Contributor cudjoe - Ubuntu brainstorm

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

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Contributor cudjoe

Nautilus to display more info while asking for copying existing file

Written by aufather the 9 Nov 08 at 04:07. Related project: Nautilus. Implemented

When I copy a newer version of a file, nautilus asks whether to skip or replace this file. But it does not provide any info other than the file name. It would be nice if it would at least provide the file sizes too. More info maybe accessible from a drop down button. Like modified time, owner, permissions etc. But these can be hidden and be accessible from a drop down button (like the button which shows progress of individual files during software installation). This will help the user to compare both the files and make an informed decision there itself. Instead of canceling the operation and then comparing both the files and then redoing the same operation.

260
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529
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202
votes

338
votes

229
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103
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95
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42
votes

Selected solution (#8): Previews of the files

Written by philip the 5 May 09 at 22:52.

The dialog should contain pre-computed views of the files, so you don't have to wait for (say) the spreadsheet program to load and open the files. The views should be about 100x100 pixels large and should show a cropped, scrollable view of each file. When the user resizes the dialog,, the preview areas should show more or less of the files. Or, a larger preview can show as a tool tip when the mouse hovers over the small preview.

45
votes

Selected solution (#9): nautulis: copy old file to trash before overwrite

Written by bgfeldm the 12 May 09 at 13:01.

add an option to move old file to the trash before overwrite.
nautulis:
move file to trash before overwrite, if file is a text or document file below a preconfigured size such as 1 MB.

This way overwritten files can be retrieved at a dept of one.
Or you could make the trash bin a temporary source repository for overwritten/deleted files, only storing the diff of the text files, so you limit space taken up by the trash bin and have multiple restore points for files. The repository will be clear every time the user clears the repository or after a defined amount of days.

56
votes

139
votes

25
votes

Selected solution (#12): Push transfers requiring user feedback to the end of the queue

Written by Redge the 8 Jun 09 at 00:07.

When doing file operations and Nautilus encounters conflicts or errors that require the user's feedback to resolve, Nautilus should first try to complete the rest of the queue and push the files needing feedback to the end. That way, if the user is AFK as much of the operation as possible will be done by the time he/she gets back.

-3
votes

37
votes

Selected solution (#14): Check files below a certain size

Written by korin43 the 18 Jun 09 at 20:58.

Decide on a on file size where it's faster to just check if it's an identical file than ask the user if they want to replace/skip. If the files with the same name are identical, we just skip them instead of presenting the replace/skip dialogue (since both options would have the same result).

Note: This would be a complete byte-for-byte comparison, not just a comparison of timestamps and name.

Here's the order that the system would check:
- Is there a file with the same name?
- Is it below the maximum size set to check? (we don't want to auto-check if it would be faster to ask the user. ex: 10 Gb file)
- Compare size
- Compare the two files (byte-for-byte), fail as soon as you find anything different (if the first byte of the new file is different, fail immediately instead of checking the whole file)

Note 2: Timestamps will not be compared. If the new file is identical with a different timestamp, the new timestamp should be applied.

21
votes

Selected solution (#15): Add "auto" option to replce/skip pop-up

Written by vegetarianshrimp the 19 Jun 09 at 19:03.

This gives the user the option to replace/skip if they already know whether the file is identical or not, or don't want to risk replacing an important file. But if they don't know if the files are identical, then they can press the auto button.

It would look something like this:

|Auto| |Auto all| |Replace| |Replace all| |Skip| |Skip all|

25
votes

Selected solution (#16): Show context for the differences

Written by Prime Mover the 2 Aug 09 at 21:50.

The dialog should attempt to show the differences between the files if they are in a recognizable format. For example, if the files are images, show both images, along with file size and date. This will allow the user to easily make a decision about whether to replace the file. The destination filename could also be an editable field to allow the user to change the name and have the copy continue under the new name. If the file were an audio file then it could display bitrate, sample rate, length, etc.

Here's an example dialog box from Directory Opus on Windows which demonstrates this:

836
votes

164
votes

62
votes

Selected solution (#19): Avoid overwriting the same file.

Written by pubsbin the 8 Aug 09 at 01:12.

There are some easy tests for checking if two files (in two different folders) are the same file. From the easy ones (metainformation, size, name), checking some positions (sampling) and, finally, comparing them entirely.

If Nautilus uses those easy equality checks, it could avoid copying equal files. Even if you compare the whole file, a read is faster than a write.

151
votes

Selected solution (#20): "No to ALL"

Written by don1500 the 12 Aug 09 at 20:20.

Most of the time I have this problem I run into it when moving music files. There is a "Yes to ALL" but no "No to All". All I want are the files that are on the source but not on the target. "Overwrite if Newer" is close and a good suggestion, but sometimes I don't want to overwrite the old file. Sometimes you want to overwrite the older version, and with "Yes to All" you still have that option. Maybe adding both "Overwrite if newer" AND "No to ALL" is the answer. I think this would be the easiest to implement. This is also the K.I.S.S. answer.

83
votes

14
votes

8
votes

Selected solution (#23): Advanced File Operations (AFO :D)

Written by Chronos the 29 Aug 09 at 14:46.

Create a more advanced "thread" based queuing system for file operations. Its possible to make it simple, no need to make it complex. Read below:

Seriously, in Total commander i used a lot the function to not just copy files at once and send the process in the background, but to push F2, and create a list of the operations where(!) the list is a queue. So the processes are not running at the same time to slow things down. We can even make this better. Imagine you have 4 drives. A B C and D. You want to copy 3x6 folders/files from A to B and vice versa. It takes long, so you start to copy/move/whatsoever to work on C and D (like before from C to D and vice versa). To make all these operations (4direction) run at the same time slows the computer slow down(no wonder why).

We could create two thread with two queues in this case.

In summary, A and B would process their queue, processing files the fast as possible, and separately C and D would do their things as well.

We could make it automatic maybe, that if we are making file operations to or from one partition/hardware, at default it would create a queue, what (with a push of a button) would appear from the already used window(dont know the name). This queue would make sure that only one operation is active at a time, making hardware sweat less, and operations faster.

[...]

Maybe i'll do a mockup if i have time.

This is just an idea, we can modify it.

Cheers,
David

32
votes

Selected solution (#24): Pile up a list of action needed files.(Use with Solution #1)

Written by yaknowwat the 16 Aug 09 at 09:07.

The list would list all the files that need conformation and let u handle them with check boxes. ( A Select All/None combo button and an Invert Selection button are a must for such a list. Then double clicking a listed directory should select all in the directory.)
Then by for example pressing Overwrite or a Do Nothing button the action would affect all selected files. After which you can continue such steps until the List is gone or the user exits.
I'd imagine this would be simple to do without over complicating things.
Also the number of dialogues could easily be reduced with this strategy.
This increases efficiency because a user could handle all the conformation files at once in their own way even as their still copying normal files.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#26): Add intelligent preview/comparison box to the Nautilus file replacement dialogue

Written by cajhne the 14 Sep 10 at 21:05.

Disclaimer: I worked this up before finding that my problem was a dupe of this thread, so don't yell at me for "duplicating" some ideas here. I've +1 promoted the ones that I came to the same or similar conclusions about. There's different stuff in here, so please read the whole thing! :)

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

[...]

This example shows the standard file replace dialogue with my additions. The files under scrutiny are an old and new version of the same image. The desaturated, darker one is meant to represent an unedited photo, and the saturated one an edited version, which highlights the advantage/importance of being able to see samples of each to make the judgement.

Things to note in this sample:
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all".
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :))
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder".
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As".
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected.
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

Things to note in this sample: 
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all". 
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :)) 
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder". 
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As". 
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected. 
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#28): Additions to File Operations

Written by JohnLM the 15 Jan 09 at 21:46.

I thought it could scan for involved devices and queue by (configurable) default, if that device is in use (i.e. having copy or move operation already). And have a "Do now!" kind of button on file operation window for override.

Naturally it should never en-queue same partition's move operations, cause they are super fast by nature!

btw As far as I know the Nautilus' File Operations thingie is not really finished and is under development now!

9
votes

Selected solution (#29): Conflict dialog: say how many more conflicts there are

Written by philip the 18 Mar 11 at 20:07.

When you try to copy or move a bunch of files, and files with those names already exist in the destination folder, you get a dialog asking you if you want to replace the existing file or skip copying this file. You can also check a check box for repeating this operation on all other conflicting files.

It would be helpful to know how many more conflicting files there are. This can alert the user that he has done something wrong if he did not expect that many conflicts. It can also guide his decision to check the conflicts manually or click on the "perform this for all files" check box.

Getting more sophisticated, the dialog could even list the conflicting files when the user clicks on a drop down list.

12
votes

-1
votes

Selected solution (#31): Require the user to enter a sub menu.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 5 Mar 11 at 09:13.

Simply having gksu pop up every time a user tries to do something they aren't allowed to (edit a system file) is a quick way to a non-working system.

I propose we put gksu-enabled commands in a sub-menu (like how new-file lists a few file types). This will prevent users from simply converting to "enter your password until it works" people.

66
votes

20
votes

Selected solution (#33): Control the number of simultaneous op-s on a drive

Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 21:28.

This is not a complete solution, but an addition to #2/#1.
I often miss an option to limit the number of simultaneous file operations on a drive (simultaneous file operations are not as quick as one-by-one sometimes).
Speaking about sol#1, it would be logical to have an option to queue file operation instead of performing immediately (name menu item "Queue Paste" & give it keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+V/Ctrl+Q/Super+V). Also it is a workaround for controlling the number of simultaneous file operations.

-4
votes

7
votes

Selected solution (#35): Click & drag priority management

Written by Ian Burnet the 11 Apr 09 at 03:11.

Being able to set the priority of ops would be really useful, but we also don't want to add too much to the interface.

I think the most user-friendly solution would be to:
1) Run only one op at a time automatically
2) Have a continue / pause button to force start, pause, and resume
3) Have the ops listed by priority (i.e. which was started first; which are running)
4) Be able to click and drag the progress bars up/down to switch the priorities

15
votes

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 May 12 at 05:18) >>

Separate user preferences and user data in hidden folder

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Undefined
Definition :	New (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Unknown
Assignee :

Written by ploum the 7 Apr 08 at 08:03. Global category: Others. New

When keeping the same /home/ for years, it quickly becomes an unmaintainable mess of hidden folders.

You can't even delete them without being sure because it might contain important data.

Freedesktop has issued a recommandation to solve this problem :
http://standards.freedesktop.org/basedir-spec/latest/ar01s03.html

Implementing this would allow to easily reset your configuration to the default one without loosing any data. For Ubuntu beta testers or people that care about having the default config, it would be a big advantage. It would also solve a lot of upgrade problems that some people have and that cannot be reproduced because it's a particular preference migration bug.

The problem and its solution is described here for the GNOME desktop but it applies for any application : http://ploum.frimouvy.org/?184-cleaning-user-preferences-keeping-user-data

My suggestion is to make the FD.o recommandation an official Ubuntu recommandation, trying to lobby so applications in Ubuntu follow this spec, at least the one in main.

A suggestion for the GNOME desktop has also been issued :
http://live.gnome.org/GnomeGoals/XDGConfigFolders

376
votes

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:21) >>

Select Audio Device More Easily

Written by Klau3 the 21 Feb 10 at 11:51. Related project: Gnome. New

This suggestion aims at improving a usability issue in GNOME audio device selection. Right now (Lucid Liynx), you have to go under preferences if you want to change the audio output device.

Today a lot of people use more than one audio device -> PC speakers & headset. For me it doesn't feel right the way it is right now. Changing sound output is something common that I do many times a day and I don't like to always have to go under preferences.

Preferences are for me more like a place I go to once when configuring a program, but not where I go every time I use my PC.

196
votes

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:15) >>

Easy mounting of Images like ISO and CUE

Written by Nanotron the 28 Feb 08 at 20:17. Related project: Nautilus. Implemented

I'm a big fan of Images like .iso. However it is not very easy to mount these Images.

Developer comments

There is already right click->open with "archive mounter" in Gnome, however it currently has a major bug: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gvfs/+bug/299956

5716
votes

Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #194

Written by Nanotron the 28 Feb 08 at 20:17.

I feel there should be a Tool in Nautilus and Dolphin which allows mounting Images by double Click or something similar. (This feature exists int MacOS). Or with a right click on the I think that would be a very useful Tool for every one.
A good example for this is CDemu.

I know there are some other good programs, but I think that would be the easiest way

691
votes

-16
votes

0
votes

40
votes

-71
votes

-12
votes

Selected solution (#8): Okay, here it is :)

Written by r0g the 28 Oct 09 at 05:09.

In the form of a python script for nautilus actions.

http://www.technicalbloke.com/iso_mount.py

I don't have time to do the unmount command too but it should be easy to adapt if you know a little python, consider that homework & pls post me a copy :)

I think it would be nice if Ubuntu came with some more useful nautilus action scripts and a nicer way of adding/removing them. At the moment getting them in and out is more of a pain than it needs to be. It ought to be as easy as Firefox (if not easier!) to install plugins, maybe then people would make more.

Roger.

-44
votes

See the 65 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 May 12 at 08:13) >>

A password should not be required to check for updates

Written by bluenova the 23 Apr 09 at 07:44. Related project: Update manager. Implemented

Currently Ubuntu requires the user to enter their password before they can check for updates. A password should only be required for activities that can cause damage to the computer and checking for updates does not make any changes to the system and therefore cannot cause any damage.

With the new update notification system in Jaunty taking 7 days to alert you to new (non-security) updates, it's likely that more people will want to manually see if updates are available, and having to type in your password each time to do this is quite annoying.

376
votes

91
votes

4
votes

Selected solution (#3): Display possible updates at start, need password only on download & install.

Written by tchalvakspam the 26 Aug 09 at 17:11.

The real issue is even gathering the information (which may tell you that there are no updates needed) requires the password step. So currently, there is a zero-benefit step:
Action: Open up update-manager. Effect: Nothing changes from before.
Action: Click check and put in password. Effect: Check for newer updates.
Action: Click Install updates. Effect: Finally install updates.

Because opening up update-manager is a declaration of the wish to at least check for updates, this should be revised to:

Action: Open up update-manager. Effect: perform check for updates, but download nothing.

Action: Click install updates and put in password. Effect: download & install currently "checked" updates.

See the 11 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 30 Apr 12 at 22:38) >>

Ubuntu Software Center should show more information

Written by wafflesid the 8 Oct 09 at 03:00. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. Implemented

The Add/Remove app had an icon indicating if an app was for gnome or kde.

While the Ubuntu Software Center DOES function better, It comes at the cost of not giving the user all the information.

I like being able to know easily if an app I see is going to require me to install the QT libraries. But beyond this, I like having all the apps on my computer LOOK and FEEL the same. You know if it has the gnome logo that it will (well, it SHOULD heh).

I also found value in the popularity rating, although that was never an indicator of QUALITY it was helpful to know if I was looking for the most common packages in a search.

128
votes

153
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57
votes

410
votes

655
votes

270
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637
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Selected solution (#8): Have a Star rating system

Written by Rodrigo the 19 Oct 09 at 11:52.

It could be nice to have a "star rating system" like othere webs have. Either by popularity, or by user experience... of course this would take some time to get the data but in the long term it could help.
How many times have you look in forums and similar webs what is the "best" application for something, this way it would all be in the same app.

224
votes

14
votes

103
votes

24
votes

180
votes

17
votes

13
votes

-1
votes

1
votes

7
votes

Selected solution (#19): An ability to see the most popular apps in Ubuntu Software Center (as an option)

Written by Vahan Harutyunyan the 28 Sep 10 at 14:58.

I suggest to create a new website (or add this oportunity in the exist projects) where the Ubuntu users can be registrated and then promote or demote applications, can review applications. When the user launches the Ubuntu Software Center it connects to the website and updates itself with all the software reviews contributed by other users. The software is sorted by score (for those users who want and chose this option in Ubuntu Help Center), so that the user always sees the most popular applications at the top of the list. The user can review applications too, either from this website or directly within the Ubuntu Software Center. When the user reviews an application, his (or her) review immediately appears on the website, and other users can see it in their Ubuntu Help Center few time later.
Here you can see aproximately that what I suggest....

2
votes

34
votes

14
votes

Selected solution (#22): Add package download scripts, like in Synaptic

Written by snostorm the 11 Nov 09 at 21:58.

The software center should be able to create package download scripts, like Synaptic can. This would make it easier for people without internet to install software. Ideally you would also be able to create download scripts that can run on Windows or Mac, to avoid problems caused by bug #1. A method to allow easy installation of many packages at once would improve the usefullness of this feature.

-51
votes

15
votes

Selected solution (#24): Hardware Finder

Written by ki4jgt the 5 Nov 09 at 17:26.

- Allow the user to have a central user name for all the services offered.
- When the program information pops up to allow the user to install, then also show the comment section.
- Include Launchpad bug reports, and what hardware, if any, is required
- Have a star rating system, and allow the user to sort the items by the most used/starred
- Allow the user to backup a profile of what software they have installed on their computer, for reinstallation later.
- Show the application size
- Integrate with an internet shopping service, to allow the user to find hardware that s/he may need to run the software. (start the search when the user clicks on the hardware's name)

50
votes

Selected solution (#25): Recommended for new users

Written by ralf.ebert the 7 Nov 09 at 18:07.

Create a strict, community-based, transparent system for determining application quality.

Create a application category "Recommended for new users" which is filtered based on that quality criteria. Make it clear that one is seeing a community-based selection. The full, unfiltered view should be not more than one click away.

Could use the proposed #3: Star rating system, plus reviews of description texts (which should be easy to read and to understand by people with a non-software-developer mindset) and availibilty of translated descriptions. Maybe popcon data (there are exceptions of course, but popular packages tend to be more stable) and metrics about bugs could be used as well.

Having a lot of free software is great, guiding new users to software that shines is great as well, such a system would bridge these two interests.

Also it would create an incentive for developers to polish applications.

5
votes

10
votes

1
votes

3
votes

2
votes

Selected solution (#30): Top priority UI improvements

Written by Liso22 the 10 Jun 10 at 23:44.

Well, I have to say that I love the software center but still when I see the interface I feel like it's a work in progress.

The main problem (among a few more) right now is that the software center has a huge waste of blank space. This is more evident when you are using a laptop, In my case I can only see half the window. Is there really so much to show? I can see rhythmbox full-screen but I can't see the bloody software center, it's ridiculous.

I'm obsessive when it comes to UIs regarding ergonomics.
It makes me mad to see things that just aren't logical, and I have to say that the software center really freaks me out. But with some simple corrections the interface could be usable:

- How are: "File, Edit, View and Help" useful in this application? There is no way for any of the options to be applicable. Conclusion: remove them altogether.

- Right now not all categories can be shown on screen, if you have a screen under 15 inch. Why? Ridiculous icon sizes. Just by making each category 30% smaller, we would have 4 columns and 4 rows, at all times, without having to scroll through the window.

- When you (If you don't you see a weird red screen instead) This is more like a bug but I felt I needed to point it out.

[...]

- An obvious one: display a notification when an applications is fully downloaded.

- The left column is mostly blank all the time. Instead of this it could show applications being installed with their respective progress bars which would fade away as they are downloaded, grouping should only function when the windows is too small for all applications separated.

- Add ratings to applications. (you know, the little yellow stars). Add a toolbar on the top of the software center with the options: "Most popular", "Best reviewed" and "Most recent" to order them.

45
votes

4
votes

1
votes

Selected solution (#33): Integration with Ubuntu Forums

Written by mortrca the 14 Nov 10 at 20:43.

Although the ability to post comments and rate applications in the Software Center would be of huge benefit, I foresee one large issue with adding the ability to comment to the Software Center. Commenting is supposed to be a way for users of the applications to state why they like or dislike an application, not to discuss ways of fixing issues with it. It should be made easy to start a new thread in the Ubuntu Forums with a comment someone has posted. Usage example:

Person A downloads and uses an application. They like it and would use it frequently except that it is missing a feature that they need, to make it really useful. Since they dislike the fact that the application is missing this feature, they post a comment in the Software Center saying that they dislike the application for this reason.

Supposedly, a developer would read the comments that people post for his application and submit updates containing the features that people need in the application, but if the developer doesn't, person B enters the scene.

Person B notices person A's comment. Person B knows of a way to integrate the needed feature or of another app that will do the job better and fulfill the needs of person A. Instead of posting a comment (that doesn't follow the purpose of commenting) saying that he knows what person A would like better, he should be able to start a conversation with person A in the Ubuntu Forums explaining what person A could do differently. This would also make it easier for people with other suggestions to add their two cents without creating a long and hard to follow conversation in what was supposed to be a lightweight commenting program. Commenting for rating purposes should be kept separate from discussing particularities of the apps.

2
votes

1
votes

Selected solution (#36): Make application logo clickable and draggable to the laucher

Written by haydoni the 29 Apr 11 at 10:53.

The logo for each of the applications looks like it ought to be clickable and draggable... currently it isn't, this is quite frustrating to new users.

One idea (if the application is installed):
Allow it to be click-able from the software center, executing the program.
Allow the logo to be dragged and dropped to the Unity launcher, as any other application.

0
votes

See the 7 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:52) >>

Give Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus a unified look and feel

Written by ubby the 26 Jun 09 at 10:14. Related project: GIMP Image Editor. New

Adobe has a Creative Suite with a unified look and feel that is very easy to work with for people who daily work with the Adobe Creative Suite programs.

Information about Adobe Creative Suite:
http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/

Information about Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus:
http://www.gimp.org
http://www.inkscape.org
http://www.scribus.net

631
votes

Solution #1: Give Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus a unified look and feel

Written by ubby the 26 Jun 09 at 10:14.

This will make Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus better to compete with the Adobe Creative Suite.
Because of a unified look and feel it will be easier to work with the programs.

To accomplish this the developers of the programs need to work together.
Maybe the developers can get help from universities who are working with graphic software.

-166
votes

420
votes

Solution #3: Develop a "recommended" UI plan for gnome projects.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 26 Jun 09 at 20:09.

I'm not sure if one already exists, so bear with me.

One of the problems I believe is keeping programs from unifying is the lack of a recommended UI design. People start making projects and just throw buttons at it whenever they need a new feature. Over time the layout becomes caotic and a huge mess, so the project enters a "fix-it" stage where the UI is redone and made more functional.

The problem is that each project is doing this individually and only taking small hints from other projects. If there were a simple, elegant and extendable layout and scheme for gnome, or linux for that matter, it would help the projects in the "fix-it" stage to evolve into having similarly designed UIs.

What we need is that simple, elegant yet extensible layout design and a group of people (or projects) to start pushing it.

157
votes

Solution #4: Ensure that all creative applications work properly with Gnome-Globalmenu

Written by ethana2 the 28 Jun 09 at 23:35.

When you have a large screen with a scribus or inkscape window maximized, a menu bar that's not on the top screen edge becomes inconvenient. While ubuntu isn't likely to default to a global menu for a variety of reasons, it's a crucial part of the professional workflow --ask any graphic designer who uses a Mac Pro with a Cinema display.

117
votes

-39
votes

72
votes

See the 27 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:52) >>

Unified Human Theme Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu

Written by xdatap1 the 24 Jan 09 at 14:04. Global category: Look and Feel. New

Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu desktop looks very different each other. Users who use mixed desktop application (KDE application under GNOME or GNOME application under KDE) have different icons for the same kind of categories.

An unified theme will solve this issue. Other Distros already made it long time ago (i.e: Mandrake with Galaxy Theme)

127
votes

25
votes

-4
votes

63
votes

74
votes

-16
votes

-1
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Solution #8: Use QtCurve, currently the only GTK+, KDE3 and KDE4 theme

Written by zarlino the 30 Jan 09 at 16:48.

It has lots of options, so it can look just like the current Human theme. Even a bit better. QtCurve shares code between the specific toolkit versions, so it really always looks the same.

QtCurve currently lacks a GTK+ configuration tool but that's a minor undertaking compared to writing a cross-toolkit style from scratch.

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:51) >>

Optimize gnome panel for vertical use

Written by klingonfc the 29 Feb 08 at 22:39. Global category: Look and Feel. Implemented

For those of us with wide screen monitors, it would be great if we could have a panel that works well in the vertical position. We have additional space for a wide vertical panel on the right or left side of our monitor.

There are several bugs/problems when using the panel vertically.

1. Window List is broken and unusable when used vertically. The text stays horizontal without wrapping, making it completely unreadable. In my opinion, the text should just stay vertical like the "Menu Bar" and clock. There is also an odd expansion problem. Vertically the Window List is set to fixed size and won't expand to fit the free space of the panel. See:

2. When aligned on the left, the submenu arrows point the wrong way when navigating menus.

3. Notification Area icons don't scale. Either the notification icons should scale properly to the size of the panel, or they should re-align into a grid. This is true for both vertical and horizontal panel use. Launchers should be able to be set in a grid as well.

395
votes

17
votes

Selected solution (#2): The new "User Switcher" applet should be displayed vertically

Written by aliam13_2 the 16 Mar 09 at 15:39.

When the panel is vertical the new "User Switcher" applet should be displayed vertically. Currently the text is displayed vertically but the power icon / status icon is still to the right, thus you can not see the icon nor read the text. The icon should simply be put above or below the already vertical text. This would make the "User Switcher" applet behave in a usable manor when used on a vertical panel.

10
votes

Selected solution (#3): Modify window list for vertical arrangement

Written by mackerman the 20 Feb 10 at 03:00.

Currently, when you add the window list to a vertical panel you get huge buttons with a very short part of the window name. I think this could be modified so that vertical mode only shows the application icons, which should be enough to tell windows apart. If there's an application with more than one window open, this could be stated as a number beside the icon, and once the icon is clicked, the names of the different windows should appear beside the icon

See the 15 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 Apr 12 at 16:14) >>

Configure Ubuntu Programs During Installation

Written by Klau3 the 27 Jan 10 at 20:15. Related project: Live CD installer. Won't implement

Installation process should give people the choice to select some standard programms.
Someone using Thunderbird as mail client doesn't need Evolution...
It is not about installing all kinds of programms during the installation process, but about selecting the most common programms easily.

The other thing is that a lot of people don't know that ubuntu can play DVD videos, because they just don't know about libdvdcss2, “ubuntu restricted extras” and how to install them.

Example: my parents cannot install libdvdcss2 without my help. This should change!

1068
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685
votes

34
votes

533
votes

-250
votes

287
votes

414
votes

175
votes

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votes

229
votes

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-49
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Solution #14: Optional Microsoft Application Compatibility

Written by justintime03_2 the 9 Feb 10 at 02:13.

I know this sounds like heresy, but Ubuntu already has this in the repositories. Why not make it easier for new Ubuntu users to run their Windows applications. That's one of the biggest complaints I've heard. A lot of people don't know they can use WINE without digging around on the net. There's a lot who never know they have the option. Have the option to install WINE in the Configure Ubuntu Programs tool at first boot. I think this is crucial.

37
votes

-22
votes

Solution #16: not enough space, internet and other problems

Written by Goury the 12 Feb 10 at 10:54.

there is no problems to include this one to DVD
also there is one more thing needed - ability to install more than one app of any type
there is tons of ppls who uses chromium AND firefox because first is fast and second sometimes shows pages more accurate and have more extensions

also: do not include opera and chrome. include chromium and some other free (as freedom, not as beer) browsers

70
votes

73
votes

Solution #18: add network-manager plugins here

Written by Goury the 13 Feb 10 at 08:17.

90% russian internets is pptp vpn so option pptp must include needed packages to pptp-vpn plugin works in network manager (its stable enough)
many ppl in europes uses some oter vpn (i am not sure) so option to install oter vpn type is needed too

a lot of peoples uses wifis or something else to interneting
and we all know that ubuntu without internet is 99% dualbooting to windows or uninstalling - ubuntu MUST HAVE internet after installation so all interneting packages must be included at least to dvd, but on cd is good too AND thete must be option to install them - its very difficult task to noobs to install vpn or something else packages

-102
votes

-55
votes

54
votes

Solution #21: Solution #3, but also include option to choose Office suite

Written by magallucas the 16 Feb 10 at 20:53.

Some people (including me) have a personal preference for certain Office suites. Include a chance to choose the preferred suite (OpenOffice by default) would also be interesting. The options could be KOffice, Lotus Symphony, etc..

Integrated to Solution #12, the idea is even more complete: Accessing "Favorite Applications", the User can change your kit software more easily after you install the OS. For example, to change the option favorite browser "Firefox" to "Google Chrome", the Software Center automatically uninstall Firefox and install Chrome, making it the default browser. Happen the same way with the other favorite applications.

In case if the User wants to keep the two browsers (Firefox and Chrome), usually just select the Software Center - as is currently done - so both will be installed. Then just go to "Favorite Applications" and switch to Chrome, which is already installed - Firefox would remain, but the Chrome would be the primary browser.

26
votes

14
votes

44
votes

0
votes

Solution #26: Not during installation, but in the Welcome Screen

Written by pazuzuthewise the 3 Apr 10 at 02:55.

I believe that this option for adding software during OS install that cannot possibly fit on a CD medium, and therefore necessitates internet connection, could end up in a failed install process if the connection fails, as could happen with a 3G connection during bad weather conditions.
I certainly agree that the options presented in Solution #3 should be presented to the user in an informative manner - who, especially if new to linux, would otherwise have no clue what to do to be able to watch a DVD, for example - but not during OS install, but integrated in the Welcome Window that appears at the first login, maybe having a link in it to the Add/Remove Software, which, in turn should have these options on a main page.

15
votes

-5
votes

Solution #28: Choose the applications from the website before download

Written by thipv the 9 May 10 at 23:12.

It would make the process more flexible letting us to choose the programs before getting the iso, creating a customized image. You would select everything from the system architecture (32, 64, ppc, arm...) to desktop environment (gnome, kde, xfce, lxde...) or special environments (moblin based, netbook remix...), suggesting their default applications for each one, and let you change or remove them and choose additional programs, even restricted ones, informing the restrictions.
This would also be good because you would always be getting the most updated packages.

5
votes

Solution #29: Solution #3, #21, #23 ... + User choise

Written by JasLicno the 12 May 10 at 23:26.

User should decide which program will use.solution is simple:
Configure programs during installation:
1. button - ubuntu suggested
2. button - user defined ... list of all available programs
+ (because is impossible to have that big source of programs)

after installing, program that will give you option to make a clone of your installation, so next instalation of your system will be faster and with 100% personal programs. (this is not my idea, I have read about this as option in one of linux distributions)

7
votes

Solution #30: enable account transfer

Written by switchgirl the 30 Jun 10 at 21:21.

enable a way of saving account details to ubuntu one so that one can transfer all your accounts (yahoo, hotmail,gmail icq... irc... jabber.. everything) to the new machine this will help with setting up of new machines - like if someone has a laptop, web book and other machines, they really down want to have to set up all the different accounts multiple times. i'm not suggesting emails as this is too much data but enabling people to sync account details, and passwords would be good and improve ubuntu installs

0
votes

See the 55 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Mar 12 at 21:01) >>

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