Contributor amrhassan - Ubuntu brainstorm

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The Ubuntu community has contributed 21986 ideas, 135057 comments, 2615221 votes

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Contributor amrhassan

Tool for easy migration of wubi install to native

Written by slavix the 29 May 08 at 23:07. Global category: Installation. In development

People who use wubi install to try the system would benefit from a tool that would make it easy to migrate the install to a native (partition) install.

Developer comments

No updates yet on this project, assuming still in development.

327
votes

See the 45 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 May 12 at 13:07) >>

Power Management

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Low
Definition :	Pending Approval (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Slow progress
Assignee :	Amit Kucheria

Written by jsmidt the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49. Global category: Others. In development

Ubuntu needs to go green. Powertop, Lesswatts and other tools have finally hit the Linux scene to pave the way for better power management. It needs to be said, "if you want your battery to last longest, or have your energy bill be the lowest, you better use Ubuntu Linux."

Merged from 18976:
Power management still isn't very effective in Linux and it still puts a lot of laptop users off Linux. While Linux has come on a long way thanks to the work of Intel with PowerTOP informing developers when their software breaks the idol state unnecessarily so they are doing their part as well as the kernel developers now we still have a long way to go to compete with Windows and I'm looking at ways for Ubuntu to do this.

One of the benefits of Linux is that is very easy to customise and a lot of its users love to tinker. Ubuntu should therefore use this to its advantage by allowing its power users to easily have access to the latest developments in Linux power efficiency. This would also be useful to Ubuntu as power users could submit results on what settings are most economical for specific hardware. This would give Ubuntu the chance to market itself on its power efficacy over other operating systems by it silently implementing these settings on the detected hardware setup for new users.

To give users these advantages Ubuntu should help more on Intels Lesswatts projects as these are Linux's best bet on beating windows power management. The problem is the solution to effective power management needs to simple enough that it works for a new user that wont even know its active but also very easy for power users to modify and test their own setups from one central tool.

http://www.lesswatts.org/

8015
votes

336
votes

663
votes

333
votes

2
votes

Selected solution (#6): Develop/Intergrate WattOSPM (GUI laptop-mode/Powersaving) in2 Gnome-power-manger

Written by chappell101 the 1 Apr 09 at 15:16.

This is taking Solution #3 to prevent conflict and expanding to give Gnome-power-manger 2 modes, simple for average user and button to reveal an advance set of options for power users based off the options in WattOSPM and PowerTOP.

To stop average users completely breaking their system with the tool only include safe things to disable in the simple mode in an on/off switch manor such as the optical drives and sound chipsets which aren't necessary to all users on the go but still waste power, Also this is a feature possible in windows for a long time now! The advanced mode could log user results of all their changes and show on a graph similar to Gnomes current power chart and have the option to submit the best back to Ubuntu so they can be set as silent defaults values for specific hardware for less technical users.

WattOSPM is already an effective little python tray-bound GUI to enable fast changing of laptop-mode-tools, X-backlight, and Powersaving settings to optimise many parts of your system for battery consumption and performance. So it would be nice to see it assisted by Ubuntu developers to add more features while it is integrated into Gnome to give back to the whole Linux community. These changes could be those found in Rightmark CPU Clock Utility for Windows Eg.CPU performance states editor, Thermal throttling values, and CPU PLL lock time these could be accessed through the Gnome CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet in the tray if cpufreq-selector is installed by default.

[...]

Also get Ubuntu to look at some of the power/speed measures used in the Ubuntu derivative distribution WattOS and port them back to the main distribution where possible.

How to Install http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=6362540&postcount=103
Review http://www.raiden.net/?cat=2&aid=539

138
votes

Selected solution (#7): Write a simple GUI to control laptop-mode-tools.

Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 22:03.

Here are some parameters of /etc/laptop-mode/laptop-mode.conf that sometimes should be customized not only by greatly experienced users: readahead size, disk spin down timeout, maximum time to keep data in memory, low battery level to write data to disk, whether to enable all of this on AC power. There IS a reason for it, for example optimal readahead can be very different on machines with different amount of RAM. Also, this is a way of locking some values (for example the tool should not allow to set readahead >RAM/50).
Also there should be a global Enable HDD Powersave Tools checkbox controlling /etc/default/acpi-support ENABLE_LAPTOP_MODE.

And I also think there should be an option (with warning) to set hdparm -B to 254 in all modes (this fixes ustoppable spinning down on battery for some laptops).

18
votes

57
votes

Selected solution (#9): Expand the capabilities of gnome-power-manager

Written by brand0con the 12 Mar 09 at 01:27.

Gnome power manager is a great tool but I think it could use some expansion. Namely, I'd like to see it logging (and eventually graphing) the system's battery history over the long term (not just a session) to give a more accurate picture of how a user typically uses his or her machine battery-wise and to give a sense of the machine's capabilities.

Ideally, the app would mature and after a set interval of recording this data, it would be able to provide a few basic suggestions based on power related events as to how the user can get the most life out of their battery in the long and short term.

5
votes

Selected solution (#10): "Green Software" Logo

Written by MX the 27 Mar 09 at 12:44.

To increase visibility and to be supported by facts: e.g. increases battery life by x% on average (for notebooks) or reduces average energy consumption by x % (for Pc's).

From my experience proper, non-technical and business oriented communication is key to reach most users and convince them about the usp's of a product.

Thinking of a usp - energy efficiency has a high impact.

Appreciate your thoughts and keep going!

159
votes

85
votes

Selected solution (#12): Automatic charge/discharge

Written by Mondane the 9 Feb 09 at 14:26.

The user shouldn't be bothered checking his battery and/or removing the battery when on AC power. Make the OS drain the battery on intervals so the battery stays intelligent when the laptop is on AC power.

The user should have the option the interrupt and revert the draining if he knows he needs a full battery and is leaving in a short time.

25
votes

Selected solution (#13): Set the maximum battery charge on AC power

Written by mathieu the 5 Feb 09 at 18:36.

In order to preserve its battery's life, I would like to set the maximum percentage of charge (60% or 80% for example) when I'm not using it outdoor.

But if I have to use it outdoor, I want to release the limitation easily to get the maximum charge.
Finally, when I come back at home, I would like to use the battery power if the charge level is over the limitation setting, even if I have plugged the AC cable.

This trick will increase our Li-ion battery lifetime. Because if it is always completely charged when the laptop is running on AC power, its charging/discharging capacity will decrease quickly than if it is set on a lower value.

0
votes

See the 86 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 9 Apr 12 at 16:26) >>

People buying a preinstalled computer with Ubuntu are a bit lost

Written by risbac the 15 Jan 09 at 13:04. Global category: Usability. Won't implement

Look at this story: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9667184

With Ubuntu being now available from vendors like Dell, it's quite obvious that some people absolutely NOT familiar with Linux but very familiar with Windows will buy computers with Ubuntu and will try to do things the same way they were always used to do. And of course it fails, and they feel frustrated.

865
votes

Solution #1: Show an introduction at first boot on preinstalled computers

Written by risbac the 15 Jan 09 at 13:04.

I think that when it comes bundled on computers like Dell's ones, there should be some kind of introduction on the desktop the first time you boot the computer. Some kind of "Coming from Windows? Learn how to do the same in Ubuntu".

Then it should explain the biggest differences:

-Openoffice is compatible with Word, you can save docs using Office format
-you don't use Windows softwares or CDs anymore
-you don't download & install softwares from internet like on Windows,
but use the built-in software (and you give more details and
advantages)
-you don't need to install the drivers and crap softwares from
hardware vendors just to access internet or install a printer
-etc... etc...

As usually, to have good ideas is great, but if you don't promote them the good way, it's just useless. Maybe Canonical should consider that and work with Dell to make sure the transition is easier. That would benefit both to Dell and to Canonical. Currently new users are a bit
left in the mist. I agree that it's possible to find this info, but you have to look for it. I think it should be displayed on the desktop, when you boot for the first time.

368
votes

Solution #2: As #1 but wider reaching

Written by Oli the 15 Jan 09 at 15:05.

While I think there should be a full tour for new users, I think it can be made better for more than just Dell/other-preinstall customers.

I thinking a full "support centre" where users can learn how to do things, and to an extent, automate certain initial-setup tasks.

One example would be networking. Give the user tasks based on what hardware is available. If they ask for wireless networking, check to see if the driver is working. If it's not, get ndiswrapper set up. Finalise by walking them through the network manager applet.

Similar things for printers, scanners, phones, alternative software, Wine, codecs, etc.

The most important thing (in my eyes) would be some form of IRC integration. There are hundreds of people in #ubuntu that can help so why not leverage it better?

The interface has to be simple. I'm thinking the user initially just sees a text box asking them what's wrong. They type their question, click a button. Behind the scenes, it connects to IRC as guest-3423483. We all hide that from the user. When somebody replies to them (prefixing their name) that message gets shown to the user.

385
votes

Solution #4: Vendors should clearly specify that this computer uses Ubuntu

Written by Primož Papič the 16 Jan 09 at 00:26.

eugene2k has provided an interesting story: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9667184 now it dosen't say how well specified that the computer uses Ubuntu instead of Windows, but I guess not enough as this probably wouldn't happen if it would.
So Canonical should demand that vendors specify and educate users that the computer that they are buying has Ubuntu instead of Windows.
And that vendors should provide informations that are presented in solution #1.

185
votes

Solution #5: Seamless File-Format Integration

Written by tchalvakspam the 23 Jan 09 at 18:29.

File-format issues should be cleared up as the attempted use occurs, not in text that the user may never read or connect to the actions that they do later, so:

First attempted use of an exe file should point at Add/Remove Software as a better solution, and then offer to install Wine.

Opening a .doc file in open office should result in defaulting to saving in .doc format, and OOo already provides an explanatory "microsoft format document files aren't very open, are you sure you want to save in that format" message.

89
votes

Solution #6: Slight menu re-branding: "Add/Remove..." -> "Get Software"

Written by tchalvakspam the 23 Jan 09 at 18:40.

The "Add/Remove Software" concept has been polluted by windows' horrible non-open-repository methods of dealing with installation.
In windows, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ONLY-REMOVE-SOFTWARE-HERE.
In ubuntu, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ADD-99999-DIFFERENT-APPLICATIONS-HERE. (Personally I rarely if ever bother to even uninstall software, since there is rarely any disadvantage to having it lying around dormant, a major contrast with Windows).

The ability to add free applications in a few clicks is the BIGGEST advantage of Ubuntu, but it is under-emphasized and under-promoted.

Making this ability a more obvious and clearly different-from-windows feature of Ubuntu would be an all-around win.

87
votes

Solution #7: More documentation and help system like Windows Vista

Written by JoeLeKiffeur the 29 Jan 09 at 01:51.

(My English level is not very good)

1) Many beginners in the world of GNU/Linux think Ubuntu is not difficult to understand the GUI, but can be lost by a lack of documentation. I note that there are too much GUI softwares doesn't have help, or haven't the famous F1 shortcut.

2) Windows Vista have a great search feature in documentation pages. This feature can search documentation in all pages of all softwares I think. We can't waste our time with this help system.

3) A general tutorial icon in the desktop could be a good solution because beginners could find many informations about how works the system, and how to be helped offline (Linuxian must be easily helped despite internet connexions problems).

49
votes

Solution #8: Package, compress and install a snapshot of the Help wiki

Written by Warbo the 29 Jan 09 at 22:12.

The Ubuntu help wiki (help.ubuntu.com and help.ubuntu.com/community) is a great resource for help.

Whilst forums and IRC are good for specific issues, they're not too good as a reference since you need to wade through everyone else's specific problems, and often don't find much reference-style documentation.

The Help Wiki is organised and categorised, constantly being updated and is an informative resource about the Ubuntu system.

I was tempted to say that only the networking pages should be packaged, to help people get online and access the rest, but that's rather elitist since not everyone has Internet access.

To keep size down only the latest revision is needed, only pages applying to default setups and common needs (ie. keep restricted formats installation instructions, don't need Enemy Territory installation instructions), only a static format is needed (ie. no Wiki software) and only those applying to the release of Ubuntu they're packaged for are needed. This should be a reasonable size when compressed with 7zip.

-104
votes

-120
votes

Solution #10: Stop dumbing down the user. Show under the hood as soon as possible.

Written by gcbzzzz the 4 Feb 09 at 02:05.

Teaching the user that linux you can't break anything like windows (flashing registry edit warnings), and it's all just a bunch of simple text files, will make more good then an introduction that 110% of the experienced users will just curse to death every time.

Makes every GUI app tells what it's doing. Or at least put help button near the action that tells how/what it's doing.

Something like gparted does with file/device names and commands would be awesome.

E.g. network manager, it should at least mention that when you add a interface there, you are adding a couple of lines to /etc/network/interfaces. Who here knows that? I only know because i used older distros. The point is, if the user wants to do something that does not have a visible button, he will panic. knowing the files help him search online.

68
votes

Solution #11: Find supported hardware utility.

Written by nloewen the 11 Feb 09 at 23:47.

As part of the solution, there should be a utility were a user can search for different hardware that they are thinking about buying. with different categories for printers, scanners, wireless cards, etc. It should tell the user weather the hardware will be automatically detected, needs to be set up, needs some form of windows driver, needs a driver available from the manufacturers web sight, is not supported, etc. and should give instructions on how to set it up. This would be extremely helpful for the new user who doesn't know what hardware to buy or how to set it up in ubuntu.

29
votes

Solution #12: Add a choice to start it then or later, and have it start on next boot

Written by PC Expert 001 the 13 Feb 09 at 14:35.

Because of all the old computers out there, some people are repairing them to make a small profit. Because they can't spend $100s on Windows, as well as the compatibility issues with older systems, they look at Ubuntu to run them.

Because it is a good idea to test the computers, you need to be able to boot into the OS. But, because of an introduction, it would also have run and not played, so there should be an option that you can tell it to run the introduction on the next boot from in the OS.

38
votes

Solution #13: Focus on high-quality: Have essential offline help & an interface to online/wiki

Written by jamessnell the 13 Feb 09 at 17:27.

There should be a basic integrated/offline tour feature intended to get users online & browsing.

Beyond that, there should be an interface/hooks in to the already well-established online documentation & user forms.

High-value documents need to be prioritised so the user has to dig deep to be exposed to untested or really convoluted solutions/instructions.

21
votes

1
votes

Solution #15: Tell the user directly that Ubuntu is better than Windows

Written by shane.halloran the 17 Feb 10 at 20:47.

I know it may sound too simple, but directly saying at the start of any tutorial "Ubuntu is better than Windows, here's why...", and then stating very clearly why, would be an effective approach to reducing the number of users switching-back to Windows.

Of course, factors such as security, speed, etc are mentioned.

See the 29 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 03:36) >>

remove 'Brasero' software and replace in 'k3b'

Written by shimi810 the 3 Apr 09 at 01:56. Global category: Multimedia. Won't implement

Brasero is the software burn is quite old,
Brasero recording software there is enough, please changed it to a burn k3b.

-603
votes

Solution #1: remove 'Brasero' software and replase in 'k3b'

Written by shimi810 the 3 Apr 09 at 01:56.

in Brasero - does not have a few bugs and is no longer functioning as functioning in the past;
in k3b - can burn really almost everything, and it is perfect for anyone (even though it is intended for users of desktop kde). Even the software automatically checks MD5.

Of course the intention is to replace the list of software packages that are installed automatically after installation in ubuntu.

837
votes

-495
votes

-10
votes

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Dec 11 at 16:02) >>

Remove Ekiga, add Compiz Config Setting Manager

Written by days_of_ruin the 22 Jun 08 at 21:56. Global category: Installation. Not an idea

Very few people use ekiga smartphone and removing
would free up space for more stuff like compiz
config settings manager.Some people see the compiz
videos on youtube and shouldn't have to download
an app to enable them.

52
votes

See the 6 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 17 Nov 11 at 08:47) >>

Bring back the "Run application" menu item to Gnome

Written by azrael the 5 Jul 08 at 13:14. Related project: Gnome. New

Gnome used to have a "Run Application" menu item just like in Windows, KDE, and others. But it was removed in Gnome 2.12. Now users have to know the ALT+F2 shortcut or search for the "Run" applet.
Alt+f2 run dialog is hardcoded into gnome-panel. There is no way to create a menu item for it. There are many independent implementations of it: grun, gmrun, gnome-run-dialog, gnome-panel-tool. It proves that people still need it.

Also lots of people ask for it:
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/gentoo/user/167129
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=68031
http://darkness.codefu.org/wordpress/post/152
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=76150
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=506489
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=91454
http://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/32956
http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/redhat-fedora-linux-help/66659-run-command-gno me-desktop.html
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=593846
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=88695
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=512290

[....]

53
votes

1
votes

Solution #2: Add item to menu

Written by Agradilious the 3 Oct 11 at 18:12.

Add the run cmd item to the menu as requested. I seriously doubt there is any proof other than personal speculation of exactly how many users and what there skill level is that actually users the run cmd. However it doesn't hurt anything to have it.

At worst a few power users will complain because in their opinion it's useless or some other solution is easier/better, well being power users they can either ignore it, or disable in in the menu editor.

Windows has it and windows is aimed at JoeUser. Yes, so what if it's merged with search in vista/7 .. guess what? .. it's still there.

See the 16 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Oct 11 at 18:05) >>

Screenlets, Awn, Wammu

Written by Njitap the 22 Jun 08 at 11:42. Global category: Look and Feel. Not an idea

I think It could be a good idea to add Screenlets (Http://www.screenlets.org), Awn (Http://www.launchpad.net/awn) and Wammu (Http://www.wammu.eu) as some integrated parts of Ubuntu/Gnome...

Really...

-17
votes

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 1 Oct 11 at 12:50) >>

Don't delete human theme

Written by alpikat the 5 Jul 08 at 22:19. Global category: Graphics. Won't implement

If ubuntu 8.10 decides to change the theme, also retain the current theme: human. Because I think there are many people who do not like the new theme and prefer to use human.

200
votes

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 1 Oct 11 at 10:15) >>

Better Emoticons for Pidgin and Icons for Pidgin high quality,more attractive

Written by dragoninsane the 8 Jul 08 at 15:56. Related project: Pidgin Internet Messenger. Not an idea

An emoticon is a symbol or combination of symbols used to convey emotional content in written or message form. The word is a portmanteau of the English words emotion (or emote) and icon.
Icons in pidgin are look like in 80's.we need replacement
High quality glossy or better looking graphics inside pidgin
like Trillan pro-astra,ichat,yahoo,windows live etc
i agree all are commercial but look at the services they provide.only positive side to pidgin is multiprotocol.
*-pidgin should better compatible with most of the clients for im
*-pidgin should improve font support in Linux and ubuntu
*-pidgin should support better taskbar notification,when selected to notify.by default it doesnt notify with good message box,icons?
*-one click dont bug me.

55
votes

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 23 Sep 11 at 08:03) >>

Ubuntu should be more Windows supported..

Written by dinbrca the 20 Jun 08 at 18:02. Global category: Others. Not an idea

I think that if ubuntu would support windows more then it would have a lot more users.. (and i mean a lot)
for example: if exe file would be more supported and you wont need to install wine for example then it would be nice.. (people that came from windows like to use there own softwares...)
and if the synpatic would created packages by it self it could be nice..
and if for example: i just started for the first time ubuntu and i think it would be nice if i could choose the software i would like to install at the first time i boot ubuntu then it would be nice..
plus i think that ubuntu isnt so supportive in drivers for hardware.. for example i have the printer: Lexmark z705 and the driver ubuntu installed for me (the default driver was installed) isnt good for my printer.. it should support better old hardware..
for last: i think that ubuntu (and linux at all) have a lot more job to do.. (thats why windows st stiil have more users)
plus my screen is old and ubuntu doesnt support it so well..
I just started to use ubuntu tweak and i think it is needed to be pre-installed with ubuntu and not by the user after ubuntu is first installed..
i think that the archive manager sucks.. and should be more improved

-57
votes

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Sep 11 at 16:10) >>

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