which would benefit greatly from Google Wave as a sync backend. Evolution could even keep their layout, but interface with Google Wave like their own API does.
Parts of music aren't audible at low sound volumes
Written by cyberix the 4 Oct 09 at 00:42.
Global category: Multimedia.
New
I'm a bass guitar player. Thus I often pay extra attention to the low tones. When I listen to music late at night. or using integrated speakers. the low frequencies are often too silent to be audible over the more dominant high pitched tunes.
Solution #1:
Graphic equalizer for audio output
Written by
cyberix the 4 Oct 09 at 00:42.
Add a simple graphic equalizer to sound preferences for changing volumes of certain frequency ranges.
Add a simple graphic equalizer to sound preferences for changing volumes of certain frequency ranges.
<img src="https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Toni%20Ruottu?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=ubuntueq.png" alt="">
Solution #2:
Graphic equalizer for audio output (bis)
Written by
lemsto the 4 Oct 09 at 21:35.
Same as above, but with the possibility to save some presets.
As an example, I use my laptop with an Hifi when at home, and with headphones (or even directly the laptop's speakers) when outside. The equalization needed is different for each output device.
Same as above, but with the possibility to save some presets.
As an example, I use my laptop with an Hifi when at home, and with headphones (or even directly the laptop's speakers) when outside. The equalization needed is different for each output device.
Solution #3:
Add the equalizer to Rythmbox
Written by
la_serpe the 5 Oct 09 at 10:42.
In my opinion, sound preferences should be as simple as possible. There should be equalizer in Rythmbox instead. I could be a plugin or a part of default Rythmbox options.
In my opinion, sound preferences should be as simple as possible. There should be equalizer in Rythmbox instead. I could be a plugin or a part of default Rythmbox options.
Solution #4:
Implement curves of equal loudness
Written by
MMaatttt the 6 Oct 09 at 11:51.
Audio theory suggests that very high and very low frequency sounds will be hard to hear at low volumes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour
With a small amount of setup, the audio system would be able to automatically equalise it's output to ensure these frequencies stay audible at low levels.
After enabling equal loudness optimisation, the user would have to adjust their volume control until a test tone was at approximately normal speaking volume (about 65 dBA). From this, the system would know the level of adjustment required for higher or lower volumes.
Audio theory suggests that very high and very low frequency sounds will be hard to hear at low volumes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour
With a small amount of setup, the audio system would be able to automatically equalise it's output to ensure these frequencies stay audible at low levels.
After enabling equal loudness optimisation, the user would have to adjust their volume control until a test tone was at approximately normal speaking volume (about 65 dBA). From this, the system would know the level of adjustment required for higher or lower volumes.
Solution #5:
Another idea mockup
Written by
nq6 the 16 Oct 09 at 13:22.
The idea is good, more is not the mockup. Below I made a mockup more elaborate.
The idea is good, more is not the mockup. Below I made a mockup more elaborate.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34236634@N07/4016107837/" title="ubuntueq.png por caricaturassa, no Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4016107837_900156c91e_o.png" width="533" height="428" alt="ubuntueq.png" /></a>
Solution #6:
Stereo Equalizer
Written by
kwinz the 26 Oct 09 at 00:19.
I have a hearing disability on one ear at high frequencies and it would be great to be able to equalize for each channel separately.
It is also useful when fine-tuning/calibrating your speaker/headphone setup.
I have a hearing disability on one ear at high frequencies and it would be great to be able to equalize for each channel separately.
It is also useful when fine-tuning/calibrating your speaker/headphone setup.
Solution #7:
Extra feature: Separate volume setting for each running application
Have a separate volume control for each running application transmitting music or voice. For example, if I have Audacious and say a game running, I should be able to set independent volumes for both applications, just like in M$.
See image:
http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/The-Windows-Vista-Volume-Mixer-3.png
Solution #8:
Don't forget about turn off EQ option
i mean to take out EQ from DSP circle, because every sound processing is destructive(and CPU consumptive), even if all knobs are in middle position
i mean to take out EQ from DSP circle, because every sound processing is destructive(and CPU consumptive), even if all knobs are in middle position
It is difficult to connect two computers together to transfer files between them
Written by dotancohen the 13 Mar 09 at 21:15.
Global category: Internet & Networking.
New
Although the only hardware needed to connect two computers together to transfer files is a simple cat5 crossover cable, in order to actually use it the user must:
1) Physically connect the machines
2) Set up a network between the machines
3) Decide whether to use FTP, Samba, or SSH
4) Install the appropriate server on one machine and a client on the other
5) Connect to the server with the client
6) Transfer the files based upon the protocol of the server
Steps 2 and 3 are beyond the skillset of Ubuntu's target end user (see bug #1), as is even knowing this schema.
As "netbooks" are becoming popular second computers for many people, a simple way to transfer files between two computers is necessary. There are many other use cases where user(s) may want to move a file from one computer to another, yet do not have the skillset to perform all the steps listed.
Solution #1:
An app that automatically configures a network and server/client for 2 machines
When Ubuntu discovers that it is connected to another machine via a crossover cable, it should offer to browse the logged-in user of the other machine in a fashion similar to that when plugging in a disk-on-key. Additionally, permission should be requested to allow the second machine to browse it's own logged in user. Thus, both machines have to grant permission to allow access, and both machines can browse the other's files.
The only step that the user would have to do before plugging in the crossover cable would be to install the magical app.
When Ubuntu discovers that it is connected to another machine via a crossover cable, it should offer to browse the logged-in user of the other machine in a fashion similar to that when plugging in a disk-on-key. Additionally, permission should be requested to allow the second machine to browse it's own logged in user. Thus, both machines have to grant permission to allow access, and both machines can browse the other's files.
The only step that the user would have to do before plugging in the crossover cable would be to install the magical app.
Solution #2:
Use Lanshark
Lanshark is a free filesharing tool for local area networks. Lanshark allows you to share files with other users in the same network more efficiently. It automatically detects other lanshark users in the same Network and lets you browse trough their shares. Lanshark has a very fast search function that allows you to search through all the shares in the whole network in just a few seconds!
Features
* Free software (GPL)
* Easy to configure and use
* Fast searching
* Cross platform
* Rich user interface (GTK)
* Integrated webserver
* Additional web interface
* Automatic Peer Detection
* No installation Required
http://lanshark.29a.ch/
Lanshark is a free filesharing tool for local area networks. Lanshark allows you to share files with other users in the same network more efficiently. It automatically detects other lanshark users in the same Network and lets you browse trough their shares. Lanshark has a very fast search function that allows you to search through all the shares in the whole network in just a few seconds!
Features
* Free software (GPL)
* Easy to configure and use
* Fast searching
* Cross platform
* Rich user interface (GTK)
* Integrated webserver
* Additional web interface
* Automatic Peer Detection
* No installation Required
http://lanshark.29a.ch/
Solution #3:
Use System-config-samba by default
System-config-samba is a small application that makes easy to setup samba, configure workgroup and share folders with other operating systems.
System-config-samba is a small application that makes easy to setup samba, configure workgroup and share folders with other operating systems.
Solution #4:
Use Giver
Written by
Vendaval the 16 Mar 09 at 02:34.
What about integrating Giver (or similar functionality) into Nautilus?
"Giver is a simple file sharing desktop application. Other people running Giver on your network are automatically discovered and you can send files to them by simply dragging the files to their photo or icon shown in Giver. There is no knowledge or set up needed beyond what the person looks like or their name to use Giver. "
http://code.google.com/p/giver/
What about integrating Giver (or similar functionality) into Nautilus?
"Giver is a simple file sharing desktop application. Other people running Giver on your network are automatically discovered and you can send files to them by simply dragging the files to their photo or icon shown in Giver. There is no knowledge or set up needed beyond what the person looks like or their name to use Giver. "
http://code.google.com/p/giver/
Solution #5:
One way to permanently share files. Another for a quick and easy exchange.
Most of the time, one does not want to share a directory indefinitely but just wants to get a file or a folder to a Friend or co-worker. Therefore we need 2 different ways to deal with this.
* One for permanently sharing folders on the network.
* One for quickly exchanging files and folders (send, receive).
The one could be Samba based, the other giver based.
Most of the time, one does not want to share a directory indefinitely but just wants to get a file or a folder to a Friend or co-worker. Therefore we need 2 different ways to deal with this.
* One for permanently sharing folders on the network.
* One for quickly exchanging files and folders (send, receive).
The one could be Samba based, the other giver based.
Solution #6:
Have NetworkManager auto-configure the mini-network with Zeroconf
Written by
nazgul77 the 24 Mar 09 at 17:43.
Tackle steps (1) and (2) above
The idea is to have NetworkManager automatically set up a network configuration that enables communication between computers when there are no other means for an automatic configuration (DHCP server etc.).
This is sufficient to enable decentralised services like samba/avahi file sharing, rhythmbox(DAAP) music sharing and GNOME remote desktop.
Zeroconf was built for this purpose and is used e.g. by MacOS X.
As of now NetworkManager attempts by default to automatically configure a network interface by DHCP when a physical link is detected (or a wireless device radio switched on) and gives up if that fails. Obviously this does not work when connecting two clients, i.e. there is no DHCP Server to provide the network configuration. You will have to manually create a NM profile and choose it. This is not very user-friendly.
For Ubuntu Desktop I suggest to make NetworkManager configure the network by Zeroconf when automatic configuration (DHCP) fails so that two clients can communicate. Exact details are left to developers as this is not as trivial as it seems.
Tackle steps (1) and (2) above
The idea is to have NetworkManager automatically set up a network configuration that enables communication between computers when there are no other means for an automatic configuration (DHCP server etc.).
This is sufficient to enable decentralised services like samba/avahi file sharing, rhythmbox(DAAP) music sharing and GNOME remote desktop.
Zeroconf was built for this purpose and is used e.g. by MacOS X.
As of now NetworkManager attempts by default to automatically configure a network interface by DHCP when a physical link is detected (or a wireless device radio switched on) and gives up if that fails. Obviously this does not work when connecting two clients, i.e. there is no DHCP Server to provide the network configuration. You will have to manually create a NM profile and choose it. This is not very user-friendly.
For Ubuntu Desktop I suggest to make NetworkManager configure the network by Zeroconf when automatic configuration (DHCP) fails so that two clients can communicate. Exact details are left to developers as this is not as trivial as it seems.
Solution #7:
Make applications use avahi (zeroconf)
Written by
nazgul77 the 25 Mar 09 at 20:46.
Tackle steps (3) to (6) from the description above
If Solution #6 (Have NetworkManager auto-configure the mini-network with Zeroconf) is implemented more applications need to be tuned for hassle-free networking capabilities. GNOME remote desktop and rhythmbox(DAAP) music sharing are already working examples.
A killer application might be nautilus making use of avahi-enabled samba
http://www.askbjoernhansen.com/2007/10/27/setup_samba_for_bonjour_networking_wi th_os_x_105_l.html
Avahi " ... allows programs to publish and discover services and hosts running on a local network with no specific configuration. For example, you can plug into a network and instantly find printers to print to, files to look at and people to talk to."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avahi_(software)
Tackle steps (3) to (6) from the description above
If Solution #6 (Have NetworkManager auto-configure the mini-network with Zeroconf) is implemented more applications need to be tuned for hassle-free networking capabilities. GNOME remote desktop and rhythmbox(DAAP) music sharing are already working examples.
A killer application might be nautilus making use of avahi-enabled samba
http://www.askbjoernhansen.com/2007/10/27/setup_samba_for_bonjour_networking_with_os_x_105_l.html
Avahi " ... allows programs to publish and discover services and hosts running on a local network with no specific configuration. For example, you can plug into a network and instantly find printers to print to, files to look at and people to talk to."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avahi_(software)
Solution #8:
As #1, but support more connection options
There are many ways to connect two PCs; the old serial and parallel cables should still work, as well as null modem cables. But we now have IR ports and “USB host-to-host cables” are available (
http://www.linux-usb.org/usbnet/#t-host ).
Regardless of the method used, it would be really cool if connecting to a netbook, PC, PDA, etc. could be auto-detected (where possible), and bring up a consistent program to synchronise or transfer files.
There are many ways to connect two PCs; the old serial and parallel cables should still work, as well as null modem cables. But we now have IR ports and “USB host-to-host cables” are available (http://www.linux-usb.org/usbnet/#t-host ).
Regardless of the method used, it would be really cool if connecting to a netbook, PC, PDA, etc. could be auto-detected (where possible), and bring up a consistent program to synchronise or transfer files.
Solution #9:
Make current application more compatible with other technologies
I feel Solutions #2 and #4 and not suitable for all situations and are only temporary or situation-based solutions. Why do we need another new application for something so simple as sharing files on a network? Plus, both users need to co-ordinate and install those applications to share files.
We need a solution that just works without installing any new application and without necessary co-ordination between users. Imagine hundreds of users sharing files in a big company or on a network of casual users sharing books, music, etc. Do you expect everyone to install and use LanShark or Giver? I don't think so. People are more comfortable sharing files on Windows and MAC OS; we have to make ourselves compatible with them and limit ourselves to particular apps which allows files to be shared by only people using those apps.
We already have Samba to view/add shares. Samba is compatible with most knows OSs and works out of the box. If we can increase compatibility between Samba and Nautilus to improve the user experience and make things work out-of-the-box, I think we will have a permanent effective solution.
I feel Solutions #2 and #4 and not suitable for all situations and are only temporary or situation-based solutions. Why do we need another new application for something so simple as sharing files on a network? Plus, both users need to co-ordinate and install those applications to share files.
We need a solution that just works without installing any new application and without necessary co-ordination between users. Imagine hundreds of users sharing files in a big company or on a network of casual users sharing books, music, etc. Do you expect everyone to install and use LanShark or Giver? I don't think so. People are more comfortable sharing files on Windows and MAC OS; we have to make ourselves compatible with them and limit ourselves to particular apps which allows files to be shared by only people using those apps.
We already have Samba to view/add shares. Samba is compatible with most knows OSs and works out of the box. If we can increase compatibility between Samba and Nautilus to improve the user experience and make things work out-of-the-box, I think we will have a permanent effective solution.
Per application control of bandwidth
Ubuntu
In :
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee : Cedric Baudoin
Written by UBfusion the 3 Mar 08 at 20:48.
Global category: Internet & Networking.
New
In idea #2806 it was proposed to add a download cap to Synaptic.
I think that full control (and measurement) of the bandwidth for each application would be more flexible. You may think I'm crazy wanting to limit my bandwidth when the whole planet wants to increase it, but I think that the feature is much needed in the following cases:
- to control applications without built-in BW control (synaptic, firefox, etc)
- when the ISP imposes volume limits
- in places where one is accounted or monitored for traffic
- when the PC should not be seen uploading or downloading in an uncontrolled way (in schools, universities, work this will immediately trigger alarms)
Personally, on Windows I cannot live without Netlimiter, which apart from BW control has a very nice per-app firewall, displays charts, stats, connections and a lot of other vital info per network adapter.
Perhaps I'm describing a new utility rather than an Ubuntu idea, but since I don't know whether it is supported by the kernel and/or tcp/ip I have to post it as an Ubuntu networking idea.
Solution #1:
Auto-generated solution of idea #2849
Written by
UBfusion the 3 Mar 08 at 20:48.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2849 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2849 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution.</i><br /> Thanks!
Solution #2:
Add a Network tab to the System Monitor
The network tab would house a table which would have the following columns:
- local address/port
- foreign address/port
- type (dgram, stream)
- connected status
- send rate (kb/sec)
- total sent/received (kb)
- process
- user
This would be somewhat equivalent to the netstat command below:
sudo netstat -aepvc -t -u -w
The network tab would house a table which would have the following columns:
- local address/port
- foreign address/port
- type (dgram, stream)
- connected status
- send rate (kb/sec)
- total sent/received (kb)
- process
- user
This would be somewhat equivalent to the netstat command below:
sudo netstat -aepvc -t -u -w
Solution #3:
Use a separated application, e.g. wireshark
It is unlikely that system monitor could handle nearly as robust an analysis as an app dedicated specifically to network monitoring. Wireshark is dedicated to that purpose, and provides a very in-depth analysis of network traffic.
It is unlikely that system monitor could handle nearly as robust an analysis as an app dedicated specifically to network monitoring. Wireshark is dedicated to that purpose, and provides a very in-depth analysis of network traffic.
Solution #4:
Text Overlay
Written by
Basem the 16 Apr 09 at 04:03.
Add a text overlay on top of the network monitor that displays the name of the connected network.
Add a text overlay on top of the network monitor that displays the name of the connected network.