Contributor sdmatt1975

When someone new installs ubuntu, kubuntu or xbuntu, brainstorm should be introduced and also made readily available.

I first suggested putting it in the Aps menu but no one liked the idea. So think of a better place to put it. The general idea is sound. More ideas coming in especially from new users. This is how to make ubuntu extremely easy to use. And you enhance the feeling of personal control, something the Windows users don't have. And thats how you speed the migration from XP and Vista.

I'm not sure where would be the best place, but brainstorm should be introduced to the new user ASAP so that they are more in touch with the very idea linux; community development. Stop thinking like elitist tekkies!

The applications, places,admin set up makes sense the more learn about Ubuntu...kinda.

Why should a new user have to go snooping around like Indiana Jones to find all the options to locate new software. Why not just put all the options as a sub menu of add/remove...?

Lets consolidate and submit our favorite community software in a "Favorite Software" link under Categories on Brainstorms main menu.

I just voted on including a BIOs software in Heron. I then realized there may be something better out there...waaaaay out there somewhere.

Maybe later I'll see a better BIOs info-displaying package. It would be nice to go to the "Favorite Software" link on Brainstorm and add it to be voted on.


If the package is already there, I can vote on it or look at the other stuff that was submitted.

Within each category voters can choose their 1st, 2nd, 3rd favorite and so on... Voters should have the option to withdraw and recast their votes after seeing something better.

To simplify the categories the "Favorite Software" link brings up a graphical representation of Ubuntu's Applications, Places, and System.

Of course any package that is presented in Synaptic or Add/ Remove would include its ranking in Brainstorm with a link. Yes, this part of my idea is taken from somewhere else.

This would keep good but unknown software from getting lost in a sea of ideas. Also, a certain package may be ranked low,but there may be that one person who has a use for it or a homebuilt PC that won't run anything else.

This can also make Hardy's default software package an easy choice.

If someone suggests a software package somewhere else, the idea can be locked and the person can be referred to the link.



[....]

1. Create a forum on Brainstorm to submit and rank your favorite software. Make it a link under Categories. Use it to narrow down the default install packages to what is voted the best.

2. Add "modes" to the System monitor. Kind like some cars have performance and luxury modes. For example a gamer could click on "gaming mode" to shut down anything not necessary and that uses up resources. Or click on "default" mode to use all the nice to have stuff. Make each mode customizable. Add the option to create your own "mode".

If someone unknowingly repeats an idea and many people vote on it then it may be worth considering.

Plus this may cut down on clutter and make idea searches better.

Surround the plain text with buttons and a theme that mimics the desktop.

Make this a requirement for deviant art.

This would be a very professional touch.

Add the search features of Synaptic Package Manager to "Add/Remove..."

and or

Change the button from "Add/Remove..." to "Add/Remove/Find".


When you move your pointer it looks like this...

Add/Remove/Find > Add/Remove/Find
Synaptic Package Manager
Ect.
Ect.

I know this is a repeat.

Whomever made the original got something like 70 votes. He should have gotten 5000.

MAKE IT EASY FOR THE NOOBS. Not everyone likes being a detective.

I think the contents of "System" should be put into "System Tools". I would keep them listed just as they were under "System"

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST AS I AM NOT GOOD WITH CATCHY PHRASES!!
I'm NOT saying we should remove the envelope icon or any current way to load Open Office.

JUST think like an 80 year old man or first time user...

First you click on the clock icon that now looks like a shiny button that begs to be clicked. The window appears with the standard calendar but is now surrounded by five shiny buttons "mail", "contacts", "calendars", "memos" , "tasks".
MOST of us know that we can double click on the calendar itself to get to these places but not a baby boomer or nervous newbie.Plus it's one or two less clicks to get where you want to go.
And what about relocating the envelope icon onto that shiny new button that tells time? Just to clean up the screen a bit.

This may seem frivolous to current users, but it's some extra wow that Windows or Mac may not have. And less clicking ( selling point to the cubicle dwellers). Some more Wow and less Ctl+Alt+Del may mean more people jumping ship.

Oh yeah, give "Applications" "Places" and "System" matching shiny buttons.

Point and click!! With the option for command lines. Thats the way it should be.

Once again, if you want people to migrate from Windows then you have give them an alternative where they spend LESS time on their new system, not more.

I love the stability of Ubuntu compared to Windows but if Im trying to take an online class which requires Internet Explorer, then all my Ctl+Alt+Del time has been eclipsed trying to figure out Wine, resolving conflicts between a trial version of Crossover and the purchased version and so on and so on....

To the nerds. You have built something with amazing potential. The rest of us would love to stick it to Mr Gates, but we are not going to spend MORE time just to make a point. Ya gotta make the command lines the number 2 option that takes LESS time than dealing with Ctl+Alt+Del.

Or make Firefox compatible with online education.

Get people involved with improving ubuntu from the beginning. Also include a brief intro to brainstorm as part of the process of loading ubuntu from the CD.