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Warning about low disk space  
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Written by luohan the 28 Feb 08 at 15:55. Global category: System. Implemented
Provide this warning with possibility to solve the problem.
2760
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Program to alert when it is low disk space
Written by sartrejp the 23 Jan 09 at 13:47.
When the disc is full, the system becomes very difficult to use and gives a lot of problems, it would be good to be notified when it is low disk space to avoid problems later
260
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Use libnotify
Written by tgm4883 the 23 Jan 09 at 16:44.
Show a popup using libnotify that indicates disk space is getting low (and what partition), same as battery notification for low battery.
78
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Use libnotify & Give Reason
Written by oybon the 26 Jan 09 at 15:47.
Average Jo user isn't necessarily going to respond as needed to a low drive space notification. Or indeed know exactly what it means.

Thus Notify, give reason for notification with consequences of inaction and route to more information.
-13
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Allow the user to launch a program to free some space.
Written by rocket the 4 Feb 09 at 23:57.
Programs like BleachBit could be launched when there is low space, but don't forget to make sure they're installed before the space runs out!

Windows lets users launch its disk cleanup tool by clicking on the low space warning bubble, hopefully Ubuntu's solution can be as easy to use as this.
8
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): If a program is gobbling up hard disk, stop it
Written by Endolith the 4 Jun 09 at 02:20.
After giving the warning, programs should still be able to use the disk up to a point, but there should be a certain amount of disk free at all times, to keep the system usable and responsive. If an app tries to use up more than this, it should be paused or stopped.

A "low disk space" notification is straight out of Windows 95.
1
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): Use libnotify & indicator applet
Written by rubenverweij the 10 Oct 09 at 22:34.
Let's use both new notification systems. Display a libnotify message with "Low diskspace", display a notification in the Indicator applet that launches a dialog box with a message explaining why it is harmful to have this little free disk space.
80
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): base report on % of disk used
Written by moredruid the 14 Oct 09 at 08:45.
let the report be based on a certain (95%?) threshold.
The popup reporting this should ideally have a number of options:
* go to the folder and clean up (maybe a background process has already indexed the filesystem and can present you with a list of outdated/not used files, various caches come to mind).
* ignore for now and warn again at 98%
* don't bother again for this mountpoint
-33
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Disk usage moniter!
Written by Theory5 the 14 Oct 09 at 22:30.
There should be a small moniter on either top or bottom bar that shows your main HDD space (in a measure format like windows vista does with HDD's) and if you scroll over it, it will show all your disks and stuff and their free space.
35
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#10): Report critical disk usage and offer an wizard
Written by xeniac the 15 Oct 09 at 09:03.
I like Solution #1: Back in the days when Linux was all about the console, you've got an login warning if disk usage was critical. Im pretty sures that Ubunutu does this to, but nobody sees it anymore.

Nowday a Desktop Linux System should'nt be a dump tool, it should help the user to solve his problems.

Ubunutu should offer an cleanup assistant that helps to
1.) purge your Harddrive from Backup Files, Temporary files and Duplicate Files (Leave one copy and Sym-/Hardlink the rest).
2.) Find the Files/Directorys eating the most Diskspace. (launch baobap)

3
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#11): Do what vista does
Written by Nw124 the 20 Oct 09 at 02:15.
Do what solution 2 says and add a gui like in vista and have a bar that shows how much of the disk space is used.

It should also tell you how much free space there is in GB ,Mb,or Kb (Depending on how big the disk is)

it could also do this on the desktop too for removable storage and show a meter.
3
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#12): Don't do what Vista does!
Written by FrostyC the 4 Jan 10 at 10:20.
Have a user variable setting that can be changed at what point the low disk space becomes a problem. For instance, I am fine until I have less than 300 mb of hd space.

And I don't need a clean up wizard, I know what the problem is..
1
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#13): Don't annoy the user, just keep system working.
Written by jschall the 12 Feb 10 at 16:38.
Simply reserve enough disk space that the system can keep working properly. The user will know that s/he is out of disk space when s/he tries to save a file.

The system should not stop running or slow down significantly.

See the 39 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 28 Sep 12 at 02:24) >>

Implement a "doorman"-feature, compareable to the OSX app "LittleSnitch"   forum
Written by produnis the 15 Jan 10 at 08:51. Global category: Internet & Networking. New
During the time I used Mac OSX, I was crazy about the app "LittleSnitch" ( see http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html ).

Now that I switched to UBUNTU last year, I am missing this feature.

LittleSnitch (let's call it "doorman" for Ubuntu) does the following:
- it shows every network-activity in a small panel-icon. Green light means that traffic is coming in, red light means that traffic is going out. While scrolling over that icon, a more detailed information about the current traffic is shown
- it blocks network activity by user-defined rules (e.g. all traffic to/from a specific IP is blocked while others are allowed. These rules can even be application-specific, e.g. firefox is allowed to have traffic while Skype is not...)
- it allows the user to specify those rules the easy GUI-way

I know that there are command-line tools yet available (e.g. iptables) to create such rules, but what I really miss under Ubuntu is this graphical interface and notification-panel-icon.

I have never seen an interactive firewall on any distribution. In addition, the current firewalling code, netfilter (iptables), is not application aware.


I also think that it would be a great public-relation-clue to have such an app:
"Hey, dont worry! Ubuntu comes along with an easy to use firewall-app, giving you all the controll over network-connections the easy way"

or

"Are you wondering what is currently sent via the net? This icon shows you if there is any traffic at the moment..."
293
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Implement such an application
Written by produnis the 15 Jan 10 at 08:51.
Please consider implementation of such an application. It should have:
- an panel-icon which shows the current network-traffic (in/out)
- a GUI to create rules: allow/block IPs, Websites, Applications
--- allow forever
--- allow only for now
--- deny only for now
--- deny forever

-41
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: gui for simple iptabes rules. this may be as simple 1st step
Written by dinar the 20 Jan 10 at 08:43.
may be list of rules and each command line argument is drop-down combobox(?) to select tcp or udp or icmp, turn on or off --dport and --sport, fields to write port number, and at ends of lines buttons to move rule up and down. also drop down selectors to select -j DROP, -j LOG , -j ACCEPT . at bottom of gui text version shown generated immediately. apply for now button. save as button. save to load on start button. open to edit button. no. save button and drop down selector of saved iptables configurations. and then apply now and apply to load on start buttons. -i lo related established accept rule at top with off option. show or hide immediately line about mts, mtu etc of pppoe if connection is turned off or on.
this can be as easy teacher for people who did not like edit configuration with text editor command line to write iptables configutation. this is something like phpmyadmin.
but this is also new gui.
main idea is that it should transparently show iptables , not like shorewall or firestarter or gufw hide, obfuscate it. they all really use iptables syntax.
show unconfigurable parts with this gui as non-editable text, also: edit text button to edit text version below and then apply command , and should be textarea below to show error message returned by iptables to applying text.

this is/was(that upwards) like 1 st step and idea of transparent gui.

second step : iptables compiled with ability to make rules for certain process ids, if that is usable.
6
votes
up equal down
Solution #3: Install an existing firewall program by default
Written by robertjlee the 6 Feb 10 at 15:11.
Rather than re-inventing the wheel, use one of the various existing GUI firewall programs that already exist. It could be included with the default install. (one option would be Firestarter, which could be modified to support multiple network interfaces and run on the desktop on login).
20
votes
up equal down
Solution #4: Add this feature into gufw
Written by neokril the 7 Feb 10 at 15:28.
* gufw is a UI for default ubuntu firewall
0
votes
up equal down
Solution #5: recommend application for Solution #1: Implement such an application
Written by nelaaro the 30 May 12 at 08:38.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/leopardflower/

Speak to the developers of this application, or pull a developer from the Ubuntu developers to add this application to the Ubuntu repos.

See the 21 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Aug 12 at 06:13) >>

Take Screenshot to remember last used attribute  
Written by Robin Nixon the 19 Sep 09 at 17:53. Related project: Gnome. Not an idea
I take lots of Ubuntu screenshots and often want to only select an area to grab. But each time I call up the program it defaults to 'Grab the whole desktop'. I think it would work better if it defaulted to the last used option, the way it remembers the number of seconds delay you specify.
146
votes
closed
Solution #1: Take Screenshot to remember last used attribute
Written by Robin Nixon the 19 Sep 09 at 17:53.
I take lots of Ubuntu screenshots and often want to only select an area to grab. But each time I call up the program it defaults to 'Grab the whole desktop'. I think it would work better if it defaulted to the last used option, the way it remembers the number of seconds delay you specify.
147
votes
closed
Solution #2: Improve the default screenshot tool
Written by daas88 the 21 Sep 09 at 02:49.
It would be nice if the screenshot tool had some more basic features. It would be great to have in the gnome-screenshot UI options like setting the keystrokes for screenshots of the whole desktop, a window, and selected areas; and change the default name and file extension of the file (personally, i prefer jpeg over png for screenshots).

This in addition to Solution #1
-46
votes
closed
Solution #3: Incorporate GIMP features
Written by 12string_muzishn the 22 Sep 09 at 18:34.
Screenshots could be "sized" and located on certain parts of the screen simply by using some of the features in GIMP: for instance the square-making icon that allows you to click and drag a square around the portion of the picture you are editing. That way you could simply click and drag and take a screenshot.
57
votes
closed
Solution #4: Add a "open in [picture editor]" button
Written by Pierre Chef the 23 Sep 09 at 12:50.
I often take a screenshot to edit it after (with kpaint for basic edition).
So a button "open in kpaint" would save me some time.

(This is a part of Solution #2, because it improves the screenshot tool, and you can save in jpeg or else in your picture editor.)
130
votes
closed
Solution #5: Include an "advanced options" arrow
Written by n1c0_ds the 30 Sep 09 at 03:35.
This way the user could chose more complicated features such as area to grab, mouse exclusion, etc.

Once the photo is taken, it is absolutely imperative that we get a way to crop pictures by drawing a rectangle in the thumbnail. This would save a lot of time for those who write illustrated tutorials.
-6
votes
closed
Solution #6: Show optional options window before taking screenshot
Written by warlock24 the 7 Oct 09 at 17:54.
If user presses PrintScr key, show small dialog with radio buttons
* grab screen
* grab active window
* grab region
etc.

user can choose option with keyboard arrows and hit enter or escape. Hen screenshot takes place and "Save screenshot" window will popup.
-9
votes
closed
Solution #7: joing gtkrecord my desktop and take screenshot
Written by sfantu the 7 Oct 09 at 21:26.
That would be nice ... 2 programs in one
8
votes
closed
Solution #8: my weird idea
Written by aiyh the 8 Oct 09 at 09:14.
when you left click and drag it draws a square on the screen used to highlight multiple icons. why not add a feature to the square. I was thinking perhaps hold a particular key on the keyboard down to allow the square to take a screenshot of only the area highlighted.
-14
votes
closed
Solution #9: Just have the option "Copy to clipboard".
Written by aeroncastle the 23 Oct 09 at 10:31.
Most of the time we just want to save the screenshot.
if we had the option "Copy to clipboard" you can edit it if you want

See the 10 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 7 Jul 12 at 13:16) >>

Easy way of backing up/moving your documents and settings  
Written by stgraber the 28 Feb 08 at 12:10. Global category: System. Implemented
At the moment, if someone wants to backup his documents or prepare a migration from a computer to another there isn't much more than file-roller to create a backup.
Ideally, the user should be able to run a graphic software which would ask what the user wants to backup and where (tape/usb key/remote).
Then the same tool would be able to restore the backup.

It would be useful for both backups and migration from a computer to another.

Update : See duplicates ideas which contain even more great ideas about that idea.
3619
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #1
Written by stgraber the 28 Feb 08 at 12:10.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #1 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
39
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Use existing incremental backup utility and some additional scripts
Written by mudd1 the 2 Feb 09 at 10:53.
There are already great utilities like backup2l. All that'd be needed were a good default configuration, perhaps a GUI and a couple of scripts that prevent rendering your system unusable and even unbootable after a restore: Something to fix /etc/fstab (UUIDs, I love them), /boot/grub/menu.lst (same reason) and permissions (random UIDs/GIDs on package installation), all of which is a real PITA at the moment and probably breaks every newbie's neck.
305
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Write a GUI for rsnapshot
Written by hurricanefloyd the 14 Mar 09 at 01:47.
rsnapshot is an excellent piece of software that (much like Apple's Time Machine) allows a user to take "snapshots" of his or her system. Using rsnapshot, a user can create snapshots at any interval he wants: hourly, weekly, monthly, every 6 hours, or anything else that cron supports. Restoring from a previous snapshot is as easy as copy and paste.

The problem is that rsnapshot is not the easiest software to use, even for people who are comfortable with the command line. I suggest that Canonical write a GUI for rsnapshot and ship it with Ubuntu.

rsnapshot: http://rsnapshot.org/
181
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Wait for TimeVault to go stable
Written by cheesehead the 14 Mar 09 at 19:07.
Currently in alpha, TimeVault is a snapshot backup solution integrated into Nautilus. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/TimeVault
-27
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Use duplicity and create a GUI for it, or use duplicati
Written by mackstann the 15 Mar 09 at 04:20.
Duplicity is an excellent piece of backup software and allows one to easily do cheap offsite backups using Amazon's S3 service.

Duplicati ( http://code.google.com/p/duplicati/ ) seems to be the only GUI front-end for it, and it seems to be in early development.
-73
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): integrate Dropbox
Written by stefano the 16 Mar 09 at 18:42.
Dropbox is an easy [1] [2], secure [3], cheap [4] [5], based on Amazon S3 [6] and, last but not least, the nautilus client is GPL [7] !!!

and, but it's only an idea, Canonical colud be compensated for paying Dropbox Ubuntu users.

[1] http://www.getdropbox.com/tour
[2] http://www.getdropbox.com/screencast
[3] http://www.getdropbox.com/help/27
[4] http://www.getdropbox.com/help/47
[5] http://www.getdropbox.com/help/15
[6] http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/03/11/dropbox-the-online-storage-solution-weve-b een-waiting-for/
[7] http://www.getdropbox.com/downloading?os=lnx
42
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): LuckyBackup, a GUI for rsync
Written by salih.emin the 19 Mar 09 at 01:24.
Recently a new GUI was developed for the most known and reliable backup technology :rsync

luckyBackup is an application for data back-up and synchronization powered by the rsync tool.
It is simple to use, fast (transfers over only changes made and not all data), safe (keeps your data safe by checking all declared directories before proceeding in any data manipulation ), reliable and fully customizable.
Just take a look at this screenshots:
http://luckybackup.sourceforge.net/screenshots.html
-42
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Partner with an existing online backup provider for seamless backups
Written by FrankQuist the 20 Mar 09 at 20:11.
Many users do not make back-ups because you need multiple harddrives or more space for that, plus it takes time to set up. Backup should be as low-entry as possible. Online backup systems are a (partial) solution to that problem.

Adding a one-click-to-enable option for free (& cheap to expand) online storage through partnership with an existing vendor would be a major innovation and "selling" point. Yes, space might be limited, but just backing up certain default directories such as documents might do the trick.
50
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#10): support btrfs filesystem for native snapshots and data integrity
Written by stefano the 20 Mar 09 at 22:17.
For local (not-online) backups btrfs 'll simplify files versioning (with native snapshot support) and data integrity (with native data chesumming).

btrfs is currently supported by 2.6.29 kernel.

as stated in the home page "Btrfs is under heavy development, and is not suitable for any uses other than benchmarking and review. The Btrfs disk format is not yet finalized, but it will only be changed if a critical bug is found and no workarounds are possible.". Ubuntu should support it as soon as possible after the 1.0 release (Q408).

this idea is complementary to #6 and #8 for local backups with rsync (with btrfs and rsync we'll not need other time-something solutions) but for online offsite backups we'll need ALSO one or more solution as #4, #5, #9.


references:
http://btrfs.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Main_Page
http://btrfs.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Development_timeline
12
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#11): Support backup PLUG-INs
Written by Craig73 the 21 Mar 09 at 14:45.
OK - well we might get tired of the word plugins... but I see the request for a timevault style backup system, the underlying technology (file system or backup library), and the destination as being 3 separate part of the solution.

But whatever tool is selected - people should be able to add the options they want

1) Option to backup online. Make it easy to add different online services whether it is some random FTP site, S3, a free cloud service, or some other future solution (bit-torrent backups or replication with other machines?)

2) Allow encryption of data. Whether online or offline, we should optionally allow encryption of data. [I see opportunity here to leverage GPU or multiple core processing for stupidly high levels of encryption no?]
-17
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#12): partimage for partition images
Written by daddo the 22 Mar 09 at 09:54.
Partimage for making complete images of partitions.
-8
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#13): Incorporate SimpleBackup
Written by tchalvakspam the 27 Mar 09 at 23:07.
Simplebackup has pretty much everything needed:

Different schedules for the backup.
Specify which folders, files, etc are backed up.
Incremental backup.
Backups saved locally or remotely (ssh or ftp)
12
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#14): Add Remastersys as extra option for backing up the installed system setup to DVD
Written by chappell101 the 30 Mar 09 at 19:01.
I'm not suggesting having only Remastersys or using it for a whole system back up of your files, but as another option to go alongside one of the above for files. It would be just imaging your choice of applications and desktop appearance preferences ect. To enable very easy system restore installation exactly to your liking from a worst case scenario that the HD fail and had to be replaced. The application is also very user friendly for new users to use.
26
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#15): Include "Back In Time" as default backup tool
Written by sajmon75 the 7 Apr 09 at 12:17.
A simple and smart solution:
http://backintime.le-web.org/

From web site:
Back In Time is a simple backup system for Linux inspired from “flyback project” and “TimeVault”. The backup is done by taking snapshots of a specified set of directories.

Currently there are two GUI available: Gnome and KDE 4 (>= 4.1).

All you have to do is configure:

* Where to save snapshot
* What directories to backup
* When backup should be done (manual, every hour, every day, every week, every month)

23
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#16): Use Déjà Dup
Written by mterry the 6 May 09 at 16:47.
This solution is a little self-serving, since I'm the maintainer of Déjà Dup, but I think it fits the bill. At least, my aim is to fit this bill.

A quick description: A simple GUI that makes backing up the 'right way' (off-site, regular, incremental, encrypted) easy. It's based on the command-line tool duplicity.

https://launchpad.net/deja-dup

As robbiew mentions in the comments, this was added to Ubuntu for Jaunty (go to Add/Remove and search for it). There is also a PPA supporting as far back as Hardy in the link above.

I love feedback/bug reports!
158
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#18): Add a migration/transfer tool in System->Administration
Written by leandro123 the 28 Jun 09 at 20:43.
A migration tool will (1) collect the enviroment (of the user or the computer) including the personal preferences in a machine independent way (e.g. Thunderbird, Mozilla, Pidgin, config files), the personal files (home directory), the list of installed applications, and (2) send them to another computer (via ssh, rexec, ssl, etc.) or create an archive to be transferred and then imported by the same application on the new computer.
46
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#19): Add a "transfer settings from existing installation" in the installer.
Written by Michael Safyan the 3 Jul 09 at 21:39.
I suggest we have something at the end of the Ubuntu installation process that, like at the end of the Mac OS X installation process, asks the user if he/she would like to transfer his/her files and settings from an existing copy of Ubuntu. If selected, the user can choose to transfer data via the Internet or through a USB or other physical connection. The Ubuntu install will then transfer (most of) the contents of "/home" and "/etc" (depending on what can be reasonably copied from one installation to another), and the new installation will use the apt-get markings of the previous installation to download and install the appropriate packages.
6
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#20): Make a backup system with RAID support for cloning drives
Written by futurenow123 the 17 Oct 09 at 10:36.
If ubuntu had an integrated SYSTEM BACKUP & RESTORE (compatible with RAID) we could just clone the disk and self not lose all that precious data .
-10
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#21): Here is a simple GUI program for backup written in python
Written by Zorba the 8 Feb 10 at 08:17.
I realized a simple program with python and Qt4 to make easier backup of files or system configuration. You are totally free to modify this code, and I hope this could be useful for many Ubuntu users. I think it could be a good idea to insert it into system settings (the system settings for KDE and the settings menu for GNOME). If someone can make a porting to GTK+ the integration with GNOME will be better.

You can download the program here: zorbaproject.uuuq.com/upload/easybackupgui.tar.gz

to test it simply open a console, enter the folder where you have unpacked the tar, and type "python easybackupgui.py": some features need sudo.


3
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#23): System backup and restore
Written by benoyanthony the 14 Jul 10 at 10:24.
Ubuntu should come up with MS windows like user interface where in user can backup the sytem and restore point is generated which can be reloaded as and when required. This restore point will include user setting and sytem setting if required by user. Also need to give provision to copy the restore point file to any required location on HDD or any other storage media.
7
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#25): Backup Center
Written by natureflow the 17 Oct 10 at 13:33.
I propose a "Backup Center", where you:
* Can choose directories to backup or your whole home directory
* Can create a key to encrypt your backup, if you want
* Can print your key or copy it to an media
* Can select network destinations for your backup like Ubuntu One Storage, Secure FTP, Secure WebDAV, SMB, etc.
* Can select local storage devices like USB storages
* Can select a timetable for the backup on the local USB storage, which might require the user to periodic connect it to the computer when prompted
* and, of course: Can easily play back your backup, when your files are gone

There should be an intelligent daemon in the background which accomplishes the backup. If an backup destination is not available or full, the user should be warned.
6
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#26): Copy filesystem with USB Startup Disk Creator
Written by tebibyte the 2 Jan 11 at 06:15.
Use the USB Startup Disk Creator to make a mirror image of your system. And add a mechanism to sync it or mirror it back.
1
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#31): Option at CD install to recover from UBUNTU ONE programs and settings
Written by mitcoes the 13 Jun 11 at 10:39.
At USC an option to backup to UBUNTU ONE:

1.- The list of main repository installed/unsinstalled programs and settings
2.- The same with PPAs and PPAs programs and settings

At CD Install an option to recover your list of programs and settings and in a separate option PPAs ones where you can select all or pick some. - Sometimes PPas programs can be the cause of system inestability -

This way you can make installation profiles or make easier the reinstallation when it is necessary.

As well ubuntu would know the program change / install preferences from users with datamining of this backups.

For example I use to install VLC, Qbittorrent, Chromium, Chrome, Opera, & Thunderbird



See the 56 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 17 Jun 12 at 10:45) >>

Power Management  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Low
Definition : Pending Approval (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Slow progress
Assignee : Amit Kucheria
spec
Written by jsmidt the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49. Global category: Others. In development
Ubuntu needs to go green. Powertop, Lesswatts and other tools have finally hit the Linux scene to pave the way for better power management. It needs to be said, "if you want your battery to last longest, or have your energy bill be the lowest, you better use Ubuntu Linux."

Merged from 18976:
Power management still isn't very effective in Linux and it still puts a lot of laptop users off Linux. While Linux has come on a long way thanks to the work of Intel with PowerTOP informing developers when their software breaks the idol state unnecessarily so they are doing their part as well as the kernel developers now we still have a long way to go to compete with Windows and I'm looking at ways for Ubuntu to do this.

One of the benefits of Linux is that is very easy to customise and a lot of its users love to tinker. Ubuntu should therefore use this to its advantage by allowing its power users to easily have access to the latest developments in Linux power efficiency. This would also be useful to Ubuntu as power users could submit results on what settings are most economical for specific hardware. This would give Ubuntu the chance to market itself on its power efficacy over other operating systems by it silently implementing these settings on the detected hardware setup for new users.

To give users these advantages Ubuntu should help more on Intels Lesswatts projects as these are Linux's best bet on beating windows power management. The problem is the solution to effective power management needs to simple enough that it works for a new user that wont even know its active but also very easy for power users to modify and test their own setups from one central tool.

http://www.lesswatts.org/
8015
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #81
Written by jsmidt the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #81 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
336
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#2): Include a software like Ekobatt
Written by biniou the 3 Feb 09 at 11:48.
It would be a good solution to include a software like Ekobatt or eee-control which permit to desactivate some features of laptop.
663
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#3): Add more power saving techniques to gnome-power-manager
Written by amrhassan the 4 Feb 09 at 07:20.
Since it's already in control of power consumption. Two power managers running may conflict.
Add options to disable bluetooth and webcam when on battery power to gnome-power-manager.
333
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#5): Analyze which software makes your machine use more power with PowerTOP
Written by torkiano the 9 Feb 09 at 16:15.
PowerTOP is a Linux tool that helps you find those programs that are misbehaving while your computer is idle

More information: http://www.lesswatts.org/projects/powertop/
2
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#6): Develop/Intergrate WattOSPM (GUI laptop-mode/Powersaving) in2 Gnome-power-manger
Written by chappell101 the 1 Apr 09 at 15:16.
This is taking Solution #3 to prevent conflict and expanding to give Gnome-power-manger 2 modes, simple for average user and button to reveal an advance set of options for power users based off the options in WattOSPM and PowerTOP.

To stop average users completely breaking their system with the tool only include safe things to disable in the simple mode in an on/off switch manor such as the optical drives and sound chipsets which aren't necessary to all users on the go but still waste power, Also this is a feature possible in windows for a long time now! The advanced mode could log user results of all their changes and show on a graph similar to Gnomes current power chart and have the option to submit the best back to Ubuntu so they can be set as silent defaults values for specific hardware for less technical users.

WattOSPM is already an effective little python tray-bound GUI to enable fast changing of laptop-mode-tools, X-backlight, and Powersaving settings to optimise many parts of your system for battery consumption and performance. So it would be nice to see it assisted by Ubuntu developers to add more features while it is integrated into Gnome to give back to the whole Linux community. These changes could be those found in Rightmark CPU Clock Utility for Windows Eg.CPU performance states editor, Thermal throttling values, and CPU PLL lock time these could be accessed through the Gnome CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet in the tray if cpufreq-selector is installed by default.



Also get Ubuntu to look at some of the power/speed measures used in the Ubuntu derivative distribution WattOS and port them back to the main distribution where possible.

How to Install http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=6362540&postcount=103
Review http://www.raiden.net/?cat=2&aid=539
138
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#7): Write a simple GUI to control laptop-mode-tools.
Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 22:03.
Here are some parameters of /etc/laptop-mode/laptop-mode.conf that sometimes should be customized not only by greatly experienced users: readahead size, disk spin down timeout, maximum time to keep data in memory, low battery level to write data to disk, whether to enable all of this on AC power. There IS a reason for it, for example optimal readahead can be very different on machines with different amount of RAM. Also, this is a way of locking some values (for example the tool should not allow to set readahead >RAM/50).
Also there should be a global Enable HDD Powersave Tools checkbox controlling /etc/default/acpi-support ENABLE_LAPTOP_MODE.

And I also think there should be an option (with warning) to set hdparm -B to 254 in all modes (this fixes ustoppable spinning down on battery for some laptops).
18
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#8): Make it a separate package
Written by cheesehead the 12 Mar 09 at 18:12.
g-p-m already handles a lot of critical tasks, and does it pretty well. Since the advanced power tools being discussed are clearly optional, and since they are more user-interactive, they should be in a separate package instead of included in the g-p-m package.
57
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#9): Expand the capabilities of gnome-power-manager
Written by brand0con the 12 Mar 09 at 01:27.
Gnome power manager is a great tool but I think it could use some expansion. Namely, I'd like to see it logging (and eventually graphing) the system's battery history over the long term (not just a session) to give a more accurate picture of how a user typically uses his or her machine battery-wise and to give a sense of the machine's capabilities.

Ideally, the app would mature and after a set interval of recording this data, it would be able to provide a few basic suggestions based on power related events as to how the user can get the most life out of their battery in the long and short term.
5
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#10): "Green Software" Logo
Written by MX the 27 Mar 09 at 12:44.
To increase visibility and to be supported by facts: e.g. increases battery life by x% on average (for notebooks) or reduces average energy consumption by x % (for Pc's).

From my experience proper, non-technical and business oriented communication is key to reach most users and convince them about the usp's of a product.

Thinking of a usp - energy efficiency has a high impact.

Appreciate your thoughts and keep going!
159
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#11): Integrate in other powersaving options.
Written by Biornus the 2 Mar 09 at 18:59.
The options should automatically be available if you install the OS on a laptop.
85
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#12): Automatic charge/discharge
Written by Mondane the 9 Feb 09 at 14:26.
The user shouldn't be bothered checking his battery and/or removing the battery when on AC power. Make the OS drain the battery on intervals so the battery stays intelligent when the laptop is on AC power.

The user should have the option the interrupt and revert the draining if he knows he needs a full battery and is leaving in a short time.
25
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#13): Set the maximum battery charge on AC power
Written by mathieu the 5 Feb 09 at 18:36.
In order to preserve its battery's life, I would like to set the maximum percentage of charge (60% or 80% for example) when I'm not using it outdoor.

But if I have to use it outdoor, I want to release the limitation easily to get the maximum charge.
Finally, when I come back at home, I would like to use the battery power if the charge level is over the limitation setting, even if I have plugged the AC cable.

This trick will increase our Li-ion battery lifetime. Because if it is always completely charged when the laptop is running on AC power, its charging/discharging capacity will decrease quickly than if it is set on a lower value.
0
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#14): Simple GUI or tray icon
Written by TuxHHG the 22 Jun 09 at 22:36.
Today we can suspend many unused devices over the proc filesystem, but this is very annoying for a simple user. I provide a gui tool or trayicon that list devices. It should have simple checkbuttons to activate or suspend it.
Such a tool exist for the asus eee, with improvements it should work on many other computers.

See the 86 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 9 Apr 12 at 16:26) >>

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
votes
closed
Solution #3: Configurate Ubuntu Programms During Installation
Written by nhandler the 27 Jan 10 at 23:27.


Integrate one more step into the installation process to enable a 'light weight' program selection and system pre-configuration
685
votes
closed
Solution #4: But hide it under "Advanced" button!
Written by Int_ua the 28 Jan 10 at 00:28.
Because it can make installation process harder to understand for nonexpert users.
34
votes
closed
Solution #5: Put it under Software Configuration
Written by vvfrn2 the 28 Jan 10 at 03:07.
not advanced option
533
votes
closed
Solution #6: Include a 'none' option
Written by alms66 the 28 Jan 10 at 03:29.
A none option at each dropbox for those who will not use torrents, or notes, or those with no cd burners, etc.
-250
votes
closed
Solution #7: Only propose Open Source Software
Written by krs the 28 Jan 10 at 09:22.
For base Installation.
Or using Ubuntu is a non-sense.
287
votes
closed
Solution #8: Name's Category
Written by guigui14100 the 28 Jan 10 at 23:22.
Instead write: Brasero (CD / DVD Burning)
Write this: CD / DVD Burning
414
votes
closed
Solution #9: Video drivers
Written by Zorba the 3 Feb 10 at 09:39.
I think it's a good idea to insert an option "install video card driver"... more or less the idea is to integrate jockey in the installation program, so users can install the system with the right video driver (if they want).
175
votes
closed
Solution #10: Add more stuff to "more information"
Written by tommis the 3 Feb 10 at 19:42.
Add more to information box stuff like:

license
programs homepage
hard drive space needed
homepage
-224
votes
closed
Solution #11: Add install your own software.
Written by tommis the 3 Feb 10 at 19:56.
Theres so many programs at you cannot just but all in such a little list. Add option install your own packapages from ubuntus servers or your chosen ppa.
229
votes
closed
Solution #12: Make it part of Ubuntu Software Center
Written by alexander255 the 5 Feb 10 at 00:17.
Add a new item in the sidebar of the Ubuntu Software Center called "Favorite Applications". The information about the alternatives could be simply added through debtags.
-144
votes
closed
Solution #13: adapt your own software
Written by ergbigred the 8 Feb 10 at 22:11.
We all may have pet programs that worked well under other linux distributions. It'd be nice if they could be automatically configured to play nice with Ubuntu setups or run in protected areas.
-49
votes
closed
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
closed
Solution #15: Autorun installation software
Written by diegusohpus the 11 Feb 10 at 11:49.
To include all this software in the ISO will be too big for a CD size. If you don't want to include them into the ISO you have to have a Internet connection enabled during the installation, and it's not always possible, so after you have installad Ubuntu the system will automaticly install them from internet.
-22
votes
closed
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
closed
Solution #17: Optional Install updated system and/or packages
Written by ing.gonzo the 13 Feb 10 at 00:47.
Add also during installation, the capability to install updated system and/or software packages (so we don't have to do an apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade as first thing to do after the first boot and then we have to do another reboot...). So the system is updated out of the box
73
votes
closed
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
closed
Solution #19: will hard from the new experience user
Written by taufiksu the 14 Feb 10 at 12:09.
i think it is not important to implement because it will hard to choose the app when new ubuntu user install the ubuntu.
-55
votes
closed
Solution #20: Choose kernel type
Written by pkslot the 16 Feb 10 at 15:46.
Why not let people choose what kernel to install, vanilla, rt or what their prefrences are.
54
votes
closed
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
closed
Solution #22: Provide net isntall cd
Written by tommis the 18 Feb 10 at 19:05.
Also provide option to net isntall wich don`t have programs includet. This would prevent users from downloading packpages what they do not conna use.
26
votes
closed
Solution #23: That menu suits "prefered applications"
Written by pererik87 the 20 Feb 10 at 06:35.
That menu should meet the eye in "preferred applications". simple for noobs, when selecting an option not currently installed, user should be prompted replace(remove a install b) or side-by install(install b).

At least the coding should be easy.
14
votes
closed
Solution #24: Add a theme menu
Written by Niels_ the 22 Feb 10 at 16:29.
Just like the other options, add a menu for themes.
So people can choose their favourite standard theme at instsall.
44
votes
closed
Solution #25: Give some warning for low disk space systems
Written by dreamr the 23 Feb 10 at 12:16.
In addition to the "more information", give some indication of space left after installing all the applications. Can be just passive indicator that the user sees while making choices. Useful for systems with low memory, like netbooks with SSD.
0
votes
closed
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
closed
Solution #27: Store Favourite Applications List on Ubuntu One
Written by rugbeeprop the 4 May 10 at 04:03.
'Path' suggested "A list of favorite packages could be useful to put up on ubuntu one?"

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/109518
-5
votes
closed
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
closed
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
closed
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
closed
Solution #31: In advanced installation mode
Written by mackuz the 17 May 11 at 06:55.
If even #4 is too hard for some users, #1 can be added in advanced installation mode.

It's actual again, 'cause even if Thunderbird will become default mail app in Ubuntu, some corporative users will need Evolution anyway.

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

GIMP is out from Lucid Lynx.  
Written by hellmet the 20 Nov 09 at 18:49. Related project: GIMP Image Editor. Won't implement
GIMP is being taken off the default install due to "CD space" problems. However, it should remain easily accessible/installable.
-450
votes
closed
Solution #1: Replace GIMP in the menu, with icon to install.
Written by hellmet the 20 Nov 09 at 18:49.
Remove GIMP from the default install, but, replace the menu item with an item that will display information about GIMP and then ask if the user wants to go ahead and (fetch &) install it from the repos.

This way, GIMP is still visible, yet not on the CD, and is easily installable.
-45
votes
closed
Solution #2: not remove gimp
Written by Wilmer Toledo the 20 Nov 09 at 19:21.
easy, do not remove gimp from live CD, some users, like me, can't connect to Internet so easily
146
votes
closed
Solution #3: Remove the help files
Written by Glennz the 20 Nov 09 at 20:46.
Removing the help files from gimp will already make the cd smaller.
I have heard from various people it would make the cd about 20 mb smaller just by removing gimp help files.
409
votes
closed
Solution #4: Remove GIMP and let users install it as needed
Written by pwnedd the 21 Nov 09 at 10:41.
It's a great application and I use it a lot, but it's not for everyone. A simple photo-editor with things like rescaling and "remove red-eye" is probably enough for many people. Also, it's not too difficult to install GIMP once your system in installed :)
550
votes
closed
Solution #5: give a simple paint app
Written by yzarc the 21 Nov 09 at 14:37.
Very often I just wanna draw an arrow over a map and write "the party is here!". Or just crop a picture.

And it's a pain to do it in gimp. It's like operate war tank to kill an ant. Please give us a simple image editor, no layers, no vectors, no Filters, etc. Try to remember the first time you opened the gimp. What do I do with all these windows and tools?



341
votes
closed
Solution #6: Add an applications section to the installer
Written by tehalynn the 21 Nov 09 at 23:31.
When someone installs Ubuntu, they are shown an applications page with the following options:


1. Install all default applications. Some will need to be downloaded.
2. Install only default applications that do not need to be downloaded.
3. Select which applications to install.


Option 1 will install applications that are not on the CD, such as GIMP, by downloading and installing them when an internet connection is made.

Option 2 will install only applications on the CD. It should tell the user how to get them later if they change their mind.

Option 3 shows a page listing applications that will be installed. The user can exclude applications they do not want, and include ones they do. Here's a mockup of the general idea:



Only major applications need to be mentioned here. This is not a replacement for Ubuntu Software Center/Synaptic.
-165
votes
closed
Solution #7: Remove less useful stuff.
Written by Uncle TK the 22 Nov 09 at 12:11.
As for me GIMP is much more useful for common user than f.e. Bluez or Transmission and many other stuff. Maybe it's a good idea to reserve GIMP instead of them?
-117
votes
closed
Solution #8: first run
Written by nloewen the 23 Nov 09 at 05:02.
At the first boot of the system after install, a dialog box could pop up asking if the user would like some help setting up there system. It could go through users and what not as well as ask what the user would like to use there computer for. if they select something like photo editing or replacement for photo-shop, the program would select GIMP for install with a button to let them select a different program from the repository.
-49
votes
closed
Solution #9: Move from CD to DVD (USB) release
Written by Bobik-s the 23 Nov 09 at 11:36.
Lucid Lynx will be ready at 2010. Who cares about ancient CDs? Ubuntu distro should be DVD- or USB-based. Even if you remove GIMP the problem of 700Mb capacity is still unresolved.
-123
votes
closed
Solution #10: Offer Multiple ISO downloads
Written by fix98-win the 24 Nov 09 at 09:58.
CD-Rs come in packs more often than not.

Offer for download in ISO format a two disc system with just Ubuntu on the first disc and extra applications on the second disc. This would possibly be in addition to the standard one disc system.

This way, users can save both discs for when they need to reinstall software that came with the system, but are offline.

Besides, using two discs frees up space for more software to be included with ubuntu by default.

ps: Don't forget to give users a choice of which applications to install from the second disc.
176
votes
closed
Solution #11: Use better compression algorithm for packages
Written by 10110111 the 25 Nov 09 at 13:53.
There should exist some better compression algorithms. Just use some of them instead of the one which is used now for packages.
242
votes
closed
Solution #12: Atleast include it in the dvd
Written by shinjan the 25 Nov 09 at 14:33.
Gimp is a very useful package...it's not at all worth removal due to space problems. If not in the cd atleast include in the dvd version of ubuntu..
-285
votes
closed
Solution #13: OpenOffice
Written by argento the 25 Nov 09 at 15:43.
Just use OpenOffice Draw to do simple painting
-197
votes
closed
Solution #14: Remove every internet related application.
Written by Vladimir Hidalgo the 26 Nov 09 at 01:46.
This is a mix of previous solutions, but what I propose is to remove basically everything on "Internet" menu but Firefox.

Why?, because people that need those internet related apps do *have* internet to use them, therefore they can download & install them in an easy one-click install process like described in #1.

That is, to remove by default:

-Transmission
-Pidgin/Empathy/Ekiga
-Terminal Server Client
-Evolution
-Ubuntu One

I mean, common, those are needed only if you have Internet, so they can be pulled & installed on first use.

429
votes
closed
Solution #15: Software Center should have a "recommended Software" section
Written by Umang the 26 Nov 09 at 12:59.
The software center should have a "Recommended Software" section where programs such as Thunderbird and GIMP are offered for downloading.

New users are flooded with too many packages to actually get a taste of the best FOSS can provide them. This section should be some sort of an exclusive section and only stable and very popular software should be included.
153
votes
closed
Solution #17: Even windows comes with paint...
Written by vexorian the 26 Nov 09 at 14:30.
How am I going to do anything with the live CD when I need graphics? No, I don't want to tweak a photo...

At least include tuxpaint or something like that for god's sake.

I guess I would just have to switch to a distro with a functional live CD instead...
-72
votes
closed
Solution #18: Include KolourPaint instead of GIMP
Written by 8bit the 27 Nov 09 at 07:34.
The thing missing from Ubuntu is a simple, MS Paint-like program. These are nice in that they are easy to learn, run smoothly on low end system, lack clutter, have small install footprints, and open up seemingly instantly. KolourPaint is all of these:


Pros:

-The design is good. It doesn't feel cramped, it feels uniform and inviting, and most of the button icons are self-explainable. It basically looks like a prettier, shinier pre-Windows 7 MS Paint.
-It functions almost identically to MS Paint. A casual Windows user likely wouldn't be able to notice the difference, and the time it would take to transition would be minimal
-Start up time is fast
-All features that are in KolourPaint and not in MS Paint are pretty useful, and in no way get in the way of the MS Paint-like features.
-The undo history is huge. Where as MS Paint only allows 2 undos, I've gone back hundreds of actions and still haven't hit a wall
-Anything that's been changed from MS Paint has been changed for the better. Zoom is more powerful, the eraser has more brush sizes, the shape tools let you choose line thickness from within their tool box, and don't require you to switch to the line tool to choose line thickness.
-It's pretty stable. I had a weird hangup when using the zoom tool once, but I haven't been able to reproduce it since, and gPaint, on the other hand, crashes whenever I click on the 'fill' tool.
-As I mentioned, there are a couple of original tools- The connected lines tool, the color eraser tool, the freeform selection tool, but the most interesting addition is the Color Similarity tool which allows a user to set selection threshold for the fill tool. (and other tools, presumably) What this means is that you can have two, very similar colors, set this setting to something high, and then use the fill tool on one, and it will fill two. This is very useful, and is somewhat analogous to the magic wand tool/color select.
-Supports saving in a multitude of files.
-Supports editing in a multitude of files. (including XCF)
-Sort of has support for transparency (THIS IS AWESOME!)
-Only just over 2MB in size, as compared to GIMP's 14MB
-Everything is in one window. I quite like this.
-Free and open source. Uses the BSD license.
-It's being actively developed.

Cons:

-No layering support
-Very limited transparency support. While transparency itself is supported, translucency isn't, so you can't have an image with parts that are sort of transparent. It's either completely transparency, or completely opaque.
-No transparency for the tools. This seems obvious considering the above. You can't set transparency levels for, say, the paintbrush, for example.
-There's an uneven number of tools, meaning that there is a space where an icon could go which is empty. (Not a big deal at all.)
-The 'fill' tool isn't a paint bucket, so it may be confusing for a half a second, but the icon makes sense, and is more elegant than a paint bucket.
-The color picker icon looks like a safety pin to me, which was confusing at first.
-When you pull on the edge of the canvas to enlarge it, it doesn't resize in real time. Instead, it shows you a selection box sort of thing. (MS Paint does this in real time.) This is incredibly knit-picky. 99% of people wouldn't even notice this, I don't really care, some might even prefer it.
-Does not support saving in XCF format.
-It ate up my processor once, forcing me to restart my whole system, once. I've tried pretty hard, though, and I haven't been able to show the issue again. It's entirely possible it was another piece of software I was running. Other than that, it runs completely smooth.
-On a live CD 2MB can still be substantial, but it's definitely an improvement over 14.
-The color swatches bar takes up a little bit too much vertical space in my opinion. Why can't the color profile be on the right side, rather than above? There's all that extra horizontal space, afterall.

In conclusion, the cons are either extremely knit-picky, or exist in similar programs, such as gPaint and MS Paint, anyway. KolourPaint seems perfect for the live CD as a lightweight, Paint-like program. I highly recommend it.

GIMP, on the other hand, is just too large for Live CDs, too unweildly for casual users, and really easy to get for anyone who actually needs it.
127
votes
closed
Solution #19: Ubuntu App Collections
Written by 8bit the 27 Nov 09 at 07:41.
Mozilla has a section of their Firefox add-ons site dedicated to Add-on Collections. These are collections of add-ons handpicked by developers for different uses, (Web developer, family, etc..) which can be downloaded and installed with a single click. Implement a similar section for full applications in the AppCenter. Have one for artists, one for web developers, one for gamers, etc...
-36
votes
closed
Solution #20: Solution #10 Revised.
Written by fix98-win the 29 Nov 09 at 09:39.
I think it might have been the double ISO thing that ruined it. Lemme try again.

Offer Ubuntu for download one one disk. This will save download time, and installation time.

Forget the second disk. I was trying to imply the second disk would be optional, or even nonexistent.

Why would anybody want to backup their software anyway? (sarcasm)
24
votes
closed
Solution #21: Give a high-compressed archive and application
Written by Kwpolska the 29 Nov 09 at 13:37.
Add, like solution 1, small installer, like Firefox on Kubuntu 9.10, but he will decompress highly compressed archive (it can be archive in archive model) and make installer decompress DEB's in it and install it.
16
votes
closed
Solution #22: Like Solution #19, but have it where any user can suggest applications
Written by aubre the 30 Nov 09 at 18:12.
Allow users to submit lists of applications that they like to have on their machines, have them assigned a "collection name" and then give users the option of either browsing the lists or searching for the list name (perhaps they already know the list they want to install).

An example is perhaps an academic lab manager has certain applications they install on each machine. They make a list, submit it to Ubuntu, and then as they install new machines they can simply input the name and all the packages they need will be pre-selected for them. Even better, an academic lab manager on the other side of the world can browse the list, find this pre-built list, and either use it unchanged or adapt it as a starting point of their own list.

There are text/CLI ways to do these things but it would be nice if it could be incorporated into the graphical install interface.
26
votes
closed
Solution #23: Give OpenOffice-Draw an icon
Written by snadrus the 1 Dec 09 at 21:50.
It's already installed. It's a vector graphics program which usually better fits the "just sketch something" mindset since things you drew are layered instead of lost. Lets just see an icon for it.

Try it out from the command line: ooffice -draw
-26
votes
closed
Solution #24: Remove something other
Written by Softwayer the 2 Dec 09 at 13:45.
GIMP is a very useful program, and Ubuntu contains lots of less useful software. I think a very little number of people use Ekiga, Terminal Server client and remote desktop application. It is better to remove them and don't remove GIMP.
-151
votes
closed
Solution #25: Install Wine, the MS .net framework and use paint.net under Wine
Written by Pierre Chef the 3 Dec 09 at 16:04.
If only we could add a java layer!
53
votes
closed
Solution #26: Gimp Light (a easy and not so messy Version of Gimp)
Written by account the 5 Dec 09 at 13:54.
The newest Gimp is a single-window-Application. The source is open. So I propose to take that source, delete all what is not really necessary and create by this way a simpler Version of Gimp. I call it Gimp-Light and I think it's a great idea. So peoples can accustoms the feel of Gimp, but without the messy feel of the normal Version of Gimp. If they needs more, they can install the regular Gimp. The Gimp-Light shouldn't have many functions - only basic ones for painting etc. This will reduce the weight of this application and can be shipped also in the CD-Version of Ubuntu without problems. A paint-application can stay also in the whole amount of the packages! What you think about my idea!?
-47
votes
closed
Solution #27: Ubuntu paint
Written by Glennz the 6 Dec 09 at 18:38.
Let Canonical develop an easy but usefull simple paint app.
Like gnome paint.
-11
votes
closed
Solution #28: Remove extra stuffs or compress less used with paq
Written by DrG the 7 Dec 09 at 08:36.
Remove some of the

Games totalling > 3.0 MB
Backgrounds 9.5 MB ( replace high detailed ones with less detailed ( ie. more compressible to the sqashfs ) ,but eye candy ones.
Themes 1.4 MB - ( remove some ugly ones )
Sounds 3.1 MB - these can be replaced by symbolic format sound ( which takes very little space )
Screen Savers

And such similar items
( choose only a few of these items by voting )
------
or
compress the less used one with paq8px
Example - in karmic , when Shoes.jpg was compressed with paq806 -6 the size was reduced to 802.3 kb from 1016 kb.
( lzma , which is used in the Karmic CD squashfs is not able to reduce the size )

For more informations on compression
http://www.maximumcompression.com/data/summary_sf.php
----

To make space for GIMP or GIMPShop
19
votes
closed
Solution #29: Make a highly compressed disk image.
Written by Faldegast the 7 Dec 09 at 10:02.
Rather then having a lot of .deb packages, the install CD should have a disk image that is just decompressed to the selected partition.

It should be possible to do a lot more compression on a disk image then on deb packages.

Also this should make install much faster.
38
votes
closed
Solution #30: Make 'Ubuntu Studio' service
Written by DrG the 7 Dec 09 at 10:54.
A 'Ubuntu Studio' service - like openSuse Studio ( http://susestudio.com/ ).

Which allow users to customize their distro from top to bottom.
-6
votes
closed
Solution #31: Do not remove Gimp from LIVECD experience
Written by robang74 the 11 Dec 09 at 00:28.
Removing gimp means it would be not available in live-cd experience. I think people who want to try Ubuntu before installing it would appreciate an image editor like gimp.
Remove some help package instead which usually people download in their own language.
-27
votes
closed
Solution #32: Develop www.phofiltre-lx.org an include in in Lucid Lynx
Written by walo the 12 Dec 09 at 16:56.
¿Haven't you used photofiltre fow windows?

This is one of the best free and useful image tools i have ever used.
Photo filtre LX (http://www.photofiltre-lx.org/) was created to have this simple but really useful aplication under GNU/Linux. I think this develop needs to be released as soon as posible in order to replace GIMP or to have other SIMPLE image manipulation program.

It's going to ve developed using C++ and imagemagic library
42
votes
closed
Solution #33: Recover some space by dropping Mono
Written by KiloByte the 12 Dec 09 at 18:51.
Gimp is one of more important programs, certainly more important than junk like Tomboy Notes, which takes >50MB -- _and_ there's a port of Tomboy to C++ called gnote. Replace it with that port, and there goes non-free Mono. The space savings would let us have Gimp and a bunch of other stuff.
-10
votes
closed
Solution #34: An additional CD to install GIMP, Inkspace and another applications
Written by tiagoscd the 16 Dec 09 at 10:41.
The additional CD with various popular applications.

This CD can be added as a repository and have an "special" option on Software Center.
9
votes
closed
Solution #35: Use a more efficient compression algorithm
Written by dant1612 the 18 Dec 09 at 02:50.
use the xz utils package to compress the files instead, the author claims that it produces archives up to 30% smaller than gzip (although decompression speed would probably be sacrificed)

http://tukaani.org/xz/

(Its still in beta, but I've noticed quite a few GNU programs have started providing source packages in the .xz format)
5
votes
closed
Solution #36: Use a lighter solution for simple things
Written by premamotion the 5 Jan 10 at 22:01.
Use a GIMP lighter solution/version for simple things (like crop, rotate..), and the user that need more options can install the full version of GIMP.
4
votes
closed
Solution #37: Let the user compose their own CD from selectable components
Written by 10110111 the 7 Mar 10 at 13:08.
Make a program which would let the user select the needed packages (or use defaults like official Ubuntu compilation, Kubuntu, etc.), which then would be fetched from the repos and packed into a bootable CD/DVD image.
And leave the official CD as its maintainers want (including removal of some packages like GIMP).

Edit: hmm... it's sorta dup of #30...

See the 30 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Dec 11 at 07:11) >>

Keeping the time accurate over the Internet by default  
Written by turbolad the 5 Jul 10 at 16:33. Global category: Quality. Implemented
Computer clocks will become inaccurate if not synchronised with time servers using an internet connection. Everyday computer users probably don't know that you can configure Ubuntu to keep your computer's clock accurate when connected to the Internet.

Developer comments
Thanks for this idea. It was always our intent to enable automatic time syncing by default, but some bugs apparently prevented it from working properly for many people. I believe I've now fixed at least the most prominent of these bugs for Ubuntu 11.04.

I went into more detail about this on my blog, so please see this entry for more information:

http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/ucgi/~cjwatson/blosxom/ubuntu/2010-12-06-ntp-synchronisation-problems.html
405
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): By default, synchronise the computer's clock with time servers
Written by turbolad the 5 Jul 10 at 16:33.
By default, in the next release of Ubuntu and thereafter, automatically synchronise the computer's clock over the Internet. This has several benefits: Ubuntu needs less configuration after install, newbies have the time kept accurate without any intervention, it's one less thing to remember when you install Ubuntu and so on.

Having everything ready and set up for users makes them feel more comfortable using Ubuntu. It is said that Ubuntu "just works", which is what people like. No hassle, no fuss.
111
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Provide as option with checkbox for time sync with online servers
Written by benoyanthony the 7 Jul 10 at 11:41.
This option should be given as optional option because every user did not use internet on daily basis.
47
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Give the user the choice to sync with a time server when installing
Written by Cityscape the 12 Jul 10 at 18:27.
Include this option as a check box when the user chooses his/her location on the world map.

See the 12 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 1 Dec 11 at 06:10) >>

dropdown buttons on empty folders are useless and confusing, so are empty lines   forum
Written by geoff.m the 2 Nov 10 at 18:55. Related project: Nautilus. Not an idea

When I look at my folders list, it is usefull to see right away that a folder is empty or doesn't have subfolders, without having to click on it. clicking on an empty folder's dropdown button to expand an empty line is not only useless, it's a waste of time and of screenspace.

 

537
votes
closed
Solution #1: Nautilus should not display a dropdown button and an empty line for empty folder
Written by geoff.m the 2 Nov 10 at 18:55.

When a folder doesn't have anything to expand it should not have a dropdown button, i.e. folders without subfolders in the folders panel on the left, and completely empty folders in the file panel on the right.

 
-137
votes
closed
Solution #2: Nautilus should show an emblem if the folder is empty
Written by ak123 the 3 Nov 10 at 17:01.
If the folder is empty, Nautilus should attach an emblem to the icon to show the folder is empty. This can also be used when browsing in icon view and can also be applied to differentiate between folders with files and no subfolders and those that are completely empty.

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 10 Aug 11 at 14:17) >>

Can't preview .xcf files without GIMP  
Written by timnwells the 5 Nov 09 at 09:16. Related project: Image Viewer (EoG). Not an idea
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.
473
votes
closed
Solution #1: Add .xcf support to Image Viewer
Written by timnwells the 5 Nov 09 at 09:16.
Add support for previewing GIMPs .xcf files in Image Viewer.
72
votes
closed
Solution #2: use gloobus
Written by BadChoice the 6 Nov 09 at 10:22.
Gloobus can preview xcf files in less than a second. Its really fast and without having to open gimp
44
votes
closed
Solution #3: Make a nautilus thumb viewer like dolphin
Written by faelbluhm the 8 Nov 09 at 12:55.
If nautilus make huge thumbs and have a lateral panel, you shold viwer the .xcf file on side bar, like dolphin.
-26
votes
closed
Solution #4: If not gloobus, ristretto is capable viewing xcf files.
Written by yaknowwat the 16 Nov 09 at 20:26.
Ristretto which I prefer over eye of gnome in their default designs can preview xcf files.

See the 4 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Jul 11 at 17:04) >>

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