Contributor forteller - Ubuntu brainstorm

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Mouse Wheel Acceleration

Written by comrade the 27 Mar 08 at 22:49. Global category: Accessibility. Already implemented

Using a mouse wheel to scroll in Windows has always had acceleration, so the faster you move the wheel the more the scroll distance increases.

Mouse cursor movement uses (configurable) acceleration, so I can't understand why this feature is lacking in the wheel (admittedly as with all other distros to my knowledge)

I find this provides a much more responsive feel to using the scroll wheel in any application, especially in a web browser

58
votes

1
votes

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 Feb 12 at 09:52) >>

Remember size + position of all windows and panels

Written by DavidONE the 29 Feb 08 at 14:37. Global category: System. New

I want Gnome to remember and reapply the size and location of all windows / apps / panels that I open.

I'm constantly resizing / maximizing / repositioning the same windows over and over again. It's a productivity drain.

Applications *should* remember / restore their size and position, but they don't.

Apparently, "the Gnome development team will not develop Gnome to handle these issues. Saying it is the job of the application to save its state of size and position". I think that's wrong, and if Gnome won't do it, Ubuntu should patch it.

167
votes

62
votes

See the 47 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Feb 12 at 17:57) >>

Start an Ubuntu Advertising Campaign

Written by rouge568 the 28 Feb 08 at 21:25. Global category: Marketing. New

When I first started using Ubuntu, the way I heard about it was several links down in a google search for "linux". the first link was to linux.org, which is not what I wanted to see as a first time user. "What is a distribution? Why are there hundreds of them? This site is really unusable - is there anything better? I mean, its linux.org. That seems pretty core to this great linux thing I've heard about. What's this Gnome and KDE? I just want to run a computer that works. All these Gnome vs KDE reviews don't help at all." I finally saw the word Ubuntu enough that I figured that I should try it out of all the others.

This is exemplary of the poor exposure that Ubuntu has, and pure lack of knowledge the public has about Open Source projects in general. We need to spread public awareness about the operating system, through media outlets, online campaigns, and possible tv/radio/billboard spots.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarketingTeam

edit: We are now #1 on Distrowatch! Also, here is a great example of a promotional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duBfhSsjgmU&fmt=18

editedit: Apparently, a marketing campaign for ubuntu is in the works. See towards the end of this blog post: http://huayra.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/january-what-a-start/

1102
votes

Solution #1: Use a Multi-Pronged Approach

Written by rouge568 the 28 Feb 08 at 21:25.

I think that the best place to start would be online campaigns, especially a series of official videos on youtube and other video sites. These should focus less on technical specs and the benefits of the open-source ideal, and more on the benefits of switching from Windows while retaining the ability to preform daily tasks. This will be targeting the main bulk of computer users: Microsoft customers who want to email, type, web browse, and don't like paying for an OS. Other facets of this campaign should include spreading the word about Ubuntu to non-tech oriented, high traffic website (myspace, yahoo), getting Ubuntu back as #1 on distrowatch.com, and creating guides in layman's terms so that non tech-savvy people can understand how to preform simple tasks. For example, don't tell people to open xorg.conf; tell them to type in the terminal 'gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf'.
Doing all of this will require a re-mobilization of the Ubuntu marketing team, several people to design a professional looking marketing video, and lots of structure. Once more momentum is generated, the media will be apt to catch on to the trend. However, we want to make sure at all costs that this is positive exposure. Anything negative (eg. Ubuntu is for geeks only) could immensely hurt our image. Physical advertising is harder to get together, but if someone can find an investor, this could be very possible.
A final idea would be to push for Ubuntu in school systems. I know that where I live, the schools are forced to run Windows 2000 because of old computers and no money for an upgrade. Ubuntu could both free funds for education and implant knowledge about the system into children, our future consumer base.
Comment back with any ideas on how to improve this.

48
votes

Solution #2: Ubuntu advertisments for fans who own websites and blogs

Written by kumailht the 21 Mar 08 at 22:23.

A lot of ubuntu users may own blogs and websites , they most probably love ubuntu and want to pay the community back. If the ubuntu website can offer banner ads which are professional and unobtrusive, users can help spread the word.

The banners must be professional and convey the message clearly. It should allow users to change certain aspects of this to match the website design.

Only logos with slogans will not help as people dont know about ubuntu. The banners will help in branding and it isnt hard to create.

-77
votes

26
votes

Solution #4: Ubuntu propaganda page

Written by fixor the 21 Feb 09 at 11:28.

Create a propaganda webpage where people can see and learn what Ubuntu is. Show all the great features and explain what distinguishes Ubuntu from other operating systems. Screenshots, short videos and some compelling arguments why they wanna try Ubuntu.

This way you can direct friends and anyone interested to this page and you don't force commercials on those who don't want to see them.

The best place for this would be somewhere on the official ubuntu page http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/17265 .

83
votes

15
votes

Solution #6: Highlight the possibility for everyone to improve their desktop experience

Written by stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:22.

This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.

====

One of the things I hate about having to use commercial software at my work, is that when I encounter an annoying bug or usability issue in the software (which reduces my productivity), I have to live with it. Each time I report such problems to our IT department, they look desperately at me because they can't help me. Also, they are surprised that they get all these questions from me as I am the only one in the company complaining.

(The shock experiments of Seligman and Maier are a possibile explanation for why I am the only one who complains; I am used to escaping the shuttle-box because I already use Linux at home for a long time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness#Seligman_and_Maier )

In Ubuntu, you have Launchpad, Brainstorm. You can vote, you can contribute by creatively thinking about solutions, you can coordinate different reports and thoughts about the same issue on a wiki page, you can point experts in your network to the issue, you can write better documentation, you can submit patches, you can test fixes, and so forth.

[...]

====>

Ubuntu should improve communication regarding the enormous advantage that bugs are not persistent and that the user has *control* over the bug fixing process.

For instance, in the help menu of each application a "What do you hate in this application?" entry can be added that allows people to report annoyances and that learns them how they can help to fix this annoyance. Obviously, this also can get another name like "What annoys you?".

Another possibility to highlight the fact that the user has a stake in the evolution of Ubuntu (contrastingly to closed source platforms), is by some dialog like this: "This is the third time you booted Ubuntu. Do you want to initiate a live chat session with a random community member to report your experiences with Ubuntu? Is there something that annoyed you in your previous 2 Ubuntu sessions? Or do you have a question?"

This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.

====

One of the things I hate about having to use commercial software at my work, is that when I encounter an annoying bug or usability issue in the software (which reduces my productivity), I have to live with it. Each time I report such problems to our IT department, they look desperately at me because they can't help me. Also, they are surprised that they get all these questions from me as I am the only one in the company complaining.

(The shock experiments of Seligman and Maier are a possibile explanation for why I am the only one who complains; I am used to escaping the shuttle-box because I already use Linux at home for a long time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness#Seligman_and_Maier )

In Ubuntu, you have Launchpad, Brainstorm. You can vote, you can contribute by creatively thinking about solutions, you can coordinate different reports and thoughts about the same issue on a wiki page, you can point experts in your network to the issue, you can write better documentation, you can submit patches, you can test fixes, and so forth.

====>

Ubuntu should improve communication regarding the enormous advantage that bugs are not persistent and that the user has *control* over the bug fixing process.

For instance, in the help menu of each application a "What do you hate in this application?" entry can be added that allows people to report annoyances and that learns them how they can help to fix this annoyance. Obviously, this also can get another name like "What annoys you?".

Another possibility to highlight the fact that the user has a stake in the evolution of Ubuntu (contrastingly to closed source platforms), is by some dialog like this: "This is the third time you booted Ubuntu. Do you want to initiate a live chat session with a random community member to report your experiences with Ubuntu? Is there something that annoyed you in your previous 2 Ubuntu sessions? Or do you have a question?"

19
votes

Solution #7: Campaign to educate IT departments

Written by stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:41.

This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.

====

This campaign should consist of an USB stick accompanied with a letter. Key message of such a campaign should be something like these:

* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu requires only a modest 384MB of RAM. Save on hardware by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"

* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is safe by design and thanks to its fast security updates. Save on anti-virus software by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"

* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is accompanied with thousands of easy-to-install and easy-to-update software programs. Save administration time by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"

13
votes

Solution #8: Flyer campaign

Written by stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:56.

This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.

====

In this flyer campaign, Ubuntu community members can print flyers at home (or request free flyers in gloss paper via shipit). Next, they can give these flyers to other people or put them in people's mail boxes.

These flyers can look like this:
"Windows is no requirement - Your computer also can run Ubuntu, and maybe you even like it better"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>

Or like this:
"Is your computer slow? Do not throw it away! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>

Or this:

[...]

"Is your computer infected by a virus? Fix it by yourself! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>

Or this:
"You hate computers? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>

Or this:
"Computers are difficult for you? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>

17
votes

Solution #9: Linux Foundation should create a Tux logo campaign for hardware

Written by stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 22:07.

This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.

====

The Linux Foundation should create a Tux logo campaign for hardware devices to indicate Linux support. This campaign should be backed by all Linux distributions including Ubuntu.

14
votes

Solution #10: Ubuntu: Just ask for it!

Written by p_squiddy the 13 Aug 09 at 13:26.

Get everyone you know to simply ask for Ubuntu next time they enter a Big Box store. For example, they could ask, "This laptop is very nice. Do you have one that comes with Ubuntu on it?"

The Big Box stores claim there is no demand for Open Source and Linux. Why? Because no one goes into their stores and asks for it. Inform your friends a bit about Ubuntu and how stress-free it can make your PC, remind them to ask about it at their local Big Box store next time they're there. If they see the demand, they WILL respond.

Best of all, this kind of advertising is free!

9
votes

Solution #12: Web campaign perhaps supported by a youtube video

Written by dailyrev the 2 Sep 09 at 08:11.

Show in detail the history of the Linux phenomenon in Netbooks and cheap PCs: a lean, versatile OS with a stable, light kernel finds a place in hardware that cannot support bloatware such as Apple's Leopard and Microsoft's Vista. Demonstrate the curiously coincidence in the timing of Linux's success in these areas with Cupertino's and Redmond's sudden decisions to scale down and refocus their OS development on function, leanness, and performance in a wide range of hardware. Allow people to see that there is more than coincidence in the Snow Leopard / Win 7 development revolution.

6
votes

Solution #13: Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.

Written by hgibson the 12 Oct 09 at 07:15.

Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.

A suggested name for the website is: http://books.ubuntu.com

A lot of work has been done by the Ubuntu/Debian communities. It would be a pity if there were no clear guide lines on how to get the books and CD's.

An introduction to the web site could be added to the installation slideshows !

Sorry for dup below. Our weblink went up and down.
Was not sure it was posted.

7
votes

Solution #14: Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.

Written by hgibson the 12 Oct 09 at 07:36.

3
votes

Solution #15: Run a similar marketing campaign like Google did for Chrome.

Written by shahnawazshahin the 21 Jan 10 at 12:51.

Like with Google, advertise Ubuntu through banner ads, popular newspapers and billboards.

Perhaps have a 30 second YouTube video that advertises Ubuntu.

What about another video, longer (3 mins) that explains the current situation, and how Ubuntu can help...

... similar Google's 'What is Google Chrome OS?' video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QRO3gKj3qw ).

3
votes

4
votes

Solution #17: Ubuntu for Business Website

Written by speedkreature the 29 Jan 10 at 19:55.

A web portal for businesses. The actual URL is less important than the content.
It should help with:
* Research and Decision Making
* TCO & ROA calculators
* Acquisition of Hardware/Software
* Provide a list of enterprise grade hardware supported by Linux (i.e. Fibre Channel HBA's, Tape Drives and Autoloaders, etc)
* Support contact info (redirect to current support offerings?)

2
votes

Solution #18: Ubuntu Release Conference

Written by boulabiar the 4 Sep 10 at 01:08.

I propose to make an ubuntu release conference where the event video is streamed on a website and where someone from the top level of the company shows the features of the new release.
This can be made during the UDS for example.

A collecting from the main features of ubuntu can be collected from users to focus on the ones they like.

This big event can be made during the 5th anniversary of ubuntu.
(6.06 + 5 years)= (UDS-N)+1 = UDS(11.10)

2
votes

3
votes

Solution #20: When Youtube is used on a PC

Written by Saie the 14 Jun 11 at 07:35.

-A youtube video advertisement .. one of those that they play infront of videos these days, that quickly says, "does your comptuer get stuck, load slow, isit impossible to use, get ubuntu today its free!"
People watch youtube from PCs usually and are surely likely to click it

-Facebook & Youtube banner ad that reads something like "PC running slow? You think its rubbish? Install ubuntu now, its completely free.. click and find out why"

The best thing is that it's possibly the cheapest form of advertising.

See the 35 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 4 Feb 12 at 20:11) >>

Key bindings to show/hide Rhythmbox (or other music player)

Written by mydoghasworms the 25 Nov 11 at 07:37. Global category: Usability. Won't implement

When I close Rhythmbox, it is still accessible via the sound menu. However, it is not always convenient to use the mouse to open it again.

9
votes

See the 7 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Feb 12 at 14:54) >>

Add a tutorial slideshow to the installation process

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Low
Definition :	Approved (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Started
Assignee :

Mentorship is available if you want to fix this bug.

Written by aysiu the 28 Feb 08 at 18:49. Global category: Installation. Implemented

New users coming from Windows are often disoriented and don't really know the real advantages of Ubuntu or even how to use some of its basic functions (Add/Remove instead of setup.exe). An orientation would help them.

A couple of ideas for how to help them have come up, including an idea about having pop-ups for every new application that's open. The pop-up idea has a few downsides, of course, not the least of which being that pop-ups are annoying to many users, both new and experienced.

One relatively unobtrusive way to introduce new users to the basic functions of Ubuntu is to show a slideshow during the installation process. New users would probably watch the slideshow (they're waiting for the installation to finish--what else are they going to do?), while experienced users might have the option to turn off the slideshow... or they may just get up and leave, knowing that the installation won't take more than fifteen minutes.

Developer comments

A slideshow during the installer was planned for 8.10, but has been deferred to 9.04.

1159
votes

See the 59 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 2 Feb 12 at 09:54) >>

Better monitor support and configuration tools

Written by No0ne the 29 Feb 08 at 00:37. Global category: Graphics. Implemented

Better way to set monitor resolution and refresh rate. Majority of the new monitors are LCD type. User should be able to specify the native resolution and refresh rate during install.

Then Ubuntu/X must do WHATEVER it takes to stick to that resolution and refresh rate.

In case of multi-monitor setups, must be able to specify the configuration at time of installation.

Also, the login GUI must use same resolution as X. Why different resolutions?

Rant:
I have nVidia NVS440 card with Viewsonic VP2290b monitor. Video card must be set to 1920x1200 @13Hz or @41Hz refresh rate for each of it's four outputs. Desktop must be arranged in 2x2 matrix. Then monitor displays 3840x2400 @13Hz or @41Hz.

This worked very well in Ubuntu 6.06. Installed Ubuntu 7.04 and ended up with something like 800x480, even with nVidia binary drivers. Tweaked xorg.conf for weeks to get this to work. BulletProofX kept messing with my hand crafted xorg.conf file; which did work with 6.06. Eventually gave up and started using Windaz again :-( Will try again when frustration level has come down.

Developer comments

Developer response: http://blog.qa.ubuntu.com/node/9

2395
votes

See the 21 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 27 Jan 12 at 14:35) >>

Less screensavers

Written by programad the 11 Mar 08 at 15:24. Global category: Look and Feel. Implemented

Actually, we have 5 wallpapers, 9 themes and 80+ SCREENSAVERS!!!

WHAT THE HELL!

Who need that amount of screensavers?

I think we should vote five to the default installation, and the other ones comes with a optional package?

Isn't gnome "keep it simple"?

For me just a "dim screen" is enough for default.

681
votes

36
votes

-7
votes

Selected solution (#3): do not remove any screen saver but improve them

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.

-208
votes

178
votes

406
votes

712
votes

Selected solution (#7): place in a "screensavers-extra" package

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.

81
votes

Selected solution (#8): Offer Download & Install easy interface

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.

-208
votes

Selected solution (#9): Offer "Screensavers" option in Ubuntu installation.

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.

See the 42 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 18 Jan 12 at 17:19) >>

Shift Click in Nautilus to work on buttons

Written by freexe the 3 Sep 08 at 16:34. Related project: Nautilus. Not an idea

If you shift click on a folder it will open in a new window. But if you shift click on one of the buttons like "Up" then it just goes up a folder.

I would like for this function to also work on the control buttons like "Back", "Forward", "Up" and "Reload"

Ie. When you click "Up" it opens the parent folder in a new window and leaves the current window on the same folder.

56
votes

See the 2 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 11 Jan 12 at 16:06) >>

Show search resaults as they're found

Written by lophie the 22 Dec 08 at 06:16. Related project: Nautilus. Not an idea

Show the resaults of the search as they're found.
My idea is so simple and clear. the file search in nautilus shows the resaults after finishing the search. this is often a waste of time since the file the user wanted is already found! why we waste time by waiting for the end of the search? I think if the resaults appear as they're found is way better and efficient. that is my idea.

60
votes

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 Jan 12 at 20:27) >>

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
votes

529
votes

202
votes

338
votes

229
votes

103
votes

95
votes

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

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