Written by BlackLukes the 19 Mar 08 at 15:51.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #5126 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 #5126 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!

Written by sartrejp the 23 Jan 09 at 13:47.

When the disc is full, the system becomes very difficult to use and gives a lot of problems, it would be good to be notified when it is low disk space to avoid problems later

When the disc is full, the system becomes very difficult to use and gives a lot of problems, it would be good to be notified when it is low disk space to avoid problems later

Written by tgm4883 the 23 Jan 09 at 16:44.

Show a popup using libnotify that indicates disk space is getting low (and what partition), same as battery notification for low battery.

Show a popup using libnotify that indicates disk space is getting low (and what partition), same as battery notification for low battery.

Written by oybon the 26 Jan 09 at 15:47.

Average Jo user isn't necessarily going to respond as needed to a low drive space notification. Or indeed know exactly what it means.

Thus Notify, give reason for notification with consequences of inaction and route to more information.

Average Jo user isn't necessarily going to respond as needed to a low drive space notification. Or indeed know exactly what it means. Thus Notify, give reason for notification with consequences of inaction and route to more information.

Written by rocket the 4 Feb 09 at 23:57.

Programs like BleachBit could be launched when there is low space, but don't forget to make sure they're installed before the space runs out!

Windows lets users launch its disk cleanup tool by clicking on the low space warning bubble, hopefully Ubuntu's solution can be as easy to use as this.

Programs like BleachBit could be launched when there is low space, but don't forget to make sure they're installed before the space runs out! Windows lets users launch its disk cleanup tool by clicking on the low space warning bubble, hopefully Ubuntu's solution can be as easy to use as this.

Written by Endolith the 4 Jun 09 at 02:20.

After giving the warning, programs should still be able to use the disk up to a point, but there should be a certain amount of disk free at all times, to keep the system usable and responsive. If an app tries to use up more than this, it should be paused or stopped.

A "low disk space" notification is straight out of Windows 95.

After giving the warning, programs should still be able to use the disk up to a point, but there should be a certain amount of disk free at all times, to keep the system usable and responsive. If an app tries to use up more than this, it should be paused or stopped. A "low disk space" notification is straight out of Windows 95.

Written by rubenverweij the 10 Oct 09 at 22:34.

Let's use both new notification systems. Display a libnotify message with "Low diskspace", display a notification in the Indicator applet that launches a dialog box with a message explaining why it is harmful to have this little free disk space.

Let's use both new notification systems. Display a libnotify message with "Low diskspace", display a notification in the Indicator applet that launches a dialog box with a message explaining why it is harmful to have this little free disk space.

Written by moredruid the 14 Oct 09 at 08:45.

let the report be based on a certain (95%?) threshold.
The popup reporting this should ideally have a number of options:
* go to the folder and clean up (maybe a background process has already indexed the filesystem and can present you with a list of outdated/not used files, various caches come to mind).
* ignore for now and warn again at 98%
* don't bother again for this mountpoint

let the report be based on a certain (95%?) threshold. The popup reporting this should ideally have a number of options: * go to the folder and clean up (maybe a background process has already indexed the filesystem and can present you with a list of outdated/not used files, various caches come to mind). * ignore for now and warn again at 98% * don't bother again for this mountpoint

Written by Theory5 the 14 Oct 09 at 22:30.

There should be a small moniter on either top or bottom bar that shows your main HDD space (in a measure format like windows vista does with HDD's) and if you scroll over it, it will show all your disks and stuff and their free space.

There should be a small moniter on either top or bottom bar that shows your main HDD space (in a measure format like windows vista does with HDD's) and if you scroll over it, it will show all your disks and stuff and their free space.

Written by xeniac the 15 Oct 09 at 09:03.

I like Solution #1: Back in the days when Linux was all about the console, you've got an login warning if disk usage was critical. Im pretty sures that Ubunutu does this to, but nobody sees it anymore.

Nowday a Desktop Linux System should'nt be a dump tool, it should help the user to solve his problems.

Ubunutu should offer an cleanup assistant that helps to
1.) purge your Harddrive from Backup Files, Temporary files and Duplicate Files (Leave one copy and Sym-/Hardlink the rest).
2.) Find the Files/Directorys eating the most Diskspace. (launch baobap)

I like Solution #1: Back in the days when Linux was all about the console, you've got an login warning if disk usage was critical. Im pretty sures that Ubunutu does this to, but nobody sees it anymore. Nowday a Desktop Linux System should'nt be a dump tool, it should help the user to solve his problems. Ubunutu should offer an cleanup assistant that helps to 1.) purge your Harddrive from Backup Files, Temporary files and Duplicate Files (Leave one copy and Sym-/Hardlink the rest). 2.) Find the Files/Directorys eating the most Diskspace. (launch baobap)

Written by Nw124 the 20 Oct 09 at 02:15.

Do what solution 2 says and add a gui like in vista and have a bar that shows how much of the disk space is used.

It should also tell you how much free space there is in GB ,Mb,or Kb (Depending on how big the disk is)

it could also do this on the desktop too for removable storage and show a meter.

Do what solution 2 says and add a gui like in vista and have a bar that shows how much of the disk space is used. It should also tell you how much free space there is in GB ,Mb,or Kb (Depending on how big the disk is) it could also do this on the desktop too for removable storage and show a meter.

Written by FrostyC the 4 Jan 10 at 10:20.

Have a user variable setting that can be changed at what point the low disk space becomes a problem. For instance, I am fine until I have less than 300 mb of hd space.

And I don't need a clean up wizard, I know what the problem is..

Have a user variable setting that can be changed at what point the low disk space becomes a problem. For instance, I am fine until I have less than 300 mb of hd space. And I don't need a clean up wizard, I know what the problem is..

Written by jschall the 12 Feb 10 at 16:38.

Simply reserve enough disk space that the system can keep working properly. The user will know that s/he is out of disk space when s/he tries to save a file.

The system should not stop running or slow down significantly.

Simply reserve enough disk space that the system can keep working properly. The user will know that s/he is out of disk space when s/he tries to save a file. The system should not stop running or slow down significantly.

Written by slsolaris the 8 Oct 08 at 03:24.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #14205 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 #14205 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!

Written by DavidONE the 29 Feb 08 at 14:37.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #1442 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 #1442 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!

Written by jzaiden the 21 Mar 09 at 12:55.

Windows manager could remember size and location of the windows. A behavior regarding this matter would be that wen you close a window it must record position and size for the next time. It could be a check box in System->Preferences->Windows for enabling and disabling this feature. Thanks!

Windows manager could remember size and location of the windows. A behavior regarding this matter would be that wen you close a window it must record position and size for the next time. It could be a check box in System->Preferences->Windows for enabling and disabling this feature. Thanks!

Written by epritchett the 28 Feb 08 at 23:51.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #246 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 #246 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!

Written by CydeSwype the 27 Jul 09 at 18:58.

Create empathy plugin for gnome-do

Create empathy plugin for gnome-do

Written by amrhassan the 7 Mar 09 at 23:30.

Like in this mockup:


Progress reporting can be done in a notify-osd bubble and have it always-shown along with the other maximum of two notification bubbles. This progress bubble can have other operations concatenated to it while it's on, so we don't have to need more than one extra bubble for all the progress reporting.

Like in this mockup: <img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2q9ifxh.png" /> Progress reporting can be done in a notify-osd bubble and have it always-shown along with the other maximum of two notification bubbles. This progress bubble can have other operations concatenated to it while it's on, so we don't have to need more than one extra bubble for all the progress reporting.

Written by yzarc the 8 Mar 09 at 23:16.

use the file-transfer's style. as it's already done by the nautilus on the file transfers, make possible to other programs to report its progress (and some controls) on this panel too.

in this case the icon should be replaced for a more generic one rather than the nautilus'. if possible a composed icon that indicates the global progress by a small pie or bar chart.

use notify-osd just to alert when one task is done.
I believe the look and feel of the nautilus progress panel will be improved to match the notify-osd level soon.

mockups below:

icon state


on mouse over state


windowed state. (after one mouse click)

use the file-transfer's style. as it's already done by the nautilus on the file transfers, make possible to other programs to report its progress (and some controls) on this panel too. in this case the icon should be replaced for a more generic one rather than the nautilus'. if possible a composed icon that indicates the global progress by a small pie or bar chart. use notify-osd just to alert when one task is done. I believe the look and feel of the nautilus progress panel will be improved to match the notify-osd level soon. mockups below: icon state <img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u8/spideryzarc/ubuntu/state1.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> on mouse over state <img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u8/spideryzarc/ubuntu/state2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> windowed state. (after one mouse click) <img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u8/spideryzarc/ubuntu/state3.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> edited: I found fair to point the image from where I took the main part of my mockup - http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/May-B?content=45837

Written by Joshua Hesketh the 16 Apr 09 at 14:01.

Similar to how notifications disappear into the task bar, actions (or progresses) could disappear (/fly) into a process queue (rather than a message queue). This way a nice notify-osd message can come up when you commence copying a file (in a very un-obstructing way) and then it is still accessible through the detailed list. You could even have the action fly out to notify-osd upon completion.

Similar to how notifications disappear into the task bar, actions (or progresses) could disappear (/fly) into a process queue (rather than a message queue). This way a nice notify-osd message can come up when you commence copying a file (in a very un-obstructing way) and then it is still accessible through the detailed list. You could even have the action fly out to notify-osd upon completion.

Written by Taku the 28 Feb 08 at 14:35.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #16 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 #16 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!

Written by stozi the 9 Jun 09 at 01:27.

copy slax's usb version, or find a more KISS-y way to do it.

copy slax's usb version, or find a more KISS-y way to do it.

Written by mac9416 the 30 Jun 09 at 23:17.

Place (semi-transparent?) numerical stats over the corresponding graphs.
For example, if CPU usage is at 40%, "40%" will be pasted over the CPU usage graph on the panel.

I threw together a few concept images:

Place (semi-transparent?) numerical stats over the corresponding graphs. For example, if CPU usage is at 40%, "40%" will be pasted over the CPU usage graph on the panel. I threw together a few concept images: <a href="http://imgur.com/eJ2Lkl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/eJ2Lkl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a> <hr /> <a href="http://imgur.com/oKZNRl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/oKZNRl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a><br /> <hr /> <a href="http://imgur.com/wfFeIl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/wfFeIl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

Written by andruk the 3 Jul 09 at 20:08.

To avoid occluding the numbers or the graphs, show the numbers to the side of the graphs, and color them the same as the graph colors.

To avoid occluding the numbers or the graphs, show the numbers to the side of the graphs, and color them the same as the graph colors.

Written by fernandoc1 the 13 Jul 09 at 17:58.

There should be four options for the user:
Show the graphs only.
Show the graphs and numbers over the graphs.
Show the graphs and numbers beside the graphs.
Show the numbers only.

There should be four options for the user: Show the graphs only. Show the graphs and numbers over the graphs. Show the graphs and numbers beside the graphs. Show the numbers only.

Written by isaacthulhu the 15 Jul 09 at 13:50.

Why not reclaim all the wasted desktop real-estate which is used to display the useless desktop picture? I have never understood the need for a desktop picture. As an option I can see the end user wanting the feature but as the default condition for the desktop it makes no sense at all, takes up literally the entire screen and it does nothing. Why is there no standard system information display for the desktop when everywhere else in the OS the emphasis is on functionality first?

I think you should be able not only to constantly and without effort discern everything about your CPU usage, but you should also be able to track everything else with nothing more than a glance at your desktop.

maybe something like the ring chart in Baobab would suffice?
if individual aesthetics are an issue make it theme-able.

Why not reclaim all the wasted desktop real-estate which is used to display the useless desktop picture? I have never understood the need for a desktop picture. As an option I can see the end user wanting the feature but as the default condition for the desktop it makes no sense at all, takes up literally the entire screen and it does nothing. Why is there no standard system information display for the desktop when everywhere else in the OS the emphasis is on functionality first? I think you should be able not only to constantly and without effort discern everything about your CPU usage, but you should also be able to track everything else with nothing more than a glance at your desktop. maybe something like the ring chart in Baobab would suffice? if individual aesthetics are an issue make it theme-able.

Written by yman the 25 Feb 09 at 16:39.

Make GRUB invisible, so that it directly loads Ubuntu. Ubuntu, in the 1st stage of booting will load a GUI boot menu and all the underlying stuff that's necessary for it, like Linux, X, Metacity, etc. The boot menu will automatically scan all connected devices for bootable OSs and media and display them in the GUI. If the user chooses to boot Ubuntu, Ubuntu will simply continue loading, which will result in the GDM login screen appearing in a near-instantaneous fashion (giving the user the impression that Ubuntu is faster than it is). If the user chooses another OS, Ubuntu will "chainload" it. The user will also be able to go back to the boot menu from within GDM and the desktop, thus allowing him to switch to another OS without reboot.

On the graphical side, this means a tightly integrated user experience, and the use of kernel-modesetting from the boot menu, instead of only from the bootsplash.

Make GRUB invisible, so that it directly loads Ubuntu. Ubuntu, in the 1st stage of booting will load a GUI boot menu and all the underlying stuff that's necessary for it, like Linux, X, Metacity, etc. The boot menu will automatically scan all connected devices for bootable OSs and media and display them in the GUI. If the user chooses to boot Ubuntu, Ubuntu will simply continue loading, which will result in the GDM login screen appearing in a near-instantaneous fashion (giving the user the impression that Ubuntu is faster than it is). If the user chooses another OS, Ubuntu will "chainload" it. The user will also be able to go back to the boot menu from within GDM and the desktop, thus allowing him to switch to another OS without reboot. On the graphical side, this means a tightly integrated user experience, and the use of kernel-modesetting from the boot menu, instead of only from the bootsplash.

Written by eapache the 25 Feb 09 at 21:59.

Grub 2 should significantly help these problems. Push for its development, and if necessary donate a developer to get it finished in the near future.

Grub 2 should significantly help these problems. Push for its development, and if necessary donate a developer to get it finished in the near future.

Written by maybeway36 the 9 Mar 09 at 18:55.

GRUB4DOS has the same features as regular GRUB, plus many, many more. It is updated on a regular basis. It is also compatible with gfxboot now, so it can look pretty.

GRUB4DOS has the same features as regular GRUB, plus many, many more. It is updated on a regular basis. It is also compatible with gfxboot now, so it can look pretty.

Written by luXy the 21 Mar 09 at 21:38.

We can have kexec support in the Ubuntu kernel and have a menu that opens up to choose a OS to boot. This menu program should be customizable: a configuration in the menu would be great. When a user chooses to boot Ubuntu, the menu session would choose and gdm would start. Otherwise, the session ends, and we can call kexec to boot the other OS.

We can have kexec support in the Ubuntu kernel and have a menu that opens up to choose a OS to boot. This menu program should be customizable: a configuration in the menu would be great. When a user chooses to boot Ubuntu, the menu session would choose and gdm would start. Otherwise, the session ends, and we can call kexec to boot the other OS.

Written by Kver the 27 Mar 09 at 06:22.

This revolves around using a minimal splashtop-type system as the bootloader itself. Splashtop boots in 5 seconds into a full browser; This concept revolves only loading a graphical selection screen with additional options, sans-browser until launched. This differs from GRUB 2 in that this could launch small applications like a web-browser or repair kit.

The boot might work something like this:
- Detect the display settings, and quickly boot into X
- User would be presented with larger icons (128x128?) for each OS they have installed. Clicking the icons would message the system to boot into that OS. Right-clicking could allow users booting into safe-modes or other common options. This UI could possibly use components from login managers like KDM.
- Other options might include simple tools to manage booting and operating systems (similar to existing GRUB editors), Ie detecting, adding or removing systems.
- Later versions could include options for web-browsing or other more splashtop-esque tasks to be loaded. It would only load these AFTER the selection screen.
- If possible, pass the Xserver off to Plymouth for no flickering on plymouth-enabled systems.

Only loading 2-4 icons and a minimal interface should take the already blazing 5-second load of splashtops and reduce it to near-nothing for a fully graphical environment. Minimal widgets or only what's needed could be used. In addition, users would be more comfortable and less frightened of a dual-booting machine.

This revolves around using a minimal splashtop-type system as the bootloader itself. Splashtop boots in 5 seconds into a full browser; This concept revolves only loading a graphical selection screen with additional options, sans-browser until launched. This differs from GRUB 2 in that this could launch small applications like a web-browser or repair kit. The boot might work something like this: - Detect the display settings, and quickly boot into X - User would be presented with larger icons (128x128?) for each OS they have installed. Clicking the icons would message the system to boot into that OS. Right-clicking could allow users booting into safe-modes or other common options. This UI could possibly use components from login managers like KDM. - Other options might include simple tools to manage booting and operating systems (similar to existing GRUB editors), Ie detecting, adding or removing systems. - Later versions could include options for web-browsing or other more splashtop-esque tasks to be loaded. It would only load these AFTER the selection screen. - If possible, pass the Xserver off to Plymouth for no flickering on plymouth-enabled systems. Only loading 2-4 icons and a minimal interface should take the already blazing 5-second load of splashtops and reduce it to near-nothing for a fully graphical environment. Minimal widgets or only what's needed could be used. In addition, users would be more comfortable and less frightened of a dual-booting machine. Mockup below http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/raraken/booter.png

Written by Hetor the 1 May 09 at 16:46.

GUI in a bootloader is not necessary and will only increase booting time, realize it. Can you live 10 seconds without pretty graphics?

GUI in a bootloader is not necessary and will only increase booting time, realize it. Can you live 10 seconds without pretty graphics?

Written by Kver the 16 May 09 at 16:25.

Assuming a graphical boot loader is eventually used, enable mouse support.

Assuming a graphical boot loader is eventually used, enable mouse support.

Written by biasibo the 16 Oct 09 at 21:04.

There might be a menu entry in the user switch applet that expands to show all the available operating systems on the machine.

There might be a menu entry in the user switch applet that expands to show all the available operating systems on the machine.