Contributor forteller - Ubuntu brainstorm

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the Future nautilus

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 18:53. Related project: Nautilus. New

nautilus sucks and something needs to be done, and now let me point to the key points that make it suck.

1. slow startup, comparing windows with nautilus explorer opens faster than nautilus
2. cluttered, too many buttons that hurts the eye and wasted space
3. library, a library feature can be very important in the near future as i will explain in the solution.
4. no eye-candy, the user should impressed by Ubuntu and the current nautilus don't accomplish that.
5. ease of use, by making mass renaming easy, opening as an administrator, set as background ...etc

264
votes

99
votes

-43
votes

Solution #3: Libraries Feature

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:15.

i think libraries exceed the idea that Microsoft done, its more powerful than that, so let me explain uses of library

Case (1): i use Dropbox for file sharing and ubuntuOne and Document are located under ~/Documents so what is the solution to make this? every one will say links links is good but at some point this becomes very bad, if you want to share some docs on UbuntuOne and the other on Dropbox also if you have some documents spread out on other places like external HDD it would be problematic to update links manually.

Case (2): better suited for the cloud, imagine if you could just open your Facebook or Picasa images from nautilus how this would be done, this should work the same way with the availability of the API (and there is a project dedicated for that called "DataPortability Project")

84
votes

72
votes

Solution #5: Eye-Candy by Grabbing Movie Posters and Album Cover

Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:38.

this solution should be available but NOT enable by default, this can make Ubuntu looks very beautiful, by enabling this feature it will see if the folder is named Movies and then its grabs the poster, and if the folder is named Music it will change every folder with the album cover or if its a band it will be the band picture.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FJH0hYZmVtc/SsX9dlPsYiI/AAAAAAAADdg/lH-qnrRNjZU/s1600 /screenshot_030.png

77
votes

Solution #6: We should impress the users.

Written by azhar the 30 Oct 09 at 22:19.

Truth be told, for the majority of people, Linux distros is equal to CLI.
Now, we all know that's false... But, yet, the majority of people do think so...

You know, in my opinion.... I think when someone has a look at a Linux Distro(in that case Ubuntu), he should feel like he wants to embrace the free community at once. What I mean to say, is, that he should be soooo impressed by the background, the Toolbars' design, and the feel in general, that he wishes to go OpenSource almost instantly, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, this discriminate view against Linux Distros should disappear immediately in his mind.

Now, how do we achieve this??
Its all about the UI.
We should have glassy, and glossy toolbars. And, it should be in very vibrant and lively, and cool colours. It shouldn't be some dull, dark black, or I don't know what colour. It should appeal to the user. It should feel fresh! :)

Moreover, the icons should be stylishly designed. Very beautifully designed. Very trendy, and cool. Again, something that appeals to the user. And not some 2-D clunky and dull-looking icons.

The time has come to show people that the open-communtiy has great resources and talents! Its time to show people that we have taste, not only for stability, or security, even though these are essential components of an OS, but that we also have exquisite taste when it comes to the UI.

[...]

From the moment the user log into his account, to the moment he logs out, he should feel he is in the best OS. He should be excited to explain to his other friends how cool and beautifully designed his OS is. Even the logon tone should be classy. In my opinion, of the best tones is the BOREALIS set.

Come'on guys! Lets show to teh world that the OpenSource community has some great talents!! And has exquisite taste!

30
votes

Solution #7: Add search button connected to console.

Written by Lachu the 31 Oct 09 at 08:26.

Add search button on top of Nautilus window. It will search in man for commands operates on files. The main problem is that man is not fully readable by computer, but text style in man pages are very semantically.

People needs similar thinks to Ubiquity Mozilla's project on file management. It would be great if I can input backup, select "cp -b " command and check all files in checkbox. In next step I can save some settings of this dialog, set name and put generated button on the panel. When this button is clicked similar dialog will been displayed, but option all files could be checked(if I decided that on dialog creating process).

Second cases: Mathew needs to backup files from current directory onto CD. He only input burn and he got option like brasero or CLI commands to burning files. He only select some cli command and drag files to burn or select all files checkbox.

89
votes

Solution #8: Ease of Use (Undo, Rename, Admin, Background)

Written by Shady3D the 31 Oct 09 at 12:42.

ease of use include having options available like "open as admin", "set as background", and the most important one "UNDO"

another important feature is Mass Renaming without using extra applications, and one of the ways to do that is by
1. selecting the files/folders
2. right-click to rename the first element
3. rename like you are renaming a regular file BUT include special characters like # for numbering, ex: # >> 0, 1, 2 but ## >> 00, 01, 02
4. click enter and nautilus will rename the other files

extra commands like converting to uppercase just type UPPERCASE and it will automatically convert them without renaming them, lowercase, switch between space to underscore, and all this cane be can be done the same way.

76
votes

Solution #9: Uniform icon size

Written by robinparriath the 1 Nov 09 at 14:25.

Uniform icon size would really improve the arrangement of icons on screen.

Say, you have 3 pdfs, 2 movies and 4 folders in a folder. The overall arrangement in Nautilus helps in identifying which is which, but at the cost of neatness.

I propose and upper limit for the icon size, that can be set through the options in shady3d's solution #2

24
votes

Solution #10: Integrating Gnome Do with Ubuntu

Written by foplat the 4 Nov 09 at 07:01.

I've read the solutions provided above and I also think that Nautilus's UI should be renewed, or creating a new way to browse through files and folders.

My solution includes solutions #1 and #6 but also this: how about also including Gnome Do (http://do.davebsd.com/) program along with the Ubuntu and #1 and #6? It is a powerful tool that provides easy access not only to files and folders but also to search results, microblogging, e-mail etc. It is inspired by Quicksilver from Macs. Here is a presentation video of the Quicksilver, since Gnome Do is very, very similar program. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8493378861634507068#

23
votes

Solution #11: Easier "paste into directory"

Written by Leopard2A5 the 5 Nov 09 at 07:23.

When i have files on the clipboard and i want to paste them into a folder that's too full (so that there's no unused space between the last file and the window border) i have to move one folder upwards and then right-click and click "paste into folder".

It's way more intuitive to just right-click anywhere in the target folder (as long as you don't right-click a contained folder) and hit "paste". (Windows does it that way).

I love linux, but i always thought this is a disadvantage compared to Windows.

-15
votes

Solution #12: Navigation more similar to the Windows explorer

Written by Leopard2A5 the 5 Nov 09 at 08:17.

I know, nautilus is not the windows explorer, but even this bit of software has some nice features, i'm referring to the feature in the "path-bar" in which you can change the directory of any element in the path with a drop-down list.

-3
votes

Solution #13: Specific "Explorer" features

Written by ElliottCB the 5 Nov 09 at 11:42.

There is a lot of functionality buried in Windows Explorer, in particular in the area of Shell Extensions. I happen to have done some development in this area and would be interested to know if it could be done (or has been done!) in Ubuntu. I might suggest the following specific features:

1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied.

2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself.

3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data.

4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer.

[...]

5) A namespace extension to allow one to add a panel to the files view in which file content or properties can be shown

6) Drag-Drop handler extensions to allow modification of the way files behave when dropped one on the other. Photoshop "Droplets" might be a good model - you can drop a batch of pictures on a little file and the operations it defines will be applied to the picture.

And a non-Explorer suggestion:

x) A reg-ex enabled filter to hide/show or select/unselect heterogeneous selections of files.

Excuse me if I'm re-inventing an old Ubuntu wheel. These are my first hours here!

This is a lot of work, but I think the various elements could be cleanly decoupled. The role of the XML file in applying extensions locally or conditionally might need some thought.

1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied.

2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself.

3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data.

4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer.

5) A namespace extension to allow one to add a panel to the files view in which file content or properties can be shown

6) Drag-Drop handler extensions to allow modification of the way files behave when dropped one on the other. Photoshop "Droplets" might be a good model - you can drop a batch of pictures on a little file and the operations it defines will be applied to the picture.

And a non-Explorer suggestion:

x) A reg-ex enabled filter to hide/show or select/unselect heterogeneous selections of files.

Excuse me if I'm re-inventing an old Ubuntu wheel. These are my first hours here!

This is a lot of work, but I think the various elements could be cleanly decoupled. The role of the XML file in applying extensions locally or conditionally might need some thought.

19
votes

Solution #14: Just sort out the bugs and issues

Written by nlao the 5 Nov 09 at 14:10.

Here is my tuppence worth of ideas, but I think fixing missing simple user enhancements and soem bugs would go a long way to making it better.

Here are a couple that really annoy me, I expect there are others.

Adding in features like "view as thumbnails" per folder would go a long way to helping make it better.

Icon placement on Desktop, this really really needs sorting. There is not a structured grid for icons, some end up close to others whilst others are miles away and dragging them around come to nothing they still end up looking like a jumble. Further to this is the placement of removable media icons. These really should not be over other icons on the desktop.

-3
votes

Solution #15: Single window

Written by biffen the 5 Nov 09 at 15:46.

Opening a directory from anywhere outside of nautilus should open it in a new tab in an existing nautilus window (if there is one, otherwise open a new one, of course).

Opening multiple windows should of course still be possible. (Think Firefox.)

This behaviour would of course be optional (but default?) by settings.

How this would work when there is already more than one window open, is an other question.

-14
votes

10
votes

8
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Solution #18: Improved address bar

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 11:42.

The address bar has an enormous amount of potential, and while browsers are experimenting with ways to get the most use out of them as possible, file managers are lagging behind.
We could use the address bar for (just brainstorming):
1. Search (like Google Chrome's omnibar)
2. Getting to locations quickly (like in Firefox and Chrome: when you type "X11", for instance, a drop-down would suggest "/usr/bin/X11")
3. Terminal commands
4. Custom commands (for example, "Search web ", "E-mail ", or "New ")

2
votes

Solution #19: Solution 8 + a few more things

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 12:12.

In addition to the mass rename in solution 8, there should be:
1. An unintrusive balloon showing the different special characters (# or %n for number, %m for month, 0d for day in two digits, %r(text to replace, text replaced with) for replace, etc.)
2. A more-clearly-explained dialog window (perhaps similar to Total Commander's, which has done a really good job with mass renaming)

4
votes

0
votes

Solution #21: A clipboard section in the sidebar

Written by Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 13:06.

All the files cut or copied from any application would appear in this section. It could hold multiple files, so if I dragged an image in, then a document, then an image, it would hold all of these.
(Paste would apply to only the last one cut/copied.)
Use cases:
1) Instead of cut/move, the user can drag-and-drop a file into the section.
2) Instead of paste, the user can drag-and-drop a file from the section to paste it to a folder.
3) To create a text file: I can copy text from anywhere, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place to create a text file.
4) Instead of save: I can copy an image from Firefox, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place I want to have it.
Kind of a variation on the Clipboard/Shelf, but maybe doesn't have too many advantages to require an implementation. If someone wants to brainstorm more on this, they're welcome.
Perhaps a better thing would be a system-wide revision of the Clipboard.

See the 12 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 17:47) >>

show download rate and add pause option in software center

Written by sirish.gauni the 1 Nov 09 at 18:00. Related project: Add/Remove program dialog. New

With slow download rates and not so good internet network in developing countries like india, its would be very useful to have a pause option in software center so that we can pause the download when there is too much of traffic congestion. Also same reason to have the software center show download rates while downloading the software.

133
votes

Solution #1: Show download rate and add pause option

Written by sirish.gauni the 1 Nov 09 at 18:00.

You could just add a pause option to the software center and also show the download rates. Further more if the software center can be made such a way that when the network/internet goes off the download doesn't stop completely and starts from where it left of when the internet is back.

This idea can also be applied to Update manager.

39
votes

Solution #2: Showing the Download Rate will surely help...

Written by azhar the 3 Nov 09 at 00:32.

I'd propose more or less the same solution as SIRISH.GAUNI. In fact, in the Updater, we have the download rate being displayed. So, why not extend it to the Software Centre too. And, BTW, the implementation of a download manager, capable of resuming downloads would surely help.

Besides, it would be great if we had to enter our password only once when we start using the Software Centre, for it's really very annoying to have to enter the password several times when downloading several items. Or else, we could be asked to enter the password just before all the downloads start.

13
votes

Solution #3: #1 + an option to limit the download rate

Written by gohilurvish the 5 Nov 09 at 11:13.

While downloading software, mostly system uses whole bandwidth. This may create some issues if you are sharing your connection with other over network. While downloading, its difficult for others to even surf regular sites.

Keeping a torrent like option to limit bandwidth will surely help apart from download rates and pause option. Moreover if system goes down by any change (power failure for desktops), downloading should start from the same point (I don't know if it is already there).

9
votes

Solution #4: Suggestion for solution No3

Written by azhar the 5 Nov 09 at 14:31.

There could be an option where we tell the Software Centre to download the applications only when our connection is idle.
I'm not sure.... But I think Adobe lets you do this during an update, whereby you can check a box to specify that the download should take place only when the connection is idle.
Anyway, it would be great to have such an option...

18
votes

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 16:42) >>

Make the Software Center Social

Written by Stebalien the 18 Oct 09 at 21:06. Global category: Usability. New

The Software Center is currently very plain and a little boring.

400
votes

151
votes

415
votes

Solution #3: 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.

127
votes

67
votes

48
votes

175
votes

86
votes

-66
votes

53
votes

-32
votes

2
votes

Solution #12: 1,2,3,4,7 + 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)

7
votes

19
votes

4
votes

Solution #15: Avoid Application With Unavailable Plugin

Written by heru.htl the 6 Nov 09 at 17:57.

Some applications like Quanta has unavailable plugin (in Quanta case, Gubed is very important plugin but it's unavailable), another example is Pitivi. Regarding this matter, users sometime think this is lack of development.
This is just a suggestion, avoid such application with unavailable plugin, especially if such unavailable plugin is something essential for current application function.

3
votes

Solution #16: 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.

See the 12 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 16:34) >>

Gmail Integration in Evolution

Written by Shady3D the 10 Oct 09 at 19:45. Related project: Evolution Mail and Calendar. New

setting-up Gmail in Evolution every time is a hell for non geeks. calendar, address-book, and notes are a completely different thing.

770
votes

74
votes

191
votes

-17
votes

Solution #4: Replace Evolution With Thunderbird

Written by snostorm the 17 Oct 09 at 15:35.

Thunderbird has much better webmail integration, and is much easier to set up than Evolution, particularly in the upcoming version 3.0. It's also got better add ons, and is part of the Mozilla suite. Calendar support can be provided through Lightning, a add-on developed by Mozilla that could be included in Thunderbird by default. (If it doesn't end up included in the official 3.0 anyway) Why not just have Thunderbird as the default? If someone wants Evolution, it's in the repository.

179
votes

46
votes

Solution #6: Just a couple of other things

Written by homerhomer the 22 Oct 09 at 23:39.

1) If Evolution is going to use the notification area ( which I like ) I should be able to hide it from the task-bar. Personally, I think they should add this EASY to add feature, but until that time Ubuntu should use alltray like they say - http://www.go-evolution.org/FAQ#Can_I_minimize_the_Evolution_window_to_the_syst em_tray.3F

2) Also when I'm using IMAP with Gmail in Evolution is should hide the local account that's not being used. There is no need for extra clutter.

I like evolution but sometimes I feel they are not working with the community.

79
votes

16
votes

Solution #8: Create new online account management application

Written by optevo the 1 Nov 09 at 22:48.

Introduction:
An online account management application (OAMA) should be created. This application would have a simple interface and will store authentication information for various online accounts (google, hotmail, etc). In addition to basic account information, it could also store common preference associated with such accounts eg.
- IMAP vs POP
- which email account is the default
- whether to use a given account for any/all of email, chat, calendar
- whether to set the account up in the browser (eg. create bookmarks and save user/password information for the relevant site)

Whenever a Communications Application (ComApp) such as a email (eg Evolution, Thunderbird), chat (eg Empathy, Pidgin), calendar (eg Evolution, Sunbird), etc is launched for the first time it should either
1. Take existing settings that were set within the OAMA and auto-configure itself accordingly
2. If the OAMA has never been launched, the ComApp should invoke it first

ADVANTAGES:
- Once the OAMA has been run, any ComApp should be able to be launched with zero initial configuration and be usable
- Single point of configuration for all ComApps

[...]

- Easier configuration of all ComApps
- Easier to change between different ComApps

Additional suggestions:
If a preference that is managed by OAMA is changed within the ComApp, the preferences in the OAMA should be updated. In other words, there should be a 2 way sync between the OAMA and all ComApps

It might be worth considering having the OAMA run as part of the Ubuntu install process.

7
votes

See the 17 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 09:20) >>

If a dark theme: one that doesn't suck!

Written by DPic the 4 Aug 08 at 01:54. Related project: Gnome. New

Originally, i was really against the idea of a dark theme, and maybe i'd still prefer it if Ubuntu would lighten up a little. I understand the organic theme completely, but please...this is an operating system. Anyways, all the dark themes i had seen really turned me off and even the best ones seemed to be loved by some and hated by others. If we're going to have a dark theme, lets have one that we can all agree on. When i saw the Intrepid alpha screenshot, like many others, i gagged a little.

How people interact with their computer is really essential to their satisfaction. This is why aside from features, the software's stability (minimizing annoying bugs), speed (clean code and making everything as efficient and responsive as possible), and interface (look and feel) are the three most important things that should be our focus and be kept at a high priority.
We should really work to increase usability: http://mpt.net.nz/archive/2008/08/01/free-software-usability

I have looked through all the artwork submissions for Intrepid, and of all of them, this is the one dark theme that i would actually like to use: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Intrepid/Wall-light

I first saw it on this Digg submission: http://digg.com/linux_unix/Intrepid_Ibex_Mockup_Designs

Of course, i'm sure everyone will have input to make it even better. This isn't a final design, but vote for the concept so far!

P.S. Please Digg :) Thanks http://digg.com/linux_unix/Vote_for_a_beautiful_usable_Ubuntu

1424
votes

See the 119 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 08:41) >>

Better wi-fi support

Written by neilneil2000 the 29 Feb 08 at 00:20. Global category: Internet & Networking. New

More support for more wireless chipsets out of the box and "Windows style" ease of set up.

I have spent may a day trying to configure wireless cards on Ubuntu, often without much luck!

Please also deliver more support for what they are both wireless PCI cards and USB, as it is currently very low base of drivers for such devices

4367
votes

See the 61 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 05:58) >>

Copy / Move File Queue

Written by tloxscrew the 29 Feb 08 at 00:54. Global category: System. New

Update__
Please add something like this (thanks to kliklik)

kliklik
___________
Here's a mockup I've done, based on the ideas from this thread and a couple of my own. Tell me what you think.

http://ultimate.in.rs/temp/ubuntu/CopyQueue.png
http://ultimate.in.rs/temp/ubuntu/CopyQueue_Expanded.png

The top progress bar shows the total progress, two buttons beside it pause/cancel the entire queue.

The cancel buttons may have confirmation they pause the queue/item, ask you if you're sure and than either stop or continue the process. For the brave crowd, they immidiately stop the process :)

Folder button opens the destination folder.

Only one process at a time unless forced to start.

Up/Down arrows reorder the items based on priority, the higher ones get processed first.

Clear button clears all the finished jobs.
--------------

me, tloxscrew

[....]

1662
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3
votes

41
votes

27
votes

Solution #4: Implement a queue for HDD tasks

Written by idzuna the 19 Mar 09 at 23:18.

I suggest that there be a queue for copying between the same HDD's or even one's that are busy.

Example:
Task 1: HDD1 > HDD2 10 mins of copy time
Then the user wants to copy something from HDD1 > HDD3
Task 2: HDD1 > HDD3 5 mins of copy time

If they were in a queue (perhaps a queue that the user could edit in order of importance) the overall copy time wouldn't be affected.

also, if both.
HDD1 copies to HDD2
HDD3 copies to HDD4
then they could run simultaneously as the head of the HDD's is dedicated to each task.
Note: I say copy, but this can be applied to any HDD task

5
votes

7
votes

See the 39 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Nov 09 at 01:37) >>

There is no option to create 'shortcuts to desktop' of items

Written by sagarpdy the 30 Oct 09 at 19:11. Related project: Nautilus. New

we need to frequently access some items in our computer e.g. for some developers it may be require to access /usr/share or include directories frequently. But i couldn't found any option to add such item's link/shortcut to desktop directly.

44
votes

-1
votes

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 6 Nov 09 at 00:35) >>

Can't preview .xcf files without GIMP

Written by timnwells the 5 Nov 09 at 09:16. Related project: Image Viewer (EoG). New

In nautilus I can see a thumbnail preview of .xcf files but I cannot seem to preview them in Image Viewer. Sometimes it would be good to be able to preview a .xcf file that is still being worked on without having to open it it gimp or export it to another format.

62
votes

8
votes

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 Nov 09 at 18:36) >>

Tutorial

Written by buu700 the 13 Sep 08 at 16:58. Global category: Documentation. New

"You know that annoying "Welcome to Windows" tutorial that pops up the first time you boot into Windows (or every time thereafter if you forget the checkbox (Or at least it did in Win2k and XP I dunno about Vista))? For new users, there should be an option for that in the install - an opt-in choice like "Please install a tutorial to use the first time I run Ubuntu." Then, when booting up, it wouldn't just pop up, but there would be an icon on the desktop titled "Tutorial" or something of the sort. Click on that, and a little animated paperclip would... I kid, I kid. No, you click on that, and it would give you a basic overview of things that trip up new users: installing programs, home vs. My Documents, sudo/root, what the pre-installed programs do (i.e. OpenOffice Writer = Word), etc. It wouldn't go into more advanced stuff like compiling your own program - that would scare people off. But it would explain what people need to get off the ground.

Do y'all think it's a bad idea/ I dunno, I'm just brainstorming out loud, so feel free to shout me down, or suggest something better. *shrugs*"

-darth_indy

46
votes

1
votes

Solution #2: informative + attractive welcome screen on boot up

Written by mirnander the 18 Jun 09 at 04:20.

Solution? very simple. Upon first boot, and in the live CD too, a welcome splash screen with links to relevant info for new users would be very helpful, and more importantly welcoming. I think it should be simple, graphically pleasing, and concise.

I don't know for sure, but I am guessing that a lot of people who decide to check out Ubuntu for the first time are going to be relativity young people. Generally speaking multimedia is pretty important to young people. Because of this, I think that on the top of the list of things to include on an Ubuntu "welcome screen" is a brief explanation on the difference between proprietary codecs and open codecs, and how that may affect the user's experience. This should include a link to info on apps that play movies, music, dvds, etc, and info on how to get the codecs they need. It should also explain why Ubuntu does not include these codecs. (I actually don't fully understand that last part myself.) It's a good opportunity to introduce a new user to the Ubuntu way of installing apps, codecs, etc.

I don't know anything about Mac, but I know as a windows user, I would have also appreciated a link on a welcome screen that directed me to a page about "what's different for windows users." The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, control+alt+delete. I strongly feel that Ubuntu should not change it's current usage of this particular key combo, but it should mention that difference to a new user and show them how they can change the key combos if they want to. I would really appreciate some feedback from visitors on this one, especially from former (or current, if you're a dual booter,) Mac users. What difference was difficult for you to adapt to when first using Ubuntu? What would you have liked to have known right off the bat?

[...]

I also feel that the welcome screen should emphasise using the forums and include links. The forum topics that pertain to new users should be mentioned here or directly linked.

The welcome screen should also include links to info on setting up hardware. For instance - a printer icon links to a page that walks a new user through setting up a printer. I realize that doing such a thing is ridiculously easy on Ubuntu, but I am talking about increasing new user comfort level here.

Last, but not least.... again with the philosophy... The fact that rhythmbox and pulse audio was all messy was not a huge deal to me, but I can see how it would be a deal breaker for some people. I think the way to remedy this is to just openly explain to new users right when they boot up for the first time that computers are complicated and it's difficult to make things work on every conceivable system out there. At the same time the welcome screen should emphasise that 9 times out of 10 there is a fix for whatever kind of problem you might have, and that the pros of using Ubuntu outweigh the problems (ie a highly configurable system, a speedy system, a virus free system, amazing free software that's only a click away, etc.)

Just for kicks and giggles - maybe the welsome screen should include links to things like "ubuntu for musicians and artists," Ubuntu for web designers" "Ubuntu for home office use," etc.

I know there have been some similar suggestions on this topic and I have read them, but I am really looking for feedback here on the things I have specifically mentioned. I also would appreciate your ideas on what should be included in a welcome screen. I have been studying design and am willing to do some mock ups, but I need your help on what you would like to see.

PS- users should obviously be able to turn this off when they no longer need the help

I don't know for sure, but I am guessing that a lot of people who decide to check out Ubuntu for the first time are going to be relativity young people. Generally speaking multimedia is pretty important to young people. Because of this, I think that on the top of the list of things to include on an Ubuntu "welcome screen" is a brief explanation on the difference between proprietary codecs and open codecs, and how that may affect the user's experience. This should include a link to info on apps that play movies, music, dvds, etc, and info on how to get the codecs they need. It should also explain why Ubuntu does not include these codecs. (I actually don't fully understand that last part myself.) It's a good opportunity to introduce a new user to the Ubuntu way of installing apps, codecs, etc.

I don't know anything about Mac, but I know as a windows user, I would have also appreciated a link on a welcome screen that directed me to a page about "what's different for windows users." The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, control+alt+delete. I strongly feel that Ubuntu should not change it's current usage of this particular key combo, but it should mention that difference to a new user and show them how they can change the key combos if they want to. I would really appreciate some feedback from visitors on this one, especially from former (or current, if you're a dual booter,) Mac users. What difference was difficult for you to adapt to when first using Ubuntu? What would you have liked to have known right off the bat?

I also feel that the welcome screen should emphasise using the forums and include links. The forum topics that pertain to new users should be mentioned here or directly linked.

The welcome screen should also include links to info on setting up hardware. For instance - a printer icon links to a page that walks a new user through setting up a printer. I realize that doing such a thing is ridiculously easy on Ubuntu, but I am talking about increasing new user comfort level here.

Last, but not least.... again with the philosophy... The fact that rhythmbox and pulse audio was all messy was not a huge deal to me, but I can see how it would be a deal breaker for some people. I think the way to remedy this is to just openly explain to new users right when they boot up for the first time that computers are complicated and it's difficult to make things work on every conceivable system out there. At the same time the welcome screen should emphasise that 9 times out of 10 there is a fix for whatever kind of problem you might have, and that the pros of using Ubuntu outweigh the problems (ie a highly configurable system, a speedy system, a virus free system, amazing free software that's only a click away, etc.)

Just for kicks and giggles - maybe the welsome screen should include links to things like "ubuntu for musicians and artists," Ubuntu for web designers" "Ubuntu for home office use," etc.

I know there have been some similar suggestions on this topic and I have read them, but I am really looking for feedback here on the things I have specifically mentioned. I also would appreciate your ideas on what should be included in a welcome screen. I have been studying design and am willing to do some mock ups, but I need your help on what you would like to see.

PS- users should obviously be able to turn this off when they no longer need the help

1
votes

Solution #3: A few things to add

Written by mirnander the 18 Jun 09 at 04:35.

I forgot to mention:

The welcome screen should also introduce new users to common Ubuntu tasks like using the packaging manager, changing themes, configuring the desktop, etc,.

In the sixth paragraph, I should have stated that a link to a page that lists commonly known bugs/errors should be included on the welcome screen. The common bugs list should link to fixes, or at least provide some helpful search hints for people who may not be so creative with google. Ubuntu does include some terminology that new users will not be familiar with, which can make it difficult to search for answers to problems.

Also helpful would be a brief introduction to reporting bugs, to brainstorm, to launchpad, and any other site that should be known by an Ubuntu user.

Again, each of these points are an opportunity to emphasise the idea of open source and how every user has a hand in making the project even better, just by using it and providing feedback if nothing else.

Cheers :)

1
votes

Solution #4: Helping hand icon in tray

Written by Lachu the 18 Jun 09 at 14:17.

Add new notification type called "Tips" ;-) . When some application add tip to user it can behave as user prefer. Once user select show any tips option any tips will be presents when added to list. On hide any tips(default) option only special icon will be presents in the tray and sound information will be made. User can click helping hand and select topic of information.

User can also define him's knowledge about computer. I can be beginner or advanced user. Tips can be filtering based on this category. Also new installed application will show more tips than older.

When it can be used. Once first login and since we start package manager. Some application can uses tips instead of message with reason of disagree to do some tasks. For example I can rename file to reserved name(in this directory is file on the same name). File manager should only go to this file, highlight it and send tip to list. It can change window border too.

Tips will be:
- Depending on user personality(more advanced have less tips)
- System oriented(user can do a lot of thinks like turn it off or filter it - adding some to black list; newest application will shows more tips)
- Very simple
- Don't disappoint user.

I think GDM can use this mechanism too.

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