Ubuntu QA:
BlogBrainstormPackage status
Log in
Ubuntu QA
The Ubuntu community has contributed 22823 ideas, 138726 comments, 2639112 votes
Idea sandbox Idea sandbox
Popular ideas Popular ideas
Ideas in development Ideas in development
Implemented ideas Implemented ideas

Contributor bloodniece

Keep current GNOME interface, instead of using GNOME Shell  
Written by Linux-user the 7 Jun 09 at 16:39. Related project: Gnome. Not an idea
The developers of GNOME are thinking about changing their interface. They want to replace the current interface (top panel and bottom panel) with something they call GNOME Shell. This new interface will have a bar on the top called "Activities". The old menu called "Applications" will be gone and you'll have to type the name of the application to start this application.

Screenshots:
http://live.gnome.org/GnomeShell/Screenshots

I really don't like this new interface and I've seen many other people complaining about this new interface.
-139
votes
closed
Solution #1: Keep the current panels
Written by Linux-user the 7 Jun 09 at 16:39.
Why does GNOME has to start developing a completely new interface? Let them first finish the current one. Let them first solve those thousands of bugs which are in GNOME for more than several years (to give some examples: icons on the desktop are still overlapping each other, in Nautilus it's still impossible to lasso files in List View, in Nautilus it's still impossible to create a new directory from the right mouse button in List View if there are more items in the directory than fit on the screen).

Those guys keep on adding new features and now they want to introduce a completely new interface. Finish the something before starting something new. Fix bugs before adding new features.
548
votes
closed
Solution #2: Allow the user to decide - add as menu/appearance option
Written by tuxxy the 7 Jun 09 at 22:10.
In future GNOME releases users should be able to choose either the GNOME shell design or be able to revert back to the standard panel GNOME layout. This new design feature could be added as a menu or appearance option to accommodate the users who prefer the old standard GNOME layout.

Not providing this option could alienate some users and force them to adopt a new desktop environment.
286
votes
closed
Solution #3: gnome shell should take profit from wide-screen displays
Written by yzarc the 8 Jun 09 at 00:12.
the screens is getting wider and wider but gnome seems to don't care about it and gnome shell looks like is in the same way. two horizontal bars also in the gnome shell and even harder to customize.

gnome should profit the opportunity of a brand new interface concept to improve the use of wide-screen. Let the top and button area free and use the side parts (optionally), it is impossible with the current gnome interface, nothing work properly.
160
votes
closed
Solution #4: Use Gnome Shell, but make things more discoverable
Written by Endolith the 11 Jun 09 at 16:26.
Gnome Shell looks like an improvement. Searching for activities or documents is better and faster than menus if you know what you're looking for. But searching only works if you know the name of the thing you're searching for. The traditional hierarchical navigation is better suited for when you know what you want to do, but don't know what program does it.

There should still be categories, and you should be able to see them in the search results and navigate through them if you type their names. Applications should be assigned to multiple categories as appropriate, like Totem could be in both "Audio" and "Video".

Searching should work on both the application name and the program's description, as well as synonyms, so you can find Firefox by searching for "web browser", for instance.

With an empty search box, something needs to be shown to help the user get started searching for apps and realize what it's capable of.
67
votes
closed
Solution #5: Make the transition smooth
Written by aadityabhatia the 18 Jun 09 at 21:46.
Lobby the folks at Gnome to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Take small steps towards the new UI rather than one big leap. Every step should involve a small change.
2. The UI must be intuitive at every step.
3. Do NOT force all the users to use the new UI. Instead, make every change OPTIONAL.

Bottom line is that those who wish to stick to the classic Gnome interface should be allowed to do so until they're ready to move on.
22
votes
closed
Solution #6: Take more time for the transition
Written by xfuser4 the 2 Jul 09 at 09:22.
I don't think that its a bad idea to make a "hard" transition between Gnome 2 and Gnome 3.

But I think, that the Gnome people are hurrying too much. It would be better to take enough time to design Gnome 3.

- It would be important to use (paied?) user interface specialists to design Gnome Shell

- It would be important to make great API designs and provide great development tools for Gnome 3
11
votes
closed
Solution #7: Talked to people at open-usability.org
Written by xfuser4 the 11 Jul 09 at 09:06.
I'm observing the development process of GNOME Shell. They really gathered lots of ideas on their website from many different people.

Somehow it looks to me, that everybody who has an idea about a new user interface is posting it there. Some of these ideas are perhaps good for the inventor of the idea - but the might be bad for the "ordinary user".

To prevent that GNOME Shell runs into a usability nightmare, it would be wise to bring usability experts to this project. I suggest, that making a link between usability experts (e.g. the guys from open-usability.org) and GNOME Shell would be wise. Even the sponsoring of good usability experts by Canonical would be a great help!

Please remember: whatever GNOME 3.0 will look like - we have to deal with it for the next five years!
7
votes
closed
Solution #8: Give GNOME Shell all features of gnome-panel, so nobody can miss gnome-panel
Written by natureflow the 14 Nov 09 at 14:04.
E.g. Port the old application menu to GNOME Shell
There are people who love to start an application without to enter a word.

It should be possible to configure GNOME Shell a way, so you can't distinguish it on a screenshot from the old GNOME Desktop.
-1
votes
closed
Solution #9: Keep the desktop panels but use Gnome Shell for UNR
Written by Scotchpie the 29 Jan 10 at 10:16.
Gnome shell is a good start at developing an interface for the next generation of computer devices. Those who love the current two panel desktop must consider how practical it is on touch screen and smaller screen devices.

With the launch of the iPad this week all PC manfacturers are going to be producing their own versions and you know that MicroSoft's solution will be to simply stick their existing desktop on them, like they did with netbooks and XP.

The current two panel gnome interface is fine for the dwindling home desktop user and laptop user and Gnome Shell adds no improvement (it may even be a hinderance) but for netbooks and the new breed of touch screen pads/tablets the shell is ideal.

Therefore on the standard Ubuntu distro keep the panels as originally suggested here, but on UNR move to Gnome Shell which is faster, and in my opinion an improvement over the existing UNR interface (I've tried them both and prefer Gnome Shell).
-2
votes
closed
Solution #10: Ubuntu needs its own desktop.
Written by travisman1994 the 17 Feb 10 at 01:56.
Ubuntu needs its own desktop. They need to base it off of gnome or kde and design it WITH the community of its users. It should change the gnome version to Gubuntu and keep the other buntus as is. Gnome shell is not good for new users. It will confuse them and they will dislike the new look.

See the 27 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 21 Sep 11 at 16:32) >>

Gimp is slower than other photo editing software  
Written by ubby the 3 Jun 09 at 10:34. Related project: GIMP Image Editor. Not an idea
In the Dutch C'T magazine from January they test a couple of applications including Gimp.
In the test Gimp is slow and not the right program for fast Photo editing.
599
votes
closed
Solution #1: Make Gimp faster
Written by ubby the 3 Jun 09 at 10:34.
Make Gimp faster so it will be better to work with.
-80
votes
closed
Solution #3: Finacially support Nathive!
Written by Truefire the 17 Jun 09 at 00:12.
http://www.nathive.org/

Nathive is an open source program that does not intend to be a Photoshop alternative - it intends to be better.

Note: I use the GIMP, and I love it. No problems at all.
-122
votes
closed
Solution #4: Port Paint.NET to mono
Written by benpicco the 17 Jun 09 at 01:28.
Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net ) is a open source (MIT license) image manipulating program written in C#. It's more easy to use than gimp as it only provides commonly used features in an intuitive way. It's something you would use if you quickly want to improve/modify an image without getting into how to use gimp.
There is already an attempt to port it to mono (http://code.google.com/p/paint-mono/), but it's still pretty slow and broken. I also don't think the idea of having it forked is that good, as it misses new versions that bring bugfixes and new features.
-35
votes
closed
Solution #5: Keep GIMP but Include GNU Paint and Improve It's Features
Written by meoblast001 the 21 Jun 09 at 23:43.
GNU Paint is nice for making basic images, but it is also a pain because it lacks many essential features, such as undo. Along with improving GIMP's spead, GNU Paint could also help.
-77
votes
closed
Solution #6: Create a Fork of GIMP
Written by tapan the 24 Jun 09 at 07:33.
The same way graphicsmagick was forked from imagemagick, a fork of GIMP can be created to add latest features while keeping the core same. In this way we have the GIMP backend while adding features and plugins to improve speed and make it equivalent to Photoshop for someone who uses photoshop frequently
62
votes
closed
Solution #7: Let the Gimp developers look at Photoshop for making the usability better
Written by ubby the 26 Jun 09 at 08:27.
Let the Gimp developers look at Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro for making the usability better.
For making the usability better the Gimp developers need to cooperate with schools and universities that are teaching and working with graphic software.
This is the target group for Gimp!
51
votes
closed
Solution #8: Sponsor the development of an OpenCL GEGL engine
Written by ethana2 the 30 Jun 09 at 05:43.
GIMP operations should be accelerated by graphics processors on Ubuntu, like Photoshop CS4 on Windows.
-6
votes
closed
Solution #9: remove GIMP as default app
Written by etusha the 23 Sep 09 at 18:17.
remove GIMP as default app

GIMP is only for designer if
a designer need it just download it

save space in cd so can add other small apps
4
votes
closed
Solution #10: Gimp should have more features and be intuitive
Written by SpaZZ the 6 Dec 09 at 21:37.
I've used different graphics softwares (including Photoshop) since the advent of computers and by far, I've found Paintshop Pro to be the best and easiest to use. I can even absorb plugins from other graphics softwars with it and save in 40 more file formats like Targa (which is used in television)

If GIMP was more like PSP and just as intuitive, it would be amazing. I'm finding GIMP to be frustrating in that features, such as a simple feature like rendering colour photographs to black and white, are missing or cannot be found easily (if they are there at all). They aren't where one would expect it to be. I was definitely expecting something better than what they have. Can this be improved?

See the 37 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Jul 11 at 18:09) >>

Filesystem hierarchy simplification.  
Written by roybatty the 29 Feb 08 at 00:29. Global category: System. Won't implement
Ever tried explaining what all that stuff was under 'Filesystem'?
----
At the moment, the Nautilus file browser shows almost everything it sees as either a default Folder icon, unless it is a registered file, filetype or customized folder. When the user selects the Filesystem icon in Nautilus, they are presented with a lot of folder icons for everything under /

Nautilus doesn't know what /dev and /usr and /etc are, so neither does the user. The default browsing view has ZERO smarts. By no means does the file browser indicate what the majority of main, key items are.

Gigabytes of resources occupy this realm. Very useful resources for both end-users, developers, and any other person. These need to be useful to people IF THEY CHOOSE TO LOOK. This will not be solved by 'hiding' the filesystem structure. It is there, full of resources, and should be made easy to use by not just programs, but people too.




Simplify filesystem hierarchy like Gobolinux.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoboLinux#The_GoboLinux_hierarchy

-32
votes
closed
Solution #2: As an option upon install
Written by Clorox the 12 Aug 09 at 17:55.
The installer should have a checkbox upon installation:

[] Use simplified filesystem (advanced users only)

that is turned off by default.

The GoboLinux or Mac filesystem does not break compatibility for those who are worried, it simply symlinks everything into its "new" place and hides the links from view.
9
votes
closed
Solution #3: Use as default
Written by jeypeyy the 23 Nov 09 at 13:11.
Ubuntu is for human beings. If advanced users want to use the old FHS they should be able to do so after install with some hack that removes all symlinks. Don't give to many options during installation; we don't want to bloat ubiquity with to many options that confuses the user.

I don't know if the Gobolinux hierarchy is perfect for this, but a modified version of it could be awesome.
278
votes
closed
Solution #4: Differentiated icons
Written by weblordpepe the 27 May 09 at 11:56.



Use the built-in feature for 'customized folder icons' to show unique icons for /usr, /etc, /home, /var and so on. Have this done in the default config.

Everything else looks like a regular folder/item.

Perhaps allow Nautilus to understand MIME types of folders, or some other intelligent categorizing.

-171
votes
closed
Solution #5: Use differentiated icons AND friendly-wording as Primary description
Written by weblordpepe the 27 May 09 at 11:59.


Using both customized icons (Solution #1) and human-friendly descriptions as the main label for the item in Nautilus:

For example:

The /etc directory can appear as:
Configuration (etc)

The /var directory can appear as:
Logs (var)

The /home directory can appear as:
User profiles (home)

Here is a screenshot. Of course the theme, icons, fonts are just suggestions.
Thanks Shady3D for the picture-embedding tip
431
votes
closed
Solution #6: Option to show friendly-wording as "secondary" description
Written by Ssdg the 27 May 09 at 14:41.


Using both customized icons (Solution #1) and human-friendly descriptions as the secondary label for the item in Nautilus:
The problem of #2 is that non GTK apps (Qt, Tk, console,...) won't be aware of the real names, showing this description faded at the bottom of the real name would be less confusing.
(idea by Ssdg. picture by weblordpepe)
50
votes
closed
Solution #7: Additional column in details view
Written by weblordpepe the 27 May 09 at 21:09.
How about an additional column of some kind, with a description. Similar to Windows Service Management console where it tells you what each service does.
-124
votes
closed
Solution #8: Text Help Files in each directory
Written by RobOrr the 27 May 09 at 21:23.
With the way Ubuntu works for the basic user who just uses simple apps like a music player, internet browser and so forth, they shouldn't really have to mess with these too much, just like a basic user in XP doesn't know anything about the WINDOWS folder. I suggest a simple text file in each folder detailing what it contains and what actions the files in this folder usually do. It would take up very little hard drive space, and also be usefully informative to anyone who wanted to know a little more. the problem would be informing the user that these text files existed...
-141
votes
closed
Solution #9: Hide files by default.
Written by nloewen the 28 May 09 at 00:29.
By default hide system folders, but make them easily accessible through 'view -> show hidden files'. Also make it clear when they are unhidden that these files are system files and could cause undesired operation if you mess with them. I'm not talking about hiding it away forever. I'm talking about hiding it to keep things simpiler and less cluttered.

And when a user chooses/needs to go there it should be easy and simple to understand what is there why its there and how it works. Hide it from people who don't want it and make it easily available to those that do.

To all of you voting down, remember that this is what OSX does and it is considered on of the most user friendly OS's around. (with one exception, the files are a lot easier to get at in this solution). The average user doesn't care how there computer works, only that is does and if they see files sitting around that they didn't put there they get curious, and (occasionally) screw things up.
246
votes
closed
Solution #10: Mouse over it information
Written by Rodrigo the 30 May 09 at 11:31.
Well I thought that the info could be provided when you move the mouse over the directory in Nautilus.
The option could be switched on or off, as a helping aid.

(I have made a mockup, sorry I am not that good with Gimp, I tried to do my best. If you want more info let me know)


From ubuntu
-55
votes
closed
Solution #11: Dynamic 'drill down' or 'Search query' or 'database' portal to the files
Written by weblordpepe the 2 Jun 09 at 10:00.
The / filesystem categorized, and indexed. Then provide a user's portal (seperate program??) to the resources available indexed by ANY property. System-updates and 'file' utility do 90% of this job already.

EG:
* GUI to select type of resource. User clicks 'Image' resources.
* Then GUI provides options for: image size (scalable), image format (icons?), etc etc
Search results appear as files/folders which match the query. (e.g. /usr/share/pixmaps and /usr/local/shared/pixmaps)

Each time the user selects a more detailed search parameter, the results appear as folders + files. The GUI in question can even use the folders in the search-results to dynamically create more search criteria. For example:

* User searches for images
* Search results provides a few folders, some with descriptions of 32x32, 16x16, scalable, and some with application titles.
* GUI dynamically creates search-criteria called 32x32, 16x16, scalable, and the application titles.

This index can be built on the fly using 'what files does XYZ package use' utility, and the 'what type of file is this?' utility (file).

Think of Windows Vista's customizable/savable search-queries which appear as folders. But completely dynamic.
-35
votes
closed
Solution #12: Introduce a sidebar, where additional information or previews are shown
Written by Brunni the 10 Jun 09 at 09:41.
Use a sidebar to schow additional information to the selected item.
e.g.
- Size, Datetime, Permission
- File Preview (image/video)
...
and of course:
Is it a system-folder. What is it used for. Where can you get additional informatioen e.g. wiki etc.
14
votes
closed
Solution #13: Use simple status bar/file properties menu descriptions
Written by DaVince the 15 Jun 09 at 22:04.
People seem to be overthinking this solution; the simplest to me seems to just have a short description in the status bar when selecting the folder and in the file properties window.
10
votes
closed
Solution #14: Show the description under the folder name & friendly icons
Written by dysmann the 17 Jun 09 at 12:43.
Just show the name as usually (home), and show the description (Users Documents) under the name, in italic, gray
0
votes
closed
Solution #15: Use Appshell Framework (from MoonOS)
Written by markpersy the 2 Apr 11 at 15:30.
MoonOS uses its own file hierarchy system: all the system files are available under /System (the executables are under /System/Executables, the Libraries under /System/Libraries, the settings under /System/Settings and so on), /tmp is available under /Temporary and so on. However, the normal file system hierarchy is still there. The new file system hierarchy is created with "mount --bind" (ex. mount --bind /usr/bin /System/Excutables).

AppShell allows users to download a package from anywhere, drop it on a USB drive, dropbox folder or random directory on their computer and run it: no fuss and no installation needed.


See the 23 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 26 Mar 11 at 01:10) >>

Keep Rhythmbox don't move to worse alternatives  
Written by vexorian the 27 May 09 at 13:11. Related project: Gnome. Not an idea
It has come to my attention ( so called blockers can be found at http://pastebin.com/m39042b41 ) that there are plans to move from Rhythmbox to Banshee in either "Karmic Koala" or "Lame Llama"

Let me show strong opposition. Regardless of the arguable yet significant issues both legal and practical with the mere inclusion of Mono apps in the default (I personally think the best path is to get rid of these apps from the default, not to add more) There's also another issue... I like Rhythmbox .

It is not just for technical issues such as "Banshee uses twice as much memory as Rhythmbox" It is also because of the cleaner interface and that in many ways it follows the ubuntu philosophy much better. Regardless, I do not think I a am alone, as noticeable in Idea #18932 There's strong opposition to switching from this app. Instead, what the community wants is that ubuntu sticks to rhythmbox and keep improving it.

It is a little frightening that these decisions are being taken out of artificial advantages such as theorically saving 6.1 MB, The Mono runtime itself adds to much heavier space requirements than Rhythmbox.

PS: What's the message Canonical would be giving to the world if we need MS technology even for basic apps such as music libraries? I mean, really...

Developer comments
This is not an idea. If you want Ubuntu to ship Rhythmbox as its default jukebox, contribute to Rhythmbox and make it better than the alternatives. —mpt
46
votes
closed
Solution #5: Offer Banshee in repositories, Rythmbox by default
Written by diegoj the 9 Jun 09 at 15:56.
Keep Rythmbox and improve it, instead replacing it with a heavier application.

See the 29 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 28 Mar 10 at 07:18) >>

Wireless network working before GDM loads  
Written by Auzy the 4 Aug 08 at 23:30. Global category: System. New
There is no point offering remote logins with GDM, if peoples wireless connections don't work yet. I propose we make it possible to configure the wireless connection from GDM, and at the very least attempt to connect to the wireless network earlier, so that people don't require a hardwired network to use the functionality.
357
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #11843
Written by Auzy the 4 Aug 08 at 23:30.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #11843 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!

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Mar 10 at 10:20) >>

Manual Duplex Printing for the Gnome Print Dialog  
Written by rickrich the 5 Mar 08 at 14:07. Global category: Others. New
You should do "Manual Duplex" printing in the Gnome Print Dialog. This is my #1 most asked for feature, and it doesn't work well in the driver because you need a GUI.

It would print odd pages (1,3,5), put up a GUI that says "Insert the pages again...", and then rotate and print the even pages in the reverse order (6, 4, 2).

http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/

46
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #3332
Written by rickrich the 5 Mar 08 at 14:07.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #3332 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!
1
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: Simple
Written by zZyXx the 24 Jul 09 at 13:08.
- print odd pages in reverse order (7,5,3,1).
- present a dialog asking the user to insert the printed pages into the printer again.
- print the even pages in normal order (2,4,6).

pos: simple
neg: an odd total number of pages would leave the last page in the input tray
1
votes
up equal down
Solution #3: More intelligent toward an odd total number of pages
Written by zZyXx the 24 Jul 09 at 13:14.
- print the even pages in normal order (2,4,6).
- if total number of pages is odd then print a blank page
- present a dialog asking the user to insert the printed pages into the printer again.
- print odd pages in reverse order (7,5,3,1).
451
votes
up equal down
Solution #4: Implement a duplex print dialog
Written by Daniel_le_Rouge the 16 May 09 at 11:09.
I propose that if a user selects duplex printing, the printer prints the first half of the pages. After that a print dialog is shown which illustrates how to put the stack of paper back into the tray. Then the printer does the rest. This function should also be combinable with printing multiple pages on one side.
Below you can see an image for this print dialog. I made it by using the Gimp for the first time, so do not expect to much. ;-)


2
votes
up equal down
Solution #5: Gnome Manual Duplex
Written by rickrich the 5 Oct 09 at 10:05.
Done for HP LaserJets 1000, 1005, 1018, 1020, P1005/6/7/8, P1505 (and other laser printers).

https://sourceforge.net/projects/g-manual-duplex/

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 Feb 09 at 16:34) >>

deb icons different from archive icon  
Written by fabioamd87 the 4 Aug 08 at 23:37. Global category: Graphics. New
is possible to make a different icon for .deb files?
someting different from archive files.
deb files are the center of ubuntu/debian distros

someting like this: http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/6683/debsm1.png
516
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #11844
Written by fabioamd87 the 4 Aug 08 at 23:37.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #11844 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!

See the 11 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Aug 08 at 22:46) >>