Written by christophski the 3 Jun 09 at 10:51.

We could use the new Ubuntu notifications to do provide this alert. Just something simple like "USB Webcam detected" with an icon of a webcam.

We could use the new Ubuntu notifications to do provide this alert. Just something simple like "USB Webcam detected" with an icon of a webcam.

Written by cheesehead the 3 Jun 09 at 15:50.

Since I already have hotplug scripts that execute when a new device is detected, I don't need these notifications. In this case, detection notifications would be a nuisance.

Since I already have hotplug scripts that execute when a new device is detected, I don't need these notifications. In this case, detection notifications would be a nuisance.

Written by DnaX the 6 Jun 09 at 00:11.

An implementation of solution #1: There is this python script that notify new devices discovered by HAL. Work fine.

https://code.launchpad.net/~dnax88/+junk/hal-notify

Some examples:

An implementation of solution #1: There is this python script that notify new devices discovered by HAL. Work fine. https://code.launchpad.net/~dnax88/+junk/hal-notify Some examples: <img src="http://dnax.netsons.org/storage/hal-notify.png" /> <img src="http://dnax.netsons.org/storage/hal-notify2.png" />

Written by jamespgray the 7 Jun 09 at 18:47.

I expect when I plug in a new device it will be detected and configured and ready for my use within 10 seconds or so. A notification can be displayed if the device is NOT usable for some reason or isn't ready within the 10 seconds. (2 different notification messages).

The old equation: silence = success

I expect when I plug in a new device it will be detected and configured and ready for my use within 10 seconds or so. A notification can be displayed if the device is NOT usable for some reason or isn't ready within the 10 seconds. (2 different notification messages). The old equation: silence = success

Written by walterav the 7 Jun 09 at 22:37.

It might give a "false assumption" that the hardware is also supported and directly working with ubuntu.

My suggestion would be that it gives a notification that is green/if the hardware directly works, it might fade away!

Other wise make the notification "red" with a extra dialog box that say's this hardware is not supported, or needs the following procedure, or something with cancel.

This idea can be combined with solution 1 / 3

It might give a "false assumption" that the hardware is also supported and directly working with ubuntu. My suggestion would be that it gives a notification that is green/if the hardware directly works, it might fade away! Other wise make the notification "red" with a extra dialog box that say's this hardware is not supported, or needs the following procedure, or something with cancel. This idea can be combined with solution 1 / 3

Written by Mentalikryst the 14 Jun 09 at 22:05.

Give a menu that gives some information such as:

*Status
*Compatibility
*Type of Device
*Programs which use the device (So give Nautilus/Dolphin for a USB Flash Drive, Network Manager for a WiFi adapter, etc.)

The menu would fade away and would not be obtrusive, but would give the user information about the device and give options on what to do.

Give a menu that gives some information such as: *Status *Compatibility *Type of Device *Programs which use the device (So give Nautilus/Dolphin for a USB Flash Drive, Network Manager for a WiFi adapter, etc.) The menu would fade away and would not be obtrusive, but would give the user information about the device and give options on what to do.

Written by DaVince the 15 Jun 09 at 22:25.

It would probably be a good idea to have an icon pop up while a notification is shown, so that accessibility to configuration of this little tool is available. Anyone who doesn't like the notifications or wants to disable them for certain hardware will be able to do so by clicking this icon (a special configuration window will pop up).

The icon will automatically disappear shortly after the notification was shown.

It would probably be a good idea to have an icon pop up while a notification is shown, so that accessibility to configuration of this little tool is available. Anyone who doesn't like the notifications or wants to disable them for certain hardware will be able to do so by clicking this icon (a special configuration window will pop up). The icon will automatically disappear shortly after the notification was shown.

Written by lokster the 6 May 11 at 22:08.

I have developed an application for this purpose. It shows notifications for many devices (not just Flash Drives and WebCams), and works on Ubuntu 10.10, 11.04 (and derivatives). Maybe on 10.04 too, but I haven't tested it yet. Its name is udev-notify and you can find more info and packages here: http://udev-notify.learnfree.eu/

I have developed an application for this purpose. It shows notifications for many devices (not just Flash Drives and WebCams), and works on Ubuntu 10.10, 11.04 (and derivatives). Maybe on 10.04 too, but I haven't tested it yet. Its name is udev-notify and you can find more info and packages here: http://udev-notify.learnfree.eu/

Written by corfy the 5 Mar 08 at 04:17.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #3253 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 #3253 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 mikemaccana the 29 Feb 08 at 01:19.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #384 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 #384 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 bukzor the 9 Apr 11 at 19:38.

@Developer: If you pick the winner of the contest, then surely you will have seen it beforehand... This can easily be done. Please reconsider. For a great reference see the recent collaborative competition hosted by TF2 and Polycount.org ( http://www.polycount.com/team-fortress-2-polycount-pack/ ). This created valuable assets for TF2, prestige for Polycount members, and great buzz for both.

@Developer: If you pick the winner of the contest, then surely you will have seen it beforehand... This can easily be done. Please reconsider. For a great reference see the recent collaborative competition hosted by TF2 and Polycount.org ( http://www.polycount.com/team-fortress-2-polycount-pack/ ). This created valuable assets for TF2, prestige for Polycount members, and great buzz for both.

Written by aysiu the 28 Feb 08 at 18:51.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #141 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 #141 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 Ubuwu the 5 Feb 09 at 17:24.

StartUp Manager, or SUM, is a gui tool for changing settings for Grub, Grub2, Usplash and Splashy.

http://web.telia.com/~u88005282/sum/

StartUp Manager, or SUM, is a gui tool for changing settings for Grub, Grub2, Usplash and Splashy. http://web.telia.com/~u88005282/sum/

Written by spyyder the 16 Mar 08 at 18:27.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4848 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 #4848 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 mikaelstaldal the 4 Dec 08 at 09:43.

Make "Delete downloaded packages after installation" in Synaptics off by default.

Make "Delete downloaded packages after installation" in Synaptics off by default.

Written by programad the 11 Mar 08 at 15:24.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4236 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 #4236 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 slsolaris the 8 Mar 09 at 17:56.

canonical should just add a few screen-savers made specially for ubuntu, and no more; for those people who still like to have a lot of screen-saver (i do not know why?) should be able to download them form internet if they like, in a deb ot a tar.gz file, so they could install them easily.

canonical should just add a few screen-savers made specially for ubuntu, and no more; for those people who still like to have a lot of screen-saver (i do not know why?) should be able to download them form internet if they like, in a deb ot a tar.gz file, so they could install them easily.

Written by slsolaris the 18 Mar 09 at 03:52.

for example GLText should be editable, give as the option to set speed, improved graphics, etc... but do not remove them because a lot of them are awesome.
in the other hand some of them are ugly and u should remove:
Lavalite, sonar, spheremonics, circuit, deco, engine, FlipScreen3D, Floating Toasters (what the hell is that, LOL), GFlux, GLKnots...
please do it canonical, Linux for human Beings, computer needs to be personal.

for example GLText should be editable, give as the option to set speed, improved graphics, etc... but do not remove them because a lot of them are awesome. in the other hand some of them are ugly and u should remove: Lavalite, sonar, spheremonics, circuit, deco, engine, FlipScreen3D, Floating Toasters (what the hell is that, LOL), GFlux, GLKnots... please do it canonical, Linux for human Beings, computer needs to be personal.

Written by tobster the 29 Apr 09 at 18:27.

screen"savers" aren't needed any more with modern lcd panels they are nothing more than a waste of cpu cycles and energy.

screen"savers" aren't needed any more with modern lcd panels they are nothing more than a waste of cpu cycles and energy.

Written by daddo the 30 Apr 09 at 16:08.

Replace the "Blank screen" with DPMS feature. Maybe even set it default.

Replace the "Blank screen" with DPMS feature. Maybe even set it default.

Written by Mehall the 29 Apr 09 at 00:03.

It has just been pointed out that most of the screensavers aren't actually part of the gnome-screensaver package.

IMO, if something isn't required for a package to work, then it should be "recommends" not "depends" and this is a good place to start.

It has just been pointed out that most of the screensavers aren't actually part of the gnome-screensaver package. IMO, if something isn't required for a package to work, then it should be "recommends" not "depends" and this is a good place to start.

Written by lee.jarratt the 28 Apr 09 at 20:34.

A good idea is to remove many of these screensavers (some are quite poor) and place them in a "screensavers-extra" package so users who do want to use a not-so-popular screensaver can just install the package.

An advantage for this is that it will cut down the size of the disk image by around 8Mb. That 8Mb for Screensavers could be used towards something more useful.

A good idea is to remove many of these screensavers (some are quite poor) and place them in a "screensavers-extra" package so users who do want to use a not-so-popular screensaver can just install the package. An advantage for this is that it will cut down the size of the disk image by around 8Mb. That 8Mb for Screensavers could be used towards something more useful.

Written by pumukyjunior the 6 May 09 at 14:34.

I think it could be interesting to mantain the most popular screenSavers by default, and let the user to search, explore, and to try another screensavers.

Maybe, these ones could be stored in a repository, and shown to users by a user-friendly interface.

I think something simililar is done in KDE 4.0 when you want to install a new Grub image.


Finally, I would keep the black screensaver by default, in order to try to safe Energy.

I think it could be interesting to mantain the most popular screenSavers by default, and let the user to search, explore, and to try another screensavers. Maybe, these ones could be stored in a repository, and shown to users by a user-friendly interface. I think something simililar is done in KDE 4.0 when you want to install a new Grub image. Finally, I would keep the black screensaver by default, in order to try to safe Energy.

Written by rmconard the 7 May 09 at 15:16.

During the install process the user should come to a section about the "look and feel" of Ubuntu. From this spot in the installation the user should be given the option of installing which screensavers he/she wants. You should have 3 options:

1) Install All Screensavers
2) Install No Screensavers
3) Install Some Screensavers (choose which ones)

This way, the ones the user doesn't choose don't even get put on the HD.

During the install process the user should come to a section about the "look and feel" of Ubuntu. From this spot in the installation the user should be given the option of installing which screensavers he/she wants. You should have 3 options: 1) Install All Screensavers 2) Install No Screensavers 3) Install Some Screensavers (choose which ones) This way, the ones the user doesn't choose don't even get put on the HD.

Written by Ubuwu the 30 Sep 08 at 21:35.

Include and enable ejecter in default ubuntu installation.

Include and enable ejecter in default ubuntu installation.

Written by Alexander Lancey the 25 Aug 10 at 02:27.

Allow users to install the latest version of a package from the repository, even if it is older than the installed version. Currently, the Software Center errors if a user tries to downgrade.

Allow users to install the latest version of a package from the repository, even if it is older than the installed version. Currently, the Software Center errors if a user tries to downgrade.

Written by zpletan the 31 Aug 10 at 11:05.

https://launchpad.net/ppa-purge

It would be nice to have this in the Software Center GUI.

https://launchpad.net/ppa-purge It would be nice to have this in the Software Center GUI.

Written by drdanielfc the 7 Sep 10 at 21:37.

You should be able to pick any version available in the previous Ubuntu respositories

You should be able to pick any version available in the previous Ubuntu respositories

Written by wolterh the 11 Mar 09 at 02:40.

I propose to give every item, on it's properties, an option to gravitate to one of either extremes of the panel. This way, when you remove an item the items will maintain their organization making your panels look clean without an effort.

I propose to give every item, on it's properties, an option to gravitate to one of either extremes of the panel. This way, when you remove an item the items will maintain their organization making your panels look clean without an effort.

Written by stevemot the 11 Mar 09 at 14:26.

The main reason that re-organizing the Panel is such a pain is that the user has to unlock each of the items on the Panel individually before they can be moved. This solution proposes to add a right-click context menu item to the Panel to unlock all of the objects in the Panel, allowing them to be dragged about at will. When finished, the user just selects a corresponding "Lock all" option. The advantage with this solution is that it should not require any changes to the many objects that can be added to the Panel, only to the Panel itself (it just needs to walk through its list of objects calling "unlock" on each one).

The main reason that re-organizing the Panel is such a pain is that the user has to unlock each of the items on the Panel individually before they can be moved. This solution proposes to add a right-click context menu item to the Panel to unlock all of the objects in the Panel, allowing them to be dragged about at will. When finished, the user just selects a corresponding "Lock all" option. The advantage with this solution is that it should not require any changes to the many objects that can be added to the Panel, only to the Panel itself (it just needs to walk through its list of objects calling "unlock" on each one).

Written by kenden the 17 Mar 09 at 23:46.

What is the use of the "Lock To Panel" feature?

Locking a icon into place in the panel? To avoid it moving around?

But why would it move around?

Only because the user would move it!

And if the user wants to move it, why would she unlock it, move it and lock it back?

What's the point of having it locked?
The icons are not going to move by themselves!

What is the use of the "Lock To Panel" feature? Locking a icon into place in the panel? To avoid it moving around? But why would it move around? Only because the user would move it! And if the user wants to move it, why would she unlock it, move it and lock it back? What's the point of having it locked? The icons are not going to move by themselves!

Written by axayg the 18 Mar 09 at 02:25.

Solution#2 is definitely great. However, this is the simplest to implement and is, at the face of it, a simple copy-paste from M$ Windows. We should do something better than that. eg.
Graviate to one of the sides or make the icon panel slightly sticky. That way when you want to move icons in/out, drag/drop anywhere else on the panel, it does not come off just like that. It makes some sound like "pluck" and is clearly shows that its coming out of a sticky panel. That way, a firm lock is not necessarily needed - a firm lock could be an add-on to enable/disable moving around of icons.

Solution#2 is definitely great. However, this is the simplest to implement and is, at the face of it, a simple copy-paste from M$ Windows. We should do something better than that. eg. Graviate to one of the sides or make the icon panel slightly sticky. That way when you want to move icons in/out, drag/drop anywhere else on the panel, it does not come off just like that. It makes some sound like "pluck" and is clearly shows that its coming out of a sticky panel. That way, a firm lock is not necessarily needed - a firm lock could be an add-on to enable/disable moving around of icons.

Written by tchalvakspam the 19 Mar 09 at 16:16.

The problem is that the panel is a line, and it's hard to keep stuff organized on that line.

So: Allow the panel to be "broken" visually, whether by separators that are transparent or the converse, by allowing grouping the elements on the panel in groups and then letting the space in-between groups become transparent.

So instead of 1 long panel, you could visually split the panel into left and right, or left middle right, or other user-specified organizations.

The key here is that instead of looking like one long worm panel, it should essentially look like multiple sections, each appearing as an independent part of the user interface, even while the underlying system remains intact.

The problem is that the panel is a line, and it's hard to keep stuff organized on that line. So: Allow the panel to be "broken" visually, whether by separators that are transparent or the converse, by allowing grouping the elements on the panel in groups and then letting the space in-between groups become transparent. So instead of 1 long panel, you could visually split the panel into left and right, or left middle right, or other user-specified organizations. The key here is that instead of looking like one long worm panel, it should essentially look like multiple sections, each appearing as an independent part of the user interface, even while the underlying system remains intact.

Written by tchalvakspam the 19 Mar 09 at 16:28.

Another approach to allow better organization of the panel is to provide slide-out sections of panel that can contain multiple icons within them. Like a more robust version of the "Drawer" panel applet that integrates with the panel better. In essence, different sections of the panel could be clicked to slide out a larger section of panel space which would contain more icons, or could just slide out with a stack of the icons it contains themselves. So if you wanted to add links to a number of websites, you could add the drawer-stack and stick all the icons inside it, then when you wanted to launch one site or another, you would click the part of the drawer-stack, it would slide open to show all the icons inside it, and then you would launch the one you wanted.

One ideal implementation of this can be seen in the "stacks" of the dock in OSX Leopard and the "stack" applet of the Cairo-dock app for ubuntu.

Another approach to allow better organization of the panel is to provide slide-out sections of panel that can contain multiple icons within them. Like a more robust version of the "Drawer" panel applet that integrates with the panel better. In essence, different sections of the panel could be clicked to slide out a larger section of panel space which would contain more icons, or could just slide out with a stack of the icons it contains themselves. So if you wanted to add links to a number of websites, you could add the drawer-stack and stick all the icons inside it, then when you wanted to launch one site or another, you would click the part of the drawer-stack, it would slide open to show all the icons inside it, and then you would launch the one you wanted. One ideal implementation of this can be seen in the "stacks" of the dock in OSX Leopard and the "stack" applet of the Cairo-dock app for ubuntu.

Written by jyaan the 21 Mar 09 at 19:20.

One of the most basic elements of organization on computers is the frame. We use it in GTK+, and of course it has been used on web pages.

I propose that icons can be placed (at the user's option) in a rectangular area. This will not affect the visible appearance of the panel; it is only for organization. It should also allow empty space between icons.

This would allow groups of icons to be treated as a whole (although still movable within the frame, and able to be dragged in and out of the frame), and therefore each frame's contents will never end up mixed with each other.

Typically, I keep certain types of icons/applets together, and being able to drag several at the same time, and not losing their order (on screen resize, for example) would be great.

The user should be able to move the frame from the left edge just as we already do with the notification area and window list.

The problem with most of the solutions is that you'll still need to micro-manage your icons and move them one at a time. If I want to move my launcher icons from one side to the other, I'd like to just drag them as a group. Won't be a problem with Multi-monitor setups, either.

One of the most basic elements of organization on computers is the frame. We use it in GTK+, and of course it has been used on web pages. I propose that icons can be placed (at the user's option) in a rectangular area. This will not affect the visible appearance of the panel; it is only for organization. It should also allow empty space between icons. This would allow groups of icons to be treated as a whole (although still movable within the frame, and able to be dragged in and out of the frame), and therefore each frame's contents will never end up mixed with each other. Typically, I keep certain types of icons/applets together, and being able to drag several at the same time, and not losing their order (on screen resize, for example) would be great. The user should be able to move the frame from the left edge just as we already do with the notification area and window list. The problem with most of the solutions is that you'll still need to micro-manage your icons and move them one at a time. If I want to move my launcher icons from one side to the other, I'd like to just drag them as a group. Won't be a problem with Multi-monitor setups, either.

Written by kiersie the 31 Mar 09 at 22:10.

Just like the panels dont move without holding alt-button down since gnome 2.26 do also withe applet/icons

Just like the panels dont move without holding alt-button down since gnome 2.26 do also withe applet/icons

Written by MestreLion the 11 Jun 09 at 23:42.

This brainstorm has so many ideas because we are trying to address several issues in 1 solution: avoid icon micro-management, ordering icons, grouping icons, avoid accidental changes. A consistent, coherent way would be the "Bookshelf Approach":

- Special separators (SPLITERS) would now divide panel in SECTIONS

- Each section would have its own "gravity" or "orientation" - either left, right, center, or none (=just like today). Like Solution #1, but should be applied to a SECTION, not individual icons, so no need set individual icon properties (no micromanagement).

- Every icon within a section would automatically stack according to its section orientation. So if you delete an icon in the middle of a "left-oriented" section, all icons to the right of it would shift left. In a section with no orientation, icons wouldnt shift.

- To arrange the icons, solution #9 is perfect. No need of lock / unlock. A key combination like the proposed ALT+mouse drag would prevent accidental moving while clicking. You could drag icons to different sections as well.

- Besides ALT+drag for 1-item movement, CTRL+ALT+drag could be used to move all icons in a section (useful for re-arranging groups, as #18 suggests).*

This brainstorm has so many ideas because we are trying to address several issues in 1 solution: avoid icon micro-management, ordering icons, grouping icons, avoid accidental changes. A consistent, coherent way would be the "Bookshelf Approach": - Special separators (SPLITERS) would now divide panel in SECTIONS - Each section would have its own "gravity" or "orientation" - either left, right, center, or none (=just like today). Like Solution #1, but should be applied to a SECTION, not individual icons, so no need set individual icon properties (no micromanagement). - Every icon within a section would automatically stack according to its section orientation. So if you delete an icon in the middle of a "left-oriented" section, all icons to the right of it would shift left. In a section with no orientation, icons wouldnt shift. - To arrange the icons, solution #9 is perfect. No need of lock / unlock. A key combination like the proposed ALT+mouse drag would prevent accidental moving while clicking. You could drag icons to different sections as well. - Besides ALT+drag for 1-item movement, CTRL+ALT+drag could be used to move all icons in a section (useful for re-arranging groups, as #18 suggests).* - The Splitters could be moved this way too, to set the width of each section - Right clicking ANY icon would allow to set its panel and section settings: simply add a "Panel > " and "Section > " item to their context menus. No need to hunt down a blank area of the panel anymore, no need to increase section width just to have a blank area to set its properties. - Splitters would have 3 context menus added: "Panel >", "Left Section > ", "Right Section >". - Besides the separators we have today, we could also have "SPACERS" to create invisible spaces between icons we want (like suggested in #8). If the user presses ALT while the mouse is over the panel, the spacers become visible (otherwise would be difficult to find and move them) - If you delete a splitter, a popup would ask if the newly merged section would inherit the properties of the right or of the left section. * The ALT and CTRL+ALT is just a suggestion, actual keys would be what gnome developers find most consistent with current interface. Summing it up, no need of lock/unlock, no need to micromanage icons, no need to hunt blank areas to set up options. And, IMHO, highly friendly and intuitive while still fully customizable.

Written by panta1978 the 22 Jun 09 at 21:30.

Allow multiple icons selection, simply by clicking with the mouse's left button and selecting the desired area.

Allow multiple icons selection, simply by clicking with the mouse's left button and selecting the desired area.

Written by xubaj the 26 Aug 09 at 22:31.

just like #11 but with an [Alt] key which prevents accidental rearrangment. by right-clicking the selected icons you can apply multiple preferences (lock/unlock/remove etc.) at once.

just like #11 but with an [Alt] key which prevents accidental rearrangment. by right-clicking the selected icons you can apply multiple preferences (lock/unlock/remove etc.) at once.

Written by bliss the 20 Oct 10 at 06:54.

A new option in the (right click) panel menu to auto-arrange icons like the Mac OSX dock or the Windows quickstart.

A new option in the (right click) panel menu to auto-arrange icons like the Mac OSX dock or the Windows quickstart.

Written by James Haigh the 26 Oct 10 at 17:15.

In KDE items in panels are all next to each other, a spacer can be used to push them apart.

The spacer expands to use all space. So you can have some items on the left, spacer in the middle, and some items on the right.

In KDE items in panels are all next to each other, a spacer can be used to push them apart. The spacer expands to use all space. So you can have some items on the left, spacer in the middle, and some items on the right. <a href="http://www.notmart.org/index.php/Software/Make_some_space"> <img src="http://www.notmart.org/images/panelspacer2.png" alt="Panel spacer"> <\a>

Written by antiGatesGuy the 6 Apr 11 at 14:08.

In Window$ Vista and 7, All open windows of a certain category are grouped together and there are controls so you can do something to the whole group. (Close group, maximize all, cascade, etc.)

In Window$ Vista and 7, All open windows of a certain category are grouped together and there are controls so you can do something to the whole group. (Close group, maximize all, cascade, etc.)