Written by gnarlin the 26 Nov 09 at 14:01.

When people search in the software center for their familiar proprietary software make the results point to comparable Free software while making it very clear that it is not the same program, just that it does the same job. This will help newcomers to Ubuntu quickly find the alternatives they are looking for.

For example. Jane does a search for Photoshop. The results show Gimp with a short highlighted text that explains that Gimp is a different program but that it will do the same job.

When people search in the software center for their familiar proprietary software make the results point to comparable Free software while making it very clear that it is not the same program, just that it does the same job. This will help newcomers to Ubuntu quickly find the alternatives they are looking for. For example. Jane does a search for Photoshop. The results show Gimp with a short highlighted text that explains that Gimp is a different program but that it will do the same job.

Written by doobiest the 26 Nov 09 at 19:58.

If someone was looking at GIMP in the app center. Somewhere it should say Comparable to: Adobe Photoshop

If someone was looking at GIMP in the app center. Somewhere it should say Comparable to: Adobe Photoshop

Written by gnarlin the 26 Nov 09 at 21:02.

In the 9.10 version of Ubuntu a feature montage was added to the installation procedure. This would be a great place to explain to new users about how to install new software after the installation is complete.
Perhaps something like (or something that is actually well written and thoughful):

----------------------------------------------------------------------
|SOFTWARE CENTER
|To install more software after installation
|Please go to the "Software Center" and browse
|for a program you wish to install in one of the
|catagories avaliable. Then just click install
|and the software center will do the rest for you
----------------------------------------------------------------------

In the 9.10 version of Ubuntu a feature montage was added to the installation procedure. This would be a great place to explain to new users about how to install new software after the installation is complete. Perhaps something like (or something that is actually well written and thoughful): ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |SOFTWARE CENTER |To install more software after installation |Please go to the "Software Center" and browse |for a program you wish to install in one of the |catagories avaliable. Then just click install |and the software center will do the rest for you ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by doobiest the 26 Nov 09 at 21:19.

In addition to solution 1 and 2 I think we should include this for the OS installation.

If installing ubuntu over a native windows install, make a list of installed windows apps. Then after ubuntu finished installing, present the user with a list of software they used to have, and a list of alternatives that they can now have. The user adds checkmarks to those they want.

This could be combined with solution #3. Not only describing to the user how ubuntu uses repositories which are centralized containing stable, secure, and community approved software, but also describes why their favorite programs like itunes are not available. intro to the idea of opensource software.

In addition to solution 1 and 2 I think we should include this for the OS installation. If installing ubuntu over a native windows install, make a list of installed windows apps. Then after ubuntu finished installing, present the user with a list of software they used to have, and a list of alternatives that they can now have. The user adds checkmarks to those they want. This could be combined with solution #3. Not only describing to the user how ubuntu uses repositories which are centralized containing stable, secure, and community approved software, but also describes why their favorite programs like itunes are not available. intro to the idea of opensource software.

Written by gnarlin the 29 Nov 09 at 01:18.

Perhaps just explaining the software center during the montage and adding more specific software categories in the software center. I think that the mint distro does this.
Does anyone know?

Perhaps just explaining the software center during the montage and adding more specific software categories in the software center. I think that the mint distro does this. Does anyone know?

Written by FreeAtMind the 30 Nov 09 at 23:03.

With the guide "For those who migrate from Windows, users could find a table in the software and also links to more detailed information.
A shortcut should be visible on the Desktop LiveCD.

With the guide "For those who migrate from Windows, users could find a table in the software and also links to more detailed information. A shortcut should be visible on the Desktop LiveCD.

Written by DaVince the 3 Dec 09 at 00:10.

By which I mean things like "media player", "mp3 player", "image editor" etcetera and it shows the most popular entries that are related to it first.

By which I mean things like "media player", "mp3 player", "image editor" etcetera and it shows the most popular entries that are related to it first.

Written by g63marty the 3 Dec 09 at 02:37.

Add a "find software" widget to install in a panel or a small app to open a browser to search for linux-based software alternatives. Have the widget or application include the user's linux gui and type (kde,gnome,debian, et al) as parameter of url, so that better matches to software can be found.
Make the online Wiki improvable by the community. Add links to this search forum from ubuntu pages.

Add a "find software" widget to install in a panel or a small app to open a browser to search for linux-based software alternatives. Have the widget or application include the user's linux gui and type (kde,gnome,debian, et al) as parameter of url, so that better matches to software can be found. Make the online Wiki improvable by the community. Add links to this search forum from ubuntu pages.

Written by ikelewis the 3 Dec 09 at 15:52.

Create a video that plays when you first start up Ubuntu, that would describe in detail the process of getting software, connecting to the internet, etc. Also provide links and places where you could get further information, and a little about the history of open-source software. You could even have it as a playlist in Totem, so the content could be broken up into different segments and topics.

Create a video that plays when you first start up Ubuntu, that would describe in detail the process of getting software, connecting to the internet, etc. Also provide links and places where you could get further information, and a little about the history of open-source software. You could even have it as a playlist in Totem, so the content could be broken up into different segments and topics.

Written by neojames the 6 Dec 09 at 20:42.

Instead of playing the video a box comes down which allows you to click it to play the video or just a short one which at the end will tell you to go to the help center where there can be a page with more in depth videos.

Instead of playing the video a box comes down which allows you to click it to play the video or just a short one which at the end will tell you to go to the help center where there can be a page with more in depth videos.

Written by balloooza the 12 Dec 09 at 16:17.

http://alternativeto.net/

It is a great site, it offers web alternative, mac alternatives, windows alternatives, and is maintained, easy to use, active, and also offers alternatives to any application

(not only iPhoto > F-Spot, but also F-Spot > Picasa, Picasa > F-Spot, OOo Writer > Abiword)

I use this site constantly, once or twice a day, conocial could support there efforts by giving them attention, and they could support us with an API of sorts, so instead of sending people to the real website, ubuntu could offer some of this functionality on the software center. or just provide a link to this site.

http://alternativeto.net/ It is a great site, it offers web alternative, mac alternatives, windows alternatives, and is maintained, easy to use, active, and also offers alternatives to any application (not only iPhoto > F-Spot, but also F-Spot > Picasa, Picasa > F-Spot, OOo Writer > Abiword) I use this site constantly, once or twice a day, conocial could support there efforts by giving them attention, and they could support us with an API of sorts, so instead of sending people to the real website, ubuntu could offer some of this functionality on the software center. or just provide a link to this site.

Written by Joots the 16 Dec 09 at 22:31.

See http://allmyapps.com/ubuntu-9.10/
It's easy to find an app for beginners and add a lots of advantage for ubuntu's users.

See http://allmyapps.com/ubuntu-9.10/ It's easy to find an app for beginners and add a lots of advantage for ubuntu's users.

Written by poooody the 15 Dec 09 at 18:35.

As well as, as has been suggested on brainstorm before, having information about Open Source programme alternatives for Windows users, do the same for Mac users.

Have a guide on the Live CD's "Try Ubuntu" feature explaining things such as drivers (propriety and free), and explaining the Ubuntu alternatives to mac programmes which come with the install, e.g. gedit and Text Edit, Terminal and gnome-terminal, Pidgin and iChat, Rhythmbox and iTunes, etc.

As well as, as has been suggested on brainstorm before, having information about Open Source programme alternatives for Windows users, do the same for Mac users. Have a guide on the Live CD's "Try Ubuntu" feature explaining things such as drivers (propriety and free), and explaining the Ubuntu alternatives to mac programmes which come with the install, e.g. gedit and Text Edit, Terminal and gnome-terminal, Pidgin and iChat, Rhythmbox and iTunes, etc.

Written by rafaelmikaelyan the 25 Dec 09 at 10:56.

Give Ubuntu ability to open applications, which are made for Windows. Even Apple did it on his Intel based computers.

Give Ubuntu ability to open applications, which are made for Windows. Even Apple did it on his Intel based computers.

Written by rayken_wong the 15 Apr 10 at 23:45.

When you search up specific software suggest alternatives. This would be especially helpful for when you search for proprietary software that doesn't exist in ubuntu

When you search up specific software suggest alternatives. This would be especially helpful for when you search for proprietary software that doesn't exist in ubuntu

Written by butchoy the 14 Feb 09 at 15:13.

A flash or a video tour for the basic operation of ubuntu. not just promotional release

A flash or a video tour for the basic operation of ubuntu. not just promotional release

Written by urandom the 14 Feb 09 at 20:36.

Once WebKit becomes a blessed gnome dependency (and that should happen either in 2.26 or in 2.28), an advanced, interactive and animated tour can be possible with just HTML5 + Javascript.

Once a user first logs in Ubuntu after install (and/or manually starts the tour guide that is located conveniently as an icon on the live cd desktop), a chromeless webkit window should open, showing the tour guide.

All interactivity and animations can and should be done with html5 canvas, css animations and javascript, with accessibility that cannot be obtained by using Flash. This tour guide should proceed to show all important aspects of the operating system, and provide tips for various common tasks.

Once WebKit becomes a blessed gnome dependency (and that should happen either in 2.26 or in 2.28), an advanced, interactive and animated tour can be possible with just HTML5 + Javascript. Once a user first logs in Ubuntu after install (and/or manually starts the tour guide that is located conveniently as an icon on the live cd desktop), a chromeless webkit window should open, showing the tour guide. All interactivity and animations can and should be done with html5 canvas, css animations and javascript, with accessibility that cannot be obtained by using Flash. This tour guide should proceed to show all important aspects of the operating system, and provide tips for various common tasks.

Written by toki_the_collector the 22 Feb 09 at 15:08.

have a tour that asks questions about what your trying to do and suggest programs based on the task your trying to perform. As a newb myself I constantly find myself googleing "linux 'program'" to find alternatives to trying and failing to use wine.

have a tour that asks questions about what your trying to do and suggest programs based on the task your trying to perform. As a newb myself I constantly find myself googleing "linux 'program'" to find alternatives to trying and failing to use wine.

Written by Brightis the 14 Mar 09 at 09:17.

Why should i change from windows to ubuntu?

It's about choice, people are not going to change like for like, even if one is slightly better than the other. There has to be a wow factor. Ubuntu has to be what the iPod was to mp3 players. It has to have amazing innovative ideas, whilst being able to do everything that windows does.

Secondly the public have to be aware that there is a choice. How many people outside of developement community eg Pete the Postman, know of Ubuntu?

Why should i change from windows to ubuntu? It's about choice, people are not going to change like for like, even if one is slightly better than the other. There has to be a wow factor. Ubuntu has to be what the iPod was to mp3 players. It has to have amazing innovative ideas, whilst being able to do everything that windows does. Secondly the public have to be aware that there is a choice. How many people outside of developement community eg Pete the Postman, know of Ubuntu?

Written by Joffrey47 the 20 Mar 09 at 13:53.

At the first start of Ubuntu, after installation, propose an interactive guided tour for new users.
Like a flash animation, but superimposed on the desktop, an interactive interface.
This way to discover Ubuntu will be more motivating than a long tutorial on the internet !!

My English is not fabulous, but I hope you understand me ;D


Bye, Joffrey47.

At the first start of Ubuntu, after installation, propose an interactive guided tour for new users. Like a flash animation, but superimposed on the desktop, an interactive interface. This way to discover Ubuntu will be more motivating than a long tutorial on the internet !! My English is not fabulous, but I hope you understand me ;D Bye, Joffrey47.

Written by komputes the 8 Oct 11 at 19:12.

Solution #17: Continue copying the files that doesn't need confirmation

Written by pgdx the 31 Jul 09 at 08:09.
The copying of the rest of the files should continue and the files in question should be queued until the user decides what to do with this.

Need brainstorm admin help with import solution 17 from here:
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/15427/

Solution #17: Continue copying the files that doesn't need confirmation Written by pgdx the 31 Jul 09 at 08:09. The copying of the rest of the files should continue and the files in question should be queued until the user decides what to do with this. Need brainstorm admin help with import solution 17 from here: http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/15427/

Written by benoyanthony the 11 Oct 11 at 12:57.

Before copy start batch process list of conflict need to be fisplayed in the box and then user can be given option agains each file for overwrite, duplicate, skip , etc.

Before copy start batch process list of conflict need to be fisplayed in the box and then user can be given option agains each file for overwrite, duplicate, skip , etc.

Written by ianp5a the 28 Oct 11 at 06:46.

(similar to #3)
An 'option' to let the user set what should be done for each conflict at the 'start' of the process.
The user intends to leave a long copy process unattended, and expects it to be finished upon their return. In this case the user 'knows' there will be overwrite errors and 'knows' what they want to be done in those cases.
This is important by long copies. Eg slow Networks and hundreds of files and folders.
This option could be on a button on the correct part of the "File Operations" Dialog. That means the copy is already running when the choices are made. Regardless of if an error have already occurred.
This solution solves this common case and does not conflict with other solutions that may be required.

(similar to #3) An 'option' to let the user set what should be done for each conflict at the 'start' of the process. The user intends to leave a long copy process unattended, and expects it to be finished upon their return. In this case the user 'knows' there will be overwrite errors and 'knows' what they want to be done in those cases. This is important by long copies. Eg slow Networks and hundreds of files and folders. This option could be on a button on the correct part of the "File Operations" Dialog. That means the copy is already running when the choices are made. Regardless of if an error have already occurred. This solution solves this common case and does not conflict with other solutions that may be required.

Written by Jimmydoug the 8 Oct 11 at 12:07.

In previous versions of Ubuntu this was achieved with Evolution. With the adoption of Thunderbird as the default email client, it might seem logical to incorporate Lightning into the calendar applet. However, I wonder whether something more configurable and better integrated with Ubuntu could be written. This application could sync via Ubuntu One to the other calendar applets on all the other Ubuntu computers the user works on. So long as it could sync with Google Calendar, and could read ical etc, I think people would appreciate this feature.

In previous versions of Ubuntu this was achieved with Evolution. With the adoption of Thunderbird as the default email client, it might seem logical to incorporate Lightning into the calendar applet. However, I wonder whether something more configurable and better integrated with Ubuntu could be written. This application could sync via Ubuntu One to the other calendar applets on all the other Ubuntu computers the user works on. So long as it could sync with Google Calendar, and could read ical etc, I think people would appreciate this feature.

Written by julientroploin the 12 Oct 11 at 11:52.

Lightning even has lots of qualities in the targeted functionalities, it could be a good idea to work with mozilla on this integration or to fork lighning (keeping compatibility with it) if no common work is possible.

Lightning even has lots of qualities in the targeted functionalities, it could be a good idea to work with mozilla on this integration or to fork lighning (keeping compatibility with it) if no common work is possible.

Written by julientroploin the 12 Oct 11 at 12:28.

Lightning or an other calendar utility could be used as a scope transmiting information to an event-lens in the dash.

Lightning or an other calendar utility could be used as a scope transmiting information to an event-lens in the dash.

Written by RobinJ1995 the 14 Oct 11 at 12:08.

The new "Online accounts" option doesn't actually have many uses yet. Wouldn't it be nice to use it to intergrate the Google services into your desktop? Having Google Calendar integrated right into your calendar applet would be a very helpful feature! It could notify you about events and stuff like that.

The new "Online accounts" option doesn't actually have many uses yet. Wouldn't it be nice to use it to intergrate the Google services into your desktop? Having Google Calendar integrated right into your calendar applet would be a very helpful feature! It could notify you about events and stuff like that.

Written by MsG the 20 Oct 11 at 11:05.

Make a generic API where applications can hook in. So Thunderbird can be made compatible as well as Evolution, or other plugins for online services like Google Calendar.

Make a generic API where applications can hook in. So Thunderbird can be made compatible as well as Evolution, or other plugins for online services like Google Calendar.

Written by petko10 the 23 Jan 12 at 13:08.

Now , I envision it as being one of the super handy things that Ubuntu has , so bare with me . I've always had trouble keeping track of my daily notes, but I'm frequently around the computer .So when I'm on the computer I want to be able to easily check what the notes/events for the day are and to check them or add more (for any of the upcoming days) .The most handy thing to have is to click on the calendar , which will drop a two-thirds-of-the-screen type of panel (picture : http://dl.dropbox.com/u/42681910/Calendar%20blueprint.png ) , that has the calendar , and in each cell (representing a day) there could be events/notes , that are readable as soon as you expand the applet (and everything hides on Esc or click on the indicator) . I think no other OS has anything similar . So to add an event or to edit one - just click on the cell .
An addition to the idea is to have the cell ,that's clicked on, expand (makes it more usable when there's many events/notes) as shown in the picture.

What I've drawn is pretty bad , but I guess you could imagine a better coloured version with some transparency and some simple open-animation .

Importing/exporting with a mail client and/or Ubuntu One will make the integration complete and enable syncing with other devices through the already existing systems.

Now , I envision it as being one of the super handy things that Ubuntu has , so bare with me . I've always had trouble keeping track of my daily notes, but I'm frequently around the computer .So when I'm on the computer I want to be able to easily check what the notes/events for the day are and to check them or add more (for any of the upcoming days) .The most handy thing to have is to click on the calendar , which will drop a two-thirds-of-the-screen type of panel (picture : http://dl.dropbox.com/u/42681910/Calendar%20blueprint.png ) , that has the calendar , and in each cell (representing a day) there could be events/notes , that are readable as soon as you expand the applet (and everything hides on Esc or click on the indicator) . I think no other OS has anything similar . So to add an event or to edit one - just click on the cell . An addition to the idea is to have the cell ,that's clicked on, expand (makes it more usable when there's many events/notes) as shown in the picture. What I've drawn is pretty bad , but I guess you could imagine a better coloured version with some transparency and some simple open-animation . Importing/exporting with a mail client and/or Ubuntu One will make the integration complete and enable syncing with other devices through the already existing systems.

Written by Eldmannen the 28 Oct 11 at 14:56.

I would like an option to dim the file extension in Nautilus.
Many web browsers have now began dimming less relevant parts of the URL, such as the protocol, subdomain, path, and query string.
I propose we have an option/setting/feature that does the same Nautilus. Dim the the file extension.

I would like an option to dim the file extension in Nautilus. Many web browsers have now began dimming less relevant parts of the URL, such as the protocol, subdomain, path, and query string. I propose we have an option/setting/feature that does the same Nautilus. Dim the the file extension. <img src="http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7264/nautiluswithdimmedexten.png">

Written by Eldmannen the 28 Oct 11 at 15:02.

I would like an option to dim the file extension in Gtk file chooser dialogs.

I would like an option to dim the file extension in Gtk file chooser dialogs. <img src="http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6733/gtkfilechoser.png">

Written by thehosh the 29 Oct 11 at 23:36.

I propose that the file extensions are hidden by default, if a user needs/wants them, they can enable it in the settings. Maybe even add a dim feature (File extensions: Hidden/Show/Dimmed).
Of course, this would be system wide.

I propose that the file extensions are hidden by default, if a user needs/wants them, they can enable it in the settings. Maybe even add a dim feature (File extensions: Hidden/Show/Dimmed). Of course, this would be system wide.

Written by jonasPlatte the 31 Oct 11 at 14:24.

I propose to make it an option to show the file extension normally or completely hide it, and set "dimmed" as default.

I propose to make it an option to show the file extension normally or completely hide it, and set "dimmed" as default.

Written by ckujau the 31 Oct 11 at 18:35.

If this is wanted at all, I propose to show the file extension by default and provide an option to hide/dim it. The individual user should judge what she considers as "less relevant parts of the URL".

If this is wanted at all, I propose to show the file extension by default and provide an option to hide/dim it. The individual user should judge what she considers as "less relevant parts of the URL".

Written by NictraSavios the 6 Nov 11 at 02:36.

Linux has no concept of a "file extension" like legacy operating systems. You may name files any way you like. The contents/purpose of a file is determined by other means.

This means that a file extension should have no bearing on linux users, a text file is not denoted by .txt, and MPEG layer 3 doesn't have to have .mp3. If a program requires an extension, then the developer should be notified immediately about proper Linux concepts.

This is something that has been a sticking point for Linux users since before Ubuntu was even around, if you are going to give any mention to file extensions, it should be that they mean nothing.

They shouldn't be hidden, they shouldn't be dimmed, they are part of the file name in Linux and should be treated as such, they tell the USER what the file is and the system doesn't care. Its just a name. So if you have problems with them, your in luck.... just ditch them. You do not need them. They are simply there for the user to be able to tell that "this is an image, this is a music file", the system doesn't care. Neither should you.

If this is for compatibility with Windows, then an option to hide them would be sufficient, but please, please, please do not make it default.

Linux has no concept of a "file extension" like legacy operating systems. You may name files any way you like. The contents/purpose of a file is determined by other means. This means that a file extension should have no bearing on linux users, a text file is not denoted by .txt, and MPEG layer 3 doesn't have to have .mp3. If a program requires an extension, then the developer should be notified immediately about proper Linux concepts. This is something that has been a sticking point for Linux users since before Ubuntu was even around, if you are going to give any mention to file extensions, it should be that they mean nothing. They shouldn't be hidden, they shouldn't be dimmed, they are part of the file name in Linux and should be treated as such, they tell the USER what the file is and the system doesn't care. Its just a name. So if you have problems with them, your in luck.... just ditch them. You do not need them. They are simply there for the user to be able to tell that "this is an image, this is a music file", the system doesn't care. Neither should you. If this is for compatibility with Windows, then an option to hide them would be sufficient, but please, please, please do not make it default.

Written by Gregory the 13 Nov 11 at 23:07.

Nautilus has three views right now: Icons, List, and Compact. Considering the optional extra pane and sidebar, and the combinations possible, you might say we have 36 views. If you're looking for files based on something like access time or permissions, the icon view isn't very helpful, but if you're looking at a small set of well known files related to a project, the list might have too much irrelevant information and the compact view might not have enough. If you're moving lots of files around, you might want an extra pane or tree view sidebar instead of two separate windows.

The filesystem hierarchy can be categorized in many ways. One set of categories might be "a user's files" and "everything else". The user's files category would typically include all non-hidden directories and files in the user's home folder. These are fewer in number and more familiar to the user than everything else. In any directory they are usually more type-heterogeneous than files in standard system directories like "/usr/bin".

The icon view is better suited for a small set of familiar files of different types, while the list view is better suited for large sets of unfamiliar files of the same type. The default view for non-hidden directories in the user's home folder should be the icon view, and the default view for everything else should be the list view.

This simple division (user's files, everything else) and use of just two views (icons, list) is only meant to be an example. This is only for the default view when a user first visits a directory and is not meant to disallow changing the view or having the change remembered by file manager.

Nautilus has three views right now: Icons, List, and Compact. Considering the optional extra pane and sidebar, and the combinations possible, you might say we have 36 views. If you're looking for files based on something like access time or permissions, the icon view isn't very helpful, but if you're looking at a small set of well known files related to a project, the list might have too much irrelevant information and the compact view might not have enough. If you're moving lots of files around, you might want an extra pane or tree view sidebar instead of two separate windows. The filesystem hierarchy can be categorized in many ways. One set of categories might be "a user's files" and "everything else". The user's files category would typically include all non-hidden directories and files in the user's home folder. These are fewer in number and more familiar to the user than everything else. In any directory they are usually more type-heterogeneous than files in standard system directories like "/usr/bin". The icon view is better suited for a small set of familiar files of different types, while the list view is better suited for large sets of unfamiliar files of the same type. The default view for non-hidden directories in the user's home folder should be the icon view, and the default view for everything else should be the list view. This simple division (user's files, everything else) and use of just two views (icons, list) is only meant to be an example. This is only for the default view when a user first visits a directory and is not meant to disallow changing the view or having the change remembered by file manager.

Written by puxkggn the 27 Feb 12 at 18:15.

Dimming (but only slightly) the file extension is clearer to read.


When selecting a filename and choosing to change the filename from the gui. By default the selected text should be the name selected from he beginning to the first dot. A user can still select the whole name or pieces of it as he or she sees fit. This way it's the most efficient because most of the time most users don't want to change the extension, just the name.

This will help inexperienced or careless users a lot!!!
While still allowing power users to change the whole thing.
While allowing people to easily discard the extensions if they are searching for a specific file name.

Dimming (but only slightly) the file extension is clearer to read. When selecting a filename and choosing to change the filename from the gui. By default the selected text should be the name selected from he beginning to the first dot. A user can still select the whole name or pieces of it as he or she sees fit. This way it's the most efficient because most of the time most users don't want to change the extension, just the name. This will help inexperienced or careless users a lot!!! While still allowing power users to change the whole thing. While allowing people to easily discard the extensions if they are searching for a specific file name.

Written by Aielyn the 7 Mar 12 at 14:10.

Rather than dimming or hiding extensions, how about making extensions actually useful? As noted in Solution #6, extensions in Linux should mean nothing more than "this is how we've decided to end the name of the file".

But there's definite use for extensions. Octave/Matlab use ".m" files, which are really nothing more than text files... but the ".m" tells you that it's matlab code that is in the file. It also helps Matlab/Octave to know that your file is intended to be read by them, in an efficient manner.

But perhaps it would be useful if extensions were also used to essentially "tag" a file. This would provide a useful way to "group" files within a directory without requiring more directories. Then, nautilus could sort files by their extensions (optionally either grouping those with multiple extensions by their set of extensions, or displaying them repeatedly in each of their groups).

This is an extension, if you'll pardon the pun, of the original purpose of extensions, which is to make it easier (for both user and computer) to see what sort of file it is. While someone could certainly choose to name all of their work files "WorkXyz" (which would then sort "nicely" in Nautilus), it would be nicer if they could be named "Xyz.work". Then, if someone makes an m-file for work, it could be named "Xyz.work.m"... and they could have Nautilus automatically group all the ".work" files together.

As such, extensions suddenly no longer need to be hidden or dimmed, but instead become a useful part of the filename.

Rather than dimming or hiding extensions, how about making extensions actually useful? As noted in Solution #6, extensions in Linux should mean nothing more than "this is how we've decided to end the name of the file". But there's definite use for extensions. Octave/Matlab use ".m" files, which are really nothing more than text files... but the ".m" tells you that it's matlab code that is in the file. It also helps Matlab/Octave to know that your file is intended to be read by them, in an efficient manner. But perhaps it would be useful if extensions were also used to essentially "tag" a file. This would provide a useful way to "group" files within a directory without requiring more directories. Then, nautilus could sort files by their extensions (optionally either grouping those with multiple extensions by their set of extensions, or displaying them repeatedly in each of their groups). This is an extension, if you'll pardon the pun, of the original purpose of extensions, which is to make it easier (for both user and computer) to see what sort of file it is. While someone could certainly choose to name all of their work files "WorkXyz" (which would then sort "nicely" in Nautilus), it would be nicer if they could be named "Xyz.work". Then, if someone makes an m-file for work, it could be named "Xyz.work.m"... and they could have Nautilus automatically group all the ".work" files together. As such, extensions suddenly no longer need to be hidden or dimmed, but instead become a useful part of the filename.

Written by Jimmydoug the 30 Sep 11 at 14:55.

So you're in the dash, you notice an application you don't need anymore, maybe you notice two, and with a right click of the mouse you have the option to uninstall the application. Maybe more options could be integrated with a right-click too 'eg repair, update, etc)

So you're in the dash, you notice an application you don't need anymore, maybe you notice two, and with a right click of the mouse you have the option to uninstall the application. Maybe more options could be integrated with a right-click too 'eg repair, update, etc)

Written by Toafan the 30 Sep 11 at 16:56.

In addition to #1, when installing applications from the dash it would be nice to keep the dash open. Opening the software center may not be necessary.

In that case, maybe the software center can be integrated into the dash?

In addition to #1, when installing applications from the dash it would be nice to keep the dash open. Opening the software center may not be necessary. In that case, maybe the software center can be integrated into the dash?

Written by benoyanthony the 8 Oct 11 at 11:58.

Can have option to install and unstall application from software center just need to drag application from unstall to unstall and visa vera.

Can have option to install and unstall application from software center just need to drag application from unstall to unstall and visa vera.

Written by iso9660 the 9 Oct 11 at 14:11.

Drag application item and drop it in the trash bin

Drag application item and drop it in the trash bin

Written by Mykro the 10 Oct 11 at 07:56.

Add a right-click option called "Open in Software Centre" to the application icon in the Unity launcher. This would launch the Software Centre (if not already open) and open it directly to the page for that application. From there the user can review the application's description and uninstall it if desired.

Add a right-click option called "Open in Software Centre" to the application icon in the Unity launcher. This would launch the Software Centre (if not already open) and open it directly to the page for that application. From there the user can review the application's description and uninstall it if desired.

Written by Drak the 14 Oct 11 at 13:59.

User must drop the application icon anywhere outside the launcher for open a mini pop-up dialog - "What do you want to do?" with buttons "Remove from launcher" and "Uninstall from system".
Item "Remove from launcher" in menu we can remove.

This is a convenient and beautiful method that understands every beginner.

User must drop the application icon anywhere outside the launcher for open a mini pop-up dialog - "What do you want to do?" with buttons "Remove from launcher" and "Uninstall from system". Item "Remove from launcher" in menu we can remove. This is a convenient and beautiful method that understands every beginner.

Written by bezeek the 20 Oct 11 at 22:58.

We can already remove favorite links from the dock by dropping them on the trash. This functionality could be extended to uninstall the package which installed the link.

Uninstall a package natively:
$ gksu "apt-get -syqq remove `dpkg -S \\\/google-chrome.desktop$ | cut -d: -f1`"
- or, with dlocate (claims speed advantage, ~450kb install from universe) -
$ gksu "apt-get -syqq remove `dlocate -S --package-only /google-chrome.desktop$`"

(Pasting either of the above examples in a terminal will request superuser permission then immediately SIMULATE removal of whichever package installed a file named "google-chrome.desktop." Confirmation of SIMULATED removal will be output if successful. A real-world implementation would call upon ubuntu-software-center to perform dependency calculation, prompt for user confirmation, and remove the package.)

All that's missing in the equation is an intuitive way to retrieve the file name of the link from the link itself - i.e. context menu or Shift+drop/hover+drop on the trash.

We can already remove favorite links from the dock by dropping them on the trash. This functionality could be extended to uninstall the package which installed the link. Uninstall a package natively: $ gksu "apt-get -syqq remove `dpkg -S \\\/google-chrome.desktop$ | cut -d: -f1`" - or, with dlocate (claims speed advantage, ~450kb install from universe) - $ gksu "apt-get -syqq remove `dlocate -S --package-only /google-chrome.desktop$`" (Pasting either of the above examples in a terminal will request superuser permission then immediately SIMULATE removal of whichever package installed a file named "google-chrome.desktop." Confirmation of SIMULATED removal will be output if successful. A real-world implementation would call upon ubuntu-software-center to perform dependency calculation, prompt for user confirmation, and remove the package.) All that's missing in the equation is an intuitive way to retrieve the file name of the link from the link itself - i.e. context menu or Shift+drop/hover+drop on the trash.

Written by ludovicc the 20 Nov 11 at 23:19.

Make it easy to search for unused applications, for example with a lense in the dash. Then use solution #1 - uninstall from the dash, to remove those unused or not so used applications.

Make it easy to search for unused applications, for example with a lense in the dash. Then use solution #1 - uninstall from the dash, to remove those unused or not so used applications.

Written by raxije the 8 Mar 12 at 20:13.

A simpler way would be to there is the option to uninstall the application from the contextual menu.

A simpler way would be to there is the option to uninstall the application from the contextual menu.

Written by Liono the 14 Dec 11 at 10:50.

Add a system option that deletes all configuration files as if the system was freshly installed and all hardware/drivers and settings have been reset to their defaults.

Add a system option that deletes all configuration files as if the system was freshly installed and all hardware/drivers and settings have been reset to their defaults.

Written by Liono the 14 Dec 11 at 10:51.

Same as Solution #1 except that it is made available in GRUB.

Same as Solution #1 except that it is made available in GRUB.

Written by Liono the 14 Dec 11 at 10:56.

Similar to Solution #1, but allow the user to select which aspects to reset:

* Reset Graphics and Display Settings
* Reset Desktop Environment and Unity (X11, input devices)
* Reset Network (network manager and /etc/network/interfaces)
* Reset Language/Localization
* Reset Audio drivers/settings
* etc...

Similar to Solution #1, but allow the user to select which aspects to reset: * Reset Graphics and Display Settings * Reset Desktop Environment and Unity (X11, input devices) * Reset Network (network manager and /etc/network/interfaces) * Reset Language/Localization * Reset Audio drivers/settings * etc...

Written by Liono the 14 Dec 11 at 11:02.

Similar to the concept of Chromebook, allow Ubuntu to boot and detects all hardware without reading previous settings or saving new configurations. The only thing that persists are the users files in their home directory. This is mostly for recovery purposes.

Similar to the concept of Chromebook, allow Ubuntu to boot and detects all hardware without reading previous settings or saving new configurations. The only thing that persists are the users files in their home directory. This is mostly for recovery purposes.

Written by Liono the 14 Dec 11 at 11:09.

Ubuntu should be able to detect that a user has been restarting their machine several times during a very short period and suggest to reset system configurations in an attempt to fix hardware and system misconfiguration.

Ubuntu should be able to detect that a user has been restarting their machine several times during a very short period and suggest to reset system configurations in an attempt to fix hardware and system misconfiguration.

Written by checoimg the 21 Dec 11 at 15:39.

Once Logged.

Spr+Tab: Ctrl+Alt+R, Ctrl+Alt+F, Ctrl+Spr+R

The first is to make sure is not intersected by other programs. Then 3 more combinations because reseting a OS is something serious.


Keep Ubuntuing!

Once Logged. Spr+Tab: Ctrl+Alt+R, Ctrl+Alt+F, Ctrl+Spr+R The first is to make sure is not intersected by other programs. Then 3 more combinations because reseting a OS is something serious. Keep Ubuntuing!

Written by AdlerHorst the 29 Dec 11 at 11:28.

After fresh installing setup a new Filesystem Layer who take all changes like Updates and configs. So booting with the Emergency bootoption start Ubuntu with out the file system Layer with the changes. The Layer itself should be mounted as a separate Harddrive. So I could do changes and repairing configs from a Working Ubuntu

After fresh installing setup a new Filesystem Layer who take all changes like Updates and configs. So booting with the Emergency bootoption start Ubuntu with out the file system Layer with the changes. The Layer itself should be mounted as a separate Harddrive. So I could do changes and repairing configs from a Working Ubuntu

Written by crazysoldier the 1 Jan 12 at 16:24.

I think there must be a funkction in live cd for choose.
There are so "test ubuntu" "install ubuntu" and new: "restore ubuntu settings" but dont overwrite the userfiles.

I think there must be a funkction in live cd for choose. There are so "test ubuntu" "install ubuntu" and new: "restore ubuntu settings" but dont overwrite the userfiles.

Written by Sepero the 11 Apr 12 at 18:11.

If the person has damaged their system, they most likely did it the last time their system was running correctly.

There should be an option to only perform the "erase/restore" on files that were recently modified (user specified time period?). That way other configuration files that work well won't be erased.

Also, it might be a configuration file in the users /home directory causing the problem. So there could be an option to remove recent .config files from there too.

If the person has damaged their system, they most likely did it the last time their system was running correctly. There should be an option to only perform the "erase/restore" on files that were recently modified (user specified time period?). That way other configuration files that work well won't be erased. Also, it might be a configuration file in the users /home directory causing the problem. So there could be an option to remove recent .config files from there too.

Written by brk0_0 the 11 Oct 11 at 05:16.

Add a "Show Desktop" icon on Unity Launcher by default and, when we click on it, every windows are minimized.

If you don't open any new window, clicking on it again brings back the windows that were not minimized. If you do, clicking on the icon minimize the new window(s).

Add a "Show Desktop" icon on Unity Launcher by default and, when we click on it, every windows are minimized. If you don't open any new window, clicking on it again brings back the windows that were not minimized. If you do, clicking on the icon minimize the new window(s).

Written by inder.vs the 12 Oct 11 at 06:51.

would be much easier to work on different workspace, keeping one workspace as desktop.

would be much easier to work on different workspace, keeping one workspace as desktop.

Written by Jacko the 12 Oct 11 at 22:23.

create applets for the top panel as an option for those that want these features

create applets for the top panel as an option for those that want these features

Written by RobinJ1995 the 14 Oct 11 at 12:13.

Currently nothing happens when you right-click on the workspace switcher, clicking with the scroll wheel may also be an option but I think right-clicking would make more sense. Seems to me that it'd make sense to integrate it into the workspace switcher.

Currently nothing happens when you right-click on the workspace switcher, clicking with the scroll wheel may also be an option but I think right-clicking would make more sense. Seems to me that it'd make sense to integrate it into the workspace switcher.

Written by iso9660 the 15 Oct 11 at 21:24.

It could be added a mini icon in the work space switcher which unfolds when the cursor hovers on it.

It could be added a mini icon in the work space switcher which unfolds when the cursor hovers on it.

Written by MsG the 20 Oct 11 at 09:52.

Many modern operating systems have mouse gestures for the corners of the window. Ubuntu could make use of them for some events, like showing the desktop and stuff.

Many modern operating systems have mouse gestures for the corners of the window. Ubuntu could make use of them for some events, like showing the desktop and stuff.

Written by Drak the 20 Oct 11 at 16:17.

This solution is similar to # 1, but offers a slightly modified form.
Make a button like in Windows 7 - thin and small.
It will occupy much less space than a normal button, it is important for the small displays.
Place it at the bottom, under the trash, so it was could quickly click it (go cursor to the lower left corner).

This solution is similar to # 1, but offers a slightly modified form. Make a button like in Windows 7 - thin and small. It will occupy much less space than a normal button, it is important for the small displays. Place it at the bottom, under the trash, so it was could quickly click it (go cursor to the lower left corner).

Written by saiki4116 the 1 Nov 11 at 20:16.

This would make drag and drop files onto desktop easy and more productive.The ubuntu icon(top right most corner of the unity launcher) in 11.04 has been replaced by a blank space in 11.10,so that place could be a ideal place for the hot corner/button.

basically merging solution #1 and #7

This would make drag and drop files onto desktop easy and more productive.The ubuntu icon(top right most corner of the unity launcher) in 11.04 has been replaced by a blank space in 11.10,so that place could be a ideal place for the hot corner/button. basically merging solution #1 and #7

Written by ody the 2 Nov 11 at 09:19.

There should also be a key combination to show the desktop (like "Super + d" in previous versions). This is only a functionality extension, not a real alternative to the solutions stated above.

There should also be a key combination to show the desktop (like "Super + d" in previous versions). This is only a functionality extension, not a real alternative to the solutions stated above.

Written by Jebeld17 the 6 Nov 11 at 00:06.

Do exactly as solution #1, but have a mini-button exactly 1/4 the size of a regular button. Allow the user to add more min-buttons if he or she decides to, and let the user configure it around a bit, a little like Windows XP's "quick launch" feature. Now, since the buttons are 1/4 the size, 4 of these can all be assembled in a square the exact same size as a regular application launcher, saving space. I would like these located at the bottom of the application list on the launcher by default, but I want it's placement to be user-configurable.

Do exactly as solution #1, but have a mini-button exactly 1/4 the size of a regular button. Allow the user to add more min-buttons if he or she decides to, and let the user configure it around a bit, a little like Windows XP's "quick launch" feature. Now, since the buttons are 1/4 the size, 4 of these can all be assembled in a square the exact same size as a regular application launcher, saving space. I would like these located at the bottom of the application list on the launcher by default, but I want it's placement to be user-configurable.

Written by Jebeld17 the 6 Nov 11 at 00:14.

Have all the exact same features proposed in Solution #1, but also have it take a "peek" at the desktop when the mouse hovers over the icon, just like in Windows 7.

Have all the exact same features proposed in Solution #1, but also have it take a "peek" at the desktop when the mouse hovers over the icon, just like in Windows 7.

Written by alms66 the 7 Dec 11 at 02:26.

As #1, but on the panel - the launcher doesn't need more icon bloat

As #1, but on the panel - the launcher doesn't need more icon bloat

Written by zubozrout the 1 Sep 12 at 06:18.

I think it would be great if Software had its own category and Books & Magazines were displayed alone.
This would give more attention to the new software since books suppress it now.

I think it would be great if Software had its own category and Books & Magazines were displayed alone. This would give more attention to the new software since books suppress it now.

Written by Bobik-s the 3 Sep 12 at 14:05.

Software Center should be organized in a way Dash is. The Books should be one lens, the Apps - another. Later here would appear music and video with appropriate lenses.

Software Center should be organized in a way Dash is. The Books should be one lens, the Apps - another. Later here would appear music and video with appropriate lenses.

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.

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.

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)

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)

Written by Federico Gazaba the 26 Sep 12 at 01:39.

Just make a filter like android market. Its a nice way of navigate products.

Coment. Maybe also filter by "free" and "libre"

Just make a filter like android market. Its a nice way of navigate products. Coment. Maybe also filter by "free" and "libre"

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.

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.

Written by a.s. the 25 May 12 at 10:51.

Full path on mouse hover or on right-click will be very nice.
I guess that preferably on hover to reduce the number of clicks.
And, well, once we are showing something on hover, maybe some more properties (full path and date of last modification may be the most useful in my opinion but we might think in showing all the options the nautilus right-click menu does show --and the path!--)

Full path on mouse hover or on right-click will be very nice. I guess that preferably on hover to reduce the number of clicks. And, well, once we are showing something on hover, maybe some more properties (full path and date of last modification may be the most useful in my opinion but we might think in showing all the options the nautilus right-click menu does show --and the path!--)

Written by Souloohshuns the 28 May 12 at 00:58.

in response to the first comment, I think that there should be a little 'i' icon (or even a '?' icon) on the bottom bar of the dashboard (perhaps the bottom right) that could be selected, and would reduce the size of the icons whilst simultaneously displaying more information beneath them.

This would have the effect of displaying the paths of folders and files (e.g. 'accounts/bill/sales' and 'accounts/jim/sales') and also some other useful information (such as date and file size)

It could also have the effect on applications of displaying a short description (e.g. firefox - open source web-browser .... gimp - professional image editor .... audacity - sound editor ... ardour - professional audio recording and mixing)

in response to the first comment, I think that there should be a little 'i' icon (or even a '?' icon) on the bottom bar of the dashboard (perhaps the bottom right) that could be selected, and would reduce the size of the icons whilst simultaneously displaying more information beneath them. This would have the effect of displaying the paths of folders and files (e.g. 'accounts/bill/sales' and 'accounts/jim/sales') and also some other useful information (such as date and file size) It could also have the effect on applications of displaying a short description (e.g. firefox - open source web-browser .... gimp - professional image editor .... audacity - sound editor ... ardour - professional audio recording and mixing)

Written by AdlerHorst the 11 Jun 12 at 08:43.

If more then one directory has the same name. Watch the Name of the parent directory to.

Show the filename smaller but the name of the parent directory in normal bigness

If more then one directory has the same name. Watch the Name of the parent directory to. Show the filename smaller but the name of the parent directory in normal bigness