Contributor grek - Ubuntu brainstorm

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Contributor grek

"Click-n-play" Multiseat support

No information about this blueprint
Information is updated every 5 minutes.
Please wait till the next update.

Written by snadrus the 5 Mar 08 at 23:45. Global category: Look and Feel. New

A feature that's possible but not intuitive in Ubuntu today is the setting up of one PC as "multiple workstations" - i.e. connecting two keyboards, two mice and two monitors to one PC and having two users log in and work independently.

I would love to see this feature made simpler to set up, as it would be great for a lot of home users (e.g. buying a one powerful computer instead of 2 or 3 computers for the kids), as well as in schools, internet cafes etc.

Additional information:
https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xorg/+bug/42731
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=221174
http://netpatia.blogspot.com/2006/09/multiseat-computer-with-ubuntu.html
http://netpatia.blogspot.com/2008/01/coming-soon-multiseat-in-ubuntu-804.html
http://netpatia.blogspot.com/2008/02/multiseat-computer-with-ubuntu-804.html
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=707796
http://research.edm.uhasselt.be/~jori/page/index.php?n=Misc.DualSeatX

Work with fedora team who want to add this multiseat feature in fedora 11
http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Multiseat

[....]

690
votes

22
votes

Solution #2: A multiple screen HID-functionality selector

Written by BayerBear the 17 Aug 09 at 18:35.

A program functionality that pops up when more than one screen, mouse and/or keyboard are connected or present. Gives the user a choice between the standard 'extended desktop' functionality, and making a new desktop session where the specified keyboard and/or mouse are channeled/piped. Also implement 'swap'-hot keys for swapping mouse and/or keyboard.

Hot-key example: AltGr+M(or something) makes the first mouse that clicks both rigth and left button at the same time swap to the screen were the keyboard entry was made. A keyboard 'swap'-hot key for selecting another screen (bringing the nested mouse with it or not) would be easy.

Of course, system administrator must have the ability to lock HIDs to specific screens.

-15
votes

33
votes

-8
votes

9
votes

Solution #6: Multiseat Administration GUI for advanced users using a graph

Written by testian the 18 Nov 10 at 11:44.

users should be able to configure their multiseat-configuration by "drawing" a mathematical graph that displays which input device points to which pointer, which session and finally which monitor. The advantages of a graph are that you can easily model N:M relations (a session can run on multiple monitors, but multiple sessions can also run on one monitor).

See comments for details

3
votes

See the 43 comments or propose a solution >>

Keyring should be a great password manager

Written by HDave the 29 Feb 08 at 05:03. Global category: System. New

Ubuntu's keyring facility is nice, but is a far cry from a real password manager. While there are several password manager's in the repository, none of them are very good and none of them are integrated into the keyring. Of the bunch, probably KeePassX is the best.

Seahorse, which is the (optionally installed) GUI to the keyring is good at storing keys, but doesn't handle web site passwords, credit card numbers, etc.

Ubuntu needs a highly secure all-in-one password/key/private note manager. Ideally it would be integrated into Firefox and Thunderbird such that those systems would work with the keyring.

510
votes

See the 7 comments or propose a solution >>

Make the login screen useful without logging in

Written by Bromskloss the 17 Nov 10 at 14:23. Related project: Gnome. In development

We have usernames and passwords to restrict usage of the computer but some things even strangers could be allowed to do:
- tell the date and time
- leave a message to the user who is away from the computer (we already have this one)

You could expand this in many ways if you wanted to (offer a calculator et c.) with the extreme case of providing an entire guest account, which I don't personally would do.

379
votes

49
votes

Selected solution (#3): Enable widgets on the login screen

Written by alwuzomondo the 17 Nov 10 at 21:44.

If it would be possible to add simple widgets on the login screen, there are endless possibilities:
show the date and time
show the clocks of several timezones
show an RSS feed
show traffic info
show the weather
show raindrops on the screen when it is raining
etc
etc

I would not allow any widgets that a user can interact with, if you want to do that, then login.

70
votes

Selected solution (#4): Enable language selection without using a password

Written by ekevu the 1 Dec 10 at 15:28.

I'd like my guests to be able to use my computer without a password in a restricted guest account. Anyway, sometimes I get international guests and I'd like to offer them a system in their language. You can only change a language between clicking on an account name and entering a password. If there's no password, you don't have any choice.

Solution: Make it possible to change language before choosing an account name.

-30
votes

-50
votes

-10
votes

27
votes

18
votes

-8
votes

See the 21 comments or propose a solution >>

There is no easy-to-use OCR-solution included in Ubuntu

Written by KallenbachAlex@gmx.de the 20 Nov 10 at 13:34. Global category: Office. New

If you want to scan a Text and transform it into a Text-file you have to take a lot of steps:
You have to:
1. Scan the document (for example with the included Simple-Scan)
2. Transform the image into a tiff-file (for example with GIMP)
3. Execute (for example) tesseract in the terminal (tesseracts results are really stunning)

Step 2 and 3 are quiet difficult for Newbies.

322
votes

-148
votes

104
votes

0
votes

Solution #4: Linux-intelligent-ocr-solution

Written by nalin4linux77 the 27 Feb 12 at 09:51.

LIOS is a free and open source software for converting print in to text using either scanner or a camera. It can also produce text out of scanned images from other sources. Program is given total accessibility for visually impaired. LIOS is written in python and we release it under GPL3 license. LIOS will work with Debian based operating systems. LIOS is an effort from the easy-ocr development team. There are great many possibilities for this program. Feedback is the key to it. expecting your feedback. nalin4linux77@gmail.com and sath.linux@gmail.com.
HOW TO INSTALL

Download deb file from here http://linux-intelligent-ocr-solution.googlecode.com/ download the latest deb package and install
What is new in LIOS-1.2
1 Cam-Scan,
2 Cam-Reader,
3 Scan-to-image-only,
4 Scan-to-images-repeatedly,
5 Introduction of py-sane, Glaid library make the program faster and efficient,
6 Multiple arguments are handled effectively,
7 Ocr a single Image,
8 Artha shortcut (alt+control+W),

[...]

9 Beta version of spell-checker,
10 Provision for submitting issues in the About Dialog.
Features
1 Single scan & Repeated Scanning,
2 Ocr Folder,
3 Ocr Pdf,
4 Ocr image only,
5 Cam-Scan and Cam-Reader,
6 Scan-for-image-only & repeatedly,
7 24 Language support (Given at the end),
8 Full GUI environment,
9 Selection of starting page number, page numbering mode and number of pages to scan,
10 Selection of Scan area, brightness, resolution and time between repeated scanning,
11 Full Auto Rotation,
12 Brightness optimizer,
13 Audio converter,
14 Easily Accessible Preferences Window,
15 5 OCR Engines (OCROPUS,CUNEIFORM,TESSERACT,GOCR,OCRAD),
16 Good text manipulation with Find, Go-To-Page, Go-To-Line, Append file, Punch File.
17 Display Preferences for Low vision,
18 Dictionary Support for English(Artha)
19 Beta version of spell-checker,
20 Provision for submitting issues,
21 And more features are in the preferences.
How to start using LIOS.
1. Scanning.

In order to start new scan, first press ctrl+n and then press f9 for single scan or ctrl+f9 for repeated scanning. To set the scanning preferences press ctrl+p and set the starting page number, Mode of page numbering, double page mode if you intend to keep 2 pages at a time, rotation to select the way in which you want the program to rotate the images before conversion. In full automatic rotation mode, one can keep the book in 00 90 180 and 270 degree angle. In partial rotation mode program will scan once to find out the position of the book and then the rotation will be kept. In manual mode one should select the angle. partial and manual mode is faster than full auto rotation mode in ocr process. One can select the number of pages to be scanned at a stretch by setting number of pages in the case of repeated scanning. One can stop all scanning process by pressing ctrl f4.
2. Cam-scan.

one can now use Hovercam or a Webcam to produce text in LIOS. Adjustments with these devices can be made using LIOS-cam-preferences in edit menu. This feature will help to read books and other printed materials such as visiting cards currency and like and also it makes the ocr process very fast and accurate. Please be specific to use devices with auto focusing facility. remember that there is no autorotation in this utility.so for the same reason, support of a stand for the webcam will be highly appreciated.
3. Cam-reader.

is the utility which will give a continuous output as one moves the webcam. First it will create the image and then will produce the text and it will start reading. After the completion of reading, it will repeat the process automatically. In cam-scan, one has to take the photo and it will be converted in to text.
4. Ocr Image.

LIOS can convert image file to text which is in jpg, tif, png, pnm and bmp.
5. Ocr folder.

LIOS can convert scanned images from other sources. It can convert jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff png, pnm, formats. To convert the images in a folder, select scan from folder option from scan menu and then select the input folder.
6. Ocr Pdf file.

Select Ocr pdf from scan menu and then select the input file. It is recommended that one can use ocropus as engine more efficiently in pdf conversion.
7. scan for image only and scan for images only repeatedly.

Help one to scan only images and it will give the user opportunity to utilize different ocr engines conveniently. Also it avoids delay between each scan if one does not want to listen to the output. Images will be saved in LIOS or one can choose his own destination. Now conversion can be done using folder option.
8. Brightness checker.

To set a n exact value of brightness or threshold is the best way to ensure maximum efficiency out of ocr engines. To find out the best value, go to tools menu and select brightness checker. This utility will scan for 15 or 17 times to complete the process. After the process, number of words detected at different values will be shone in tabs. I

Download deb file from here http://linux-intelligent-ocr-solution.googlecode.com/ download the latest deb package and install
What is new in LIOS-1.2
1 Cam-Scan,
2 Cam-Reader,
3 Scan-to-image-only,
4 Scan-to-images-repeatedly,
5 Introduction of py-sane, Glaid library make the program faster and efficient,
6 Multiple arguments are handled effectively,
7 Ocr a single Image,
8 Artha shortcut (alt+control+W),
9 Beta version of spell-checker,
10 Provision for submitting issues in the About Dialog.
Features
1 Single scan & Repeated Scanning,
2 Ocr Folder,
3 Ocr Pdf,
4 Ocr image only,
5 Cam-Scan and Cam-Reader,
6 Scan-for-image-only & repeatedly,
7 24 Language support (Given at the end),
8 Full GUI environment,
9 Selection of starting page number, page numbering mode and number of pages to scan,
10 Selection of Scan area, brightness, resolution and time between repeated scanning,
11 Full Auto Rotation,
12 Brightness optimizer,
13 Audio converter,
14 Easily Accessible Preferences Window,
15 5 OCR Engines (OCROPUS,CUNEIFORM,TESSERACT,GOCR,OCRAD),
16 Good text manipulation with Find, Go-To-Page, Go-To-Line, Append file, Punch File.
17 Display Preferences for Low vision,
18 Dictionary Support for English(Artha)
19 Beta version of spell-checker,
20 Provision for submitting issues,
21 And more features are in the preferences.
How to start using LIOS.
1. Scanning.

In order to start new scan, first press ctrl+n and then press f9 for single scan or ctrl+f9 for repeated scanning. To set the scanning preferences press ctrl+p and set the starting page number, Mode of page numbering, double page mode if you intend to keep 2 pages at a time, rotation to select the way in which you want the program to rotate the images before conversion. In full automatic rotation mode, one can keep the book in 00 90 180 and 270 degree angle. In partial rotation mode program will scan once to find out the position of the book and then the rotation will be kept. In manual mode one should select the angle. partial and manual mode is faster than full auto rotation mode in ocr process. One can select the number of pages to be scanned at a stretch by setting number of pages in the case of repeated scanning. One can stop all scanning process by pressing ctrl f4.
2. Cam-scan.

one can now use Hovercam or a Webcam to produce text in LIOS. Adjustments with these devices can be made using LIOS-cam-preferences in edit menu. This feature will help to read books and other printed materials such as visiting cards currency and like and also it makes the ocr process very fast and accurate. Please be specific to use devices with auto focusing facility. remember that there is no autorotation in this utility.so for the same reason, support of a stand for the webcam will be highly appreciated.
3. Cam-reader.

is the utility which will give a continuous output as one moves the webcam. First it will create the image and then will produce the text and it will start reading. After the completion of reading, it will repeat the process automatically. In cam-scan, one has to take the photo and it will be converted in to text.
4. Ocr Image.

LIOS can convert image file to text which is in jpg, tif, png, pnm and bmp.
5. Ocr folder.

LIOS can convert scanned images from other sources. It can convert jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff png, pnm, formats. To convert the images in a folder, select scan from folder option from scan menu and then select the input folder.
6. Ocr Pdf file.

Select Ocr pdf from scan menu and then select the input file. It is recommended that one can use ocropus as engine more efficiently in pdf conversion.
7. scan for image only and scan for images only repeatedly.

Help one to scan only images and it will give the user opportunity to utilize different ocr engines conveniently. Also it avoids delay between each scan if one does not want to listen to the output. Images will be saved in LIOS or one can choose his own destination. Now conversion can be done using folder option.
8. Brightness checker.

To set a n exact value of brightness or threshold is the best way to ensure maximum efficiency out of ocr engines. To find out the best value, go to tools menu and select brightness checker. This utility will scan for 15 or 17 times to complete the process. After the process, number of words detected at different values will be shone in tabs. I

See the 5 comments or propose a solution >>

Easy way to figure out the applications real name

Written by aw@kreawit.se the 7 Dec 10 at 08:31. Global category: Documentation. New

Ubuntu has two advantages among others, all applications are translated to the users native language and using the release name of Ubuntu the user can communicate with others about problems and refinements in forums and at launchpad within a known context.

But there are many application names that are also translated. The application Systemövervakaren tells a swede about the purpose of the application but is not a good name to use when commicate with others about the application (gnome-system-monitor). There is not an easy way to tell the original name, the menu names or labels in forms. Essential information to communicate about the application without misunderstandings.

246
votes

-28
votes

Solution #2: See name in the properties when be on panel.

Written by hakermania the 11 Dec 10 at 13:45.

The executable name of the application can be easily seen on the "Launcher Properties" of the panel. if you drag and drop a Program from the ubuntu menu then you can see the real command in the "Command:" field. This could be a solution, if you want to speak about a program and you don't know its name. If you prefer a more user-friendly solution, I would choose Solution #1
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9972/screenshot1fj.png

12
votes

4
votes

Solution #4: Standardization of function + name

Written by FabriceV the 20 Dec 10 at 11:29.

Use the real name (ex: GIMP) and avoid long name either at English or even worse, translated (see Answer 4).
-> Do not translate international native name. Users need to know the real name to find info and inform others.
-> Users need to search easily the application, and don't want to deal with erratic translations.
-> Do not try to comply with irrelevant names. They are just irrelevant and have to change.

In general, the menu entries are named accordingly:

Disk Brasero
Music Rhythmbox
Video Totem
Video Pitivi
Webcam Cheese

-> The direct, simple, alphabetically sorted.
-> Users find all its (i.e. photo) applications side by side.
-> Simple menu, it is faster to look at entry.
-> Users have memory and brain. They know Firefox is not a sea navigator thus named it just "Navigator Firefox", and so on.
-> Do not need to specify that Pitivi is not Totem... Different name, different function. The tooltip gives further detailed indication. It is its job. And users just need to read reader or editor, not a whole bunch of poor redundant literature.

-2
votes

Solution #5: Option to show command in addition to or instead of Description/Comment in menu

Written by thrillseeker the 27 Dec 10 at 15:54.

The title pretty much says it.

There should be an option, so that when selected, instead of, for example:

Firefox Web Browser
Web Browser

in the menu, I'd see:

Firefox Web Browser
firefox %u

or

Firefox Web Browser
/usr/bin/firefox %u

Also, it should show the command line (/usr/bin/firefox %u) in the tooltip.

16
votes

See the 1 comments or propose a solution >>

Support multiple payment options in Ubuntu Software Center

Written by byo the 2 Dec 10 at 22:54. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. Implemented

The only available payment method right now is by providing credit card information. There are situations in which this method is unacceptable. Such kind of payment should also not be threated as the most secure one.

Ubuntu Software Center should let people pay using alternative methods. Few examples are: Paypal, Google Checkout, Premium SMS.

127
votes

120
votes

Selected solution (#2): Make the payment system work with plugins for different payment brokers.

Written by alwuzomondo the 3 Dec 10 at 09:35.

A bank or payment broker can then provide its own payment plug-in. This way a user can easily add other payment methods. Maybe install a default set of payment methods based on the country?

It would be nice if there was a button with "add payment module" that provides a list of online payment systems.

plug ins could be provided for :
paypal
Google checkout
Wire transfer
Premium SMS
iDeal (used a lot in the Netherlands)
solution of My private bank

This plug-in system will be no easy task to write but once implemented, it will offer huge flexibility.

Security definitely a big issue here, it must be absolutely impossible for bank@hacker.com to install his own plug-in.
With this plug-in system Providing an addition payment method doesn't have to be done by Ubuntu programmers, but can be done by a third party. Only testing and approving for install would have to be done by Ubuntu developers.

[...]

2
votes

0
votes

See the 2 comments or propose a solution >>

Submit screenshot in Ubuntu Software Center

Written by Andysc the 31 Jul 12 at 07:58. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. New

Some apps in USC haven't got screenshots. Sometimes it is good to look before you download it.

82
votes

-6
votes

11
votes

Solution #3: Users submit screenshot to app developer who decides what to add in USC

Written by puxkggn the 21 Aug 12 at 16:52.

Users could submit screenshots to USC.
These screenshots need to be reviewed by the developer.
The developer can then decide to add them to the screenshots for the app in USC.

This allows for the app developer to decide which screenshots are going to be used, while not wasting effords on some centrally organized way of doing things and allow users to communicate good screenshots for the apps.

See the 4 comments or propose a solution >>

Software Center is overcrowded by books - it should be more separate

Written by zubozrout the 1 Sep 12 at 06:18. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. New

The Software Center's main screen should be a place where people find new and interesting stuff.
Unfortunately, if you want to see what is new, you almost always see more books & magazines than software.

71
votes

33
votes

22
votes

Solution #3: Software Center should be called Ubuntu Market and be broken into sections

Written by HDave the 11 Sep 12 at 03:51.

It's not going to just stop at software and books and periodicals. Its eventually going to include other things...potentially music, support services, movies, torrents....who knows what!

Lets just skip all the iterations and jump to the end game now...sooner or later it'll be like Google Play or iTunes...but with more Ubuntu goodness.

30
votes

Solution #4: Books don't belong in Software AT ALL

Written by Gyropyge the 19 Sep 12 at 10:12.

Call me obtuse but I don't understand why BOOKS are in Software in the first place. I understand wanting to offer them to users but when I go looking for software, I'm not looking for books. When I'm looking for Books I'm not looking for software. What you have now is enforced serendipity.

In my opinion there can be two such sections:

Ubuntu Software Center
and
Ubuntu Book Center (aka library)

18
votes

2
votes

Solution #6: solutions 2,3, 5 and 6

Written by JoRijo the 21 Feb 13 at 03:36.

solutions 2,3 and 5 put toghether.
exept that instead of real separations, like in dash lens, add it as filter options (multiplechoices allowed)

So one could choose any number or all of the filters:
apps, books, magazines, music, video, free(gratis), free(libre), proprietary, paid, min. price, max price.
Plus all the already existing categories: internet, developer, games, media, video, photgraphy, etc.

See the 2 comments or propose a solution >>

Ubuntu Software Center should be more friendly to 3rd party developers

Written by zubozrout the 2 Sep 12 at 06:58. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. New

If you browse the content in Ubuntu Software Center you see application names, short descriptions, ratings and prices.
The standalone page of 3rd party software then allows you to view screenshots, videos, some basic information about the package, reviews + description, short description and name.

However, there is no way developers can promote themselves. You can't connect more applications to have links between them in Ubuntu Software Center or you can't list all applications by a developer.

49
votes

Solution #1: Show the name of the developer on the list of entries and on the package page.

Written by zubozrout the 2 Sep 12 at 06:58.

Developers should be able to show their name in Ubuntu Software Center.

If software has more developers at once, we can use something similar to circles on Google+, in which you can have more people at once.
On the other hand, this can still be applied only for those, who submit their applications through myapps.developer.ubuntu.com site.

+ It would be great if you could browse the software by developer.

30
votes

26
votes

Solution #3: Allow developers to submit more web links and distinguish e-mail and web link

Written by zubozrout the 2 Sep 12 at 07:19.

Developer should be easily able to submit more links. Link to the company homepage (the logo may be a link), link to the application homepage, link to social networks (eg. with buttons of the network).
This way developers would have the chance to promote themselves and Ubuntu Software Center would gain more popularity (my assumption).

+ e-mail links and web links are now considered the same. this should be obviously different.

Add a comment or propose a solution >>

Ubuntu Software Center should be more consistent with its Web alternative

Written by zubozrout the 4 Sep 12 at 09:47. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. New

If you see a package page on the Web - https://apps.ubuntu.com - you can browse all the images uploaded by the developer. On the other hand, if you browse that page directly in Ubuntu Software Center, you are limited to see only 3 images.

42
votes

33
votes

Solution #2: Application image previews should be scaled according to the window size

Written by zubozrout the 4 Sep 12 at 09:49.

If you click at the image on the package page, it is enlarged to its full size. However, this way you have to scroll down and left to see the full image, or resize the window.
I like the functionality you can actually see the image in its original size, but I would like to see it at the end of "the resizing process".

1. You see image in a small frame as it is now, you can choose picture at the bottom bar with even smaller previews.
2. If you click on the image, it should be resized to fit the window (the same way you see images in every web browser).
It should be still easy to switch between images (eg. by including arrows on the left and on the right side).
3. Then you should be able to see the full-sized image, if you click on it again.

See the 2 comments or propose a solution >>

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