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Improve file/folder sharing experience (Samba)  
Written by bartong the 29 Feb 08 at 01:35. Global category: Internet & Networking. Implemented
Currently it is very difficult to setup and control access to shared folders without editing conf files and reading detailed instructions on all the variables. I propose that sharing (specifically Samba) be given a well worked GUI and some real TLC to bring it up to standard with the experience on Windows or OS X.
5396
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Defaults and GUI Options adjusted appropriately
Written by bartong the 29 Feb 08 at 01:35.
By default a share should be accessible as Read Only by anyone on the network without a username or password (guest access). While guest access should be turned on by default, it should also be easy to turn it off, and if desired to give guests read/write access to the folder.

You should also be able to specify local users who will have read/write access, and these local users should sync with smb users invisibly (ie: the user doesn't need to know that there are two password databases being used).

The Properties window for a folder should contain a Sharing tab with all the options available to choose. I also propose a Shared Folders option in the Preferences menu should list the currently shared folders along with their settings, and provide a button to take you into the dialogue where you can set the options.
127
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Samba Server Configuration Tool
Written by dfme the 26 Jan 09 at 12:36.
There is already an application which allows this.
If the samba package is installed on ubuntu also install this application: Samba Server Configuration Tool - A graphical interface for configuring SMB shares
29
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Accueil - Samba Share w/ Nautilus Integration
Written by fermulator the 2 Sep 09 at 12:44.
How about: Accueil?

http://gentoo.ovibes.net/nautilus-share/mediawiki-1.4.4/index.php/Accueil

Actually ... this may have been replaced with "nautilus-share"?
21
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Samba Server Configuration Wizard
Written by Agafonov the 18 Nov 09 at 21:29.
We need a simple to use step-by-step wizard which will ask some really simple questions and generate an smb.conf file based on the user's choices.
How about https://launchpad.net/sscw ? It is a working example, although right now it's using zenity. If re-written using python it would become a very handy companion to nautilus-share.
We even should not include smb.conf in the samba package: once installed, samba server will not work until the user has defined how it should behave.
56
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Share Sub-Folders by Default
Written by Klau3 the 11 Mar 10 at 01:51.


Right now, when right clicking on a folder and selecting “Sharing Options” – for example you want to share your Music folder and create a guest access to it – Samba will only share the files within the music folder but NOT THE SUB-FOLDERS where all the music is.

When sharing a folder, most people want to give access to sub-folders. For that reason, I suggest to reverse the handling of Samba sharing, so that you would have to click on an extra box to show that you don't want Samba to share sub-folders.
10
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Create A Ubuntu NetWorkOne App
Written by geekgaurav the 30 Jul 10 at 17:17.
Able to handle connectivity Issues as Well As Sharing in Wizard Like Simple Interface for A New User

PS : More Ideas Can be Implemented In it
3
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): Allow Ubuntu to change the mounting options of FAT partitions
Written by qwerty800 the 6 Feb 11 at 21:05.
I personally have a file depot on my network where users can drop the files they want everyone to access.
It used to be on a NTFS partition, but is now hosted on the samba network. Doing such was a fairly hard task, since NTFS doesn't save permissions for each file, and is mounted with the 700 permission, while Samba requires XX4 or superior. I had to modify my fstab config file for that, and that's definitively not what I'd call user-friendly.
7
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Centralized file-sharing administration
Written by komputes the 17 Aug 11 at 22:42.
The question on many user's mind is "What am I sharing (and to whom)?"

“System > Administration > Shared folders” is a feature that has been removed since 8.04. There has been no replacement for this tool since its disappearance.

Solution is to create a utility that should provide a graphical front-end to configure both samba system shares (managed in /etc/samba/smb.conf) and samba usershares (/var/lib/samba/usershares/).

Stepping a bit outside the scope of the issue (samba), this application should have a pluggable infrastructure which can also be used to show and configure other types of shares (nfs, ftp, ubuntuone).

Central administration, what a concept!

See the 49 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Apr 13 at 23:07) >>

GNOME System Monitor lacks in-depth information  
Written by Eldmannen the 19 Sep 10 at 19:01. Related project: Gnome. Implemented
GNOME System Monitor lacks a process property to uniformly provide in-depth information.

393
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Properties dialog
Written by Eldmannen the 19 Sep 10 at 19:01.
Add a process properties dialog that presents information about a process.



See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Jan 13 at 15:17) >>

Improve the height of the panel  
Written by ubby the 5 Dec 09 at 10:51. Global category: Look and Feel. Not an idea
As you can see in the picture below Ubuntu's panel height is 25 px:
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2940/panelk.png
The height of the Apple OSX panel is 21 px and let the desktop look smoother.
My idea is to make the Ubuntu panel in the next Ubuntu release 22 px.
Maybe the font also need to be changed to make it look better.
-63
votes
closed
Solution #1: Make the height 22 px
Written by ubby the 5 Dec 09 at 10:51.
348
votes
closed
Solution #2: allow panel to be shrunk more
Written by godspeed_72 the 5 Dec 09 at 23:57.
Like Shady3D said in the comments: you can already change the size of the panel, but the minimum is 23px. Regardless of the default size, you should be able to adjust the panel down to at least 21px.
-48
votes
closed
Solution #3: The Major limiting factors - Font size & DPI
Written by DrG the 10 Dec 09 at 07:18.
(Karmic) -
The minimum width of the panel is determined at runtime , considering application font.
So overcome this with

1.A separate font property for panel
2. This should automatically resize on resizing panel
3. Add supports to applets to have a reduced size

----------------------------------------------------
( Temporary workaround based on above observation)

1.Open System > Preferences > Appearance ( or right click on desktop and select 'Change Desktop Background ) select 'Fonts' Tab
2.Change the 'Application font' size to '9' ( setting the font size to 8 can reduce the panel size to 19 )
3.Right click on an existing panel and click 'new panel '
4.Right click on the new panel and set 'Orientation ' to 'Top' and change size to 21 ( Don't check 'Show hide buttons '
5.Now the panel size changes to 21 . Add applets to it


Disadvantages :
1.An existing panel with applets may fail to resize ( so add applets only after resizing ) or panel with the 'Hide' buttons ( Ubuntu had to fix this )
2.The fonts of other application also changed - a side effect. - workaround – Ubuntu had to implement a separate font property for the panel ( eg : inside the panel's property dialogue ) or had to adjust the font size according to panel height automatically .
12
votes
closed
Solution #4: 'Resize' Menu-item for Panel.
Written by DrG the 10 Dec 09 at 07:41.
Make a 'Resize' menu-item for Panel , like that in metacity windows menu ( the menu which appears on right clicking the window list or the title bar ) or a resize grip . This will allow to adjust the size of the panel while seeing , rather than by entering values and trying .
-86
votes
closed
Solution #5: Decrease to 20 pixels
Written by fix98-win the 11 Dec 09 at 14:52.
Decrease the size of the panel to 20 pixels by default. Allow it to be resized, or even moved from top to bottom or the sides, possibly floating window attached to the desktop.

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 Nov 12 at 16:50) >>

Change Ubuntu ISO labels - i386 to 32bit and amd64 to 64bit  
Written by oencke the 21 Apr 08 at 19:58. Global category: Installation. New
The i386 ISOs do not have anything to do with Intel or the 386 cpus specifically just as the amd64 are not specific to AMD processors. Additionally these descriptors are practically meaningless to non-techies.

What matters for the decision between the ISOs is the difference between 32bit and 64bit, not intel and amd, so why not just call them that way, and thus take away the burden of having to be a cpu technician to understand them?

EDIT: As a compromise, to avoid confusion of the x86/IA ISOs with those for other architectures, descriptors like PC32bit and PC64bit might also be acceptable as that is likely the maximum a home user knows about his or her computer.
797
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #7370
Written by oencke the 21 Apr 08 at 19:58.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #7370 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!
239
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: Call it "x86-64"
Written by Thelasko the 29 Jan 09 at 14:51.
A minor variant of the solution above, specifying "x86-64" ensures it isn't confused with IA64 and other 64-bit architectures.
676
votes
up equal down
Solution #3: Use "32 bit" and "64 bit" with "details" button.
Written by Darwin Survivor the 20 Feb 10 at 02:56.
Most users would not know that i386 is 32 bit or what the "x86" part of "x86_64" means (or the x for that matter). In order to make this as easy and simple for users as humanly possible, we should simply label them as "64 bit" and "32 bit". Beside the options would be a "details" or "help" button that would:
-explain the differences (max ram, performance, compatibility, etc)
-give a specific version type (i386/x86_64/etc) for advanced users
-give instructions to find out what their machine supports (VERY important)

This makes it industry neutral, while also making it much simpler for non-technical users to figure it out. We are targetting non-technical people after all, so why all the jargon?
-194
votes
up equal down
Solution #4: Use the shorter "x64" instead of "AMD64"
Written by readmanr the 18 Feb 10 at 21:43.
The generic term x86-64 is sometimes shortened to x64 as another vendor-neutral term for x86-64 processors from any company referring to 64bit.
484
votes
up equal down
Solution #5: Use "x86_64" instead of "AMD64"
Written by readmanr the 18 Feb 10 at 21:42.
Redhat, Fedora, Mac OS X, and others simply call 64bit "x86_64". It is a clean, neutral name that is accurate no matter which company made the processor, and also does not give free advertising to either company.
68
votes
up equal down
Solution #6: Automatically check 32/64-bit
Written by jbangert the 23 Feb 10 at 21:34.
Some browsers(in particular one quite popular propietary and Evil product) include the string "x64" in the User Agent on 64-bit hardware (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download). We could also provide a platform-dependent download link to a tool that checks for 32-bit / 64-bit ( Windows and Mac mostly - just a simple tool that uses CPUID and then gives a Message Box with 2 links ) .
By default, we should specify 2 download Boxes ( "Ubuntu 32-bit" and "Ubuntu 64-bit" ) giving pros and cons .

See the 24 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Oct 12 at 02:54) >>

There's no unified way of reporting progress in Ubuntu  
Written by amrhassan the 7 Mar 09 at 23:30. Global category: Look and Feel. New
Filesystem operations (copying, moving, deleting files and directories, etc...), importing music into a media player and so on should be displayed in a unified way all throughout the desktop environment.
843
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Work progress reporting into the new notify-osd
Written by amrhassan the 7 Mar 09 at 23:30.
Like in this mockup:


Progress reporting can be done in a notify-osd bubble and have it always-shown along with the other maximum of two notification bubbles. This progress bubble can have other operations concatenated to it while it's on, so we don't have to need more than one extra bubble for all the progress reporting.
1004
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: use the file-transfer's style
Written by yzarc the 8 Mar 09 at 23:16.
use the file-transfer's style. as it's already done by the nautilus on the file transfers, make possible to other programs to report its progress (and some controls) on this panel too.

in this case the icon should be replaced for a more generic one rather than the nautilus'. if possible a composed icon that indicates the global progress by a small pie or bar chart.

use notify-osd just to alert when one task is done.
I believe the look and feel of the nautilus progress panel will be improved to match the notify-osd level soon.

mockups below:

icon state
Photobucket

on mouse over state
Photobucket

windowed state. (after one mouse click)
Photobucket

edited: I found fair to point the image from where I took the main part of my mockup - http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/May-B?content=45837
41
votes
up equal down
Solution #7: A mix of #1 and #2
Written by Joshua Hesketh the 16 Apr 09 at 14:01.
Similar to how notifications disappear into the task bar, actions (or progresses) could disappear (/fly) into a process queue (rather than a message queue). This way a nice notify-osd message can come up when you commence copying a file (in a very un-obstructing way) and then it is still accessible through the detailed list. You could even have the action fly out to notify-osd upon completion.

See the 24 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 20 Jun 12 at 01:51) >>

Power manager should implement options to extend battery lifespan  
Written by sandys the 27 Feb 10 at 10:54. Related project: Device Manager (gnome). New
Many third party utilities (like Lenovo thinkpads, etc.) implement algorithms to increase battery lifespan (viz the amount of time you can use a battery, before you have to replace it), especially when laptop is plugged in to mains power - http://www.apple.com/batteries/
Battery lifespan is highly dependent on charging behavior - a continuously charged laptop will need to replace its battery more frequently than one with smart charging.

In linux, it has been available to a limited extent using the TP_smapi package, viz no longer available in Karmic (http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Tp_smapi#Battery_charge_control_features)

The power managers should have options available to extend battery lifespan - it would be an extremely cool and useful feature for all of us who use laptops.
540
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: gnome-power-manager should implement rule-based charging profiles
Written by sandys the 27 Feb 10 at 10:54.
gnome-power-manager already has information about the battery in your system. However, charging is always-on.

Instead power-manager should charge only according to rules (similar to Microsoft ACPI-compliant control method battery tool)

e.g. bug528543 in gnome-power-manager
81
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: Power management Profiles on Battery Power
Written by specialcowboy the 14 Mar 10 at 08:54.
I am relatively new to Ubuntu and I understand that in Lucid there are plans or already an implementation for better power management. As I haven't seen the alphas myself I thought I would suggest a few things. Sorry if these are already being implemented and this is redundant. This site: http://salcher.posterous.com/?tag=ubuntu suggests a few ways to optimize batter life using Powertop and manually configuring files in /etc/laptop-mode/conf.d/. I think it would be great if there was a GUI front end for this that allowed adjusting of the settings and creating of various profiles (rather than editing .conf files directly). Similar to the Power Management functionality included on Acer laptops (ie clocking down the processor, disabling card buses, USB, ethernet, wireless, etc.).
40
votes
up equal down
Solution #3: Build charging-control directly into kernel
Written by mulenmar the 18 Mar 10 at 04:52.
Something as tied to hardware as controlling when the battery charges and when it cuts off should be built into the Linux kernel itself, not tied to a desktop enviroment!

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 May 12 at 08:24) >>

Move the min, max, close buttons back to the right in 10.04   forum
Written by readmanr the 6 Mar 10 at 21:00. Related project: Gnome. Won't implement
In Ubuntu Lucid 10.04 Alpha3 we have a new default theme, however the Minimise, Maximise and Close buttons have been moved from the top right, to the top left.
(see the image at the bottom)

This was a poor choice for the following reasons...

- If clicking at the top menu (File , View, Help etc) the close buttons are VERY Close, accidents can happen.
- There used to be a tiny dot in the top left, which had in its menu, Min, Max, Move, Always on Top, and Close (So why move the Min, Max, Close buttons to the left?
- Migrating Windows and Mac users will be used to having them at the right, which is a huge usability jump)

Changes like this should be an optional choice, while it is possible to manually edit the theme, it should not be the default for an LTS release.

Ubuntu 10.04 Alpha3
src: http://blog.daviey.com/blogroll/anything-but-the-buttons.html

1192
votes
closed
Solution #1: Move the Min, Max, Close buttons back to the Right for the 10.04 Release.
Written by readmanr the 6 Mar 10 at 21:00.
Move the buttons back over to the top right for the final Ubuntu 10.04 release.
-449
votes
closed
Solution #3: Mirror for the left
Written by Akerbos the 6 Mar 10 at 21:38.
I think it is most intuitive if the buttons are ordered the same in relation to the window center ("To close, click the outermost button"), so

Right: min-max-close

relates to

Left: close-max-min
-1049
votes
closed
Solution #4: Why not have them on both sides?
Written by jeffd1830 the 7 Mar 10 at 08:56.
I think having the buttons on both sides would also be a viable option. I understand that this would detract visually from the simplicity, but maybe if the buttons were subdued until the mouse hovers over the bar?

(I feel less than confident about this solution, but thought it needed mentioning.)
647
votes
closed
Solution #5: let's user choose,
Written by Long Lazuli the 7 Mar 10 at 11:34.
In xubuntu, user cas can choose where are the button on the titlebar.
-521
votes
closed
Solution #6: Drag & Drop
Written by la_serpe the 7 Mar 10 at 16:29.
It can be movable so the user could change it intuitively
515
votes
closed
Solution #7: By default have it in right,but include option in theme, customize, to drag&Drop
Written by Vlad_Alfredov the 8 Mar 10 at 11:13.
Well the title pretty much says it...Default is to have it on right, but to include an option in "Change Desktop Background" >> Theme >> Customize, to move the buttons to a user defined position.
-121
votes
closed
Solution #8: make the default alignment theme-dependent
Written by marvo the 10 Mar 10 at 10:28.
There are some themes that look better when the buttons are placed on the left side (like Ambiance, Radiance and Gorilla) and there are some themes that look better with the buttons being on the right side (like Glider, Human, Clearlooks or SphereCrystal).

So i propose to set the default alignment depending on the chosen theme and make it easily switchable.

The current way to change the alignment of the buttons back to the right by typing
gconftool-2 --type string --set /apps/metacity/general/button_layout "menu:minimize,maximize,close"
is a bit tedious.
-221
votes
closed
Solution #9: Put Close button in the corner
Written by Lex the 10 Mar 10 at 11:04.
Put Close button in the corner - depending on chosen solution will be left or right corner or window.
-386
votes
closed
Solution #11: Put close on right, min/max on left
Written by euxneks the 11 Mar 10 at 01:31.
I think that Minimize and Maximize are more similar to the menu anyway, so put them on the left, and put the close button on the right, this harkens back to the days of old Unix and I think would still allow the theme to stand out.
-157
votes
closed
Solution #13: More Windows-like behaviour
Written by i386dx the 14 Mar 10 at 12:50.
Move the Min, Max and Close-buttons back to the right.

Be able to close a window by double-clicking the window-icon at the left. This is much faster than clicking the icon and selecting 'Close' in the menu.
-143
votes
closed
Solution #14: Keep default left Minimize, Maximise/Resize & Close Buttons
Written by MoebusNet the 15 Mar 10 at 01:04.
Rationale: In VirtualBox without Guest Additions, the right-hand side of the desktop and the lower part of the desktop are not visible until you scroll. Having the above-mentioned buttons on the top-left side of the window by default makes them accessible when (not if) Guest Additions do not work/are unavailable or when scrolling for whatever reason does not work. This is especially true for development versions.

I _am_ in favor of choice, so this should be fairly easy for a user to change (preferably by GUI) to right, left or both.

Just my opinion.
-44
votes
closed
Solution #16: Leave the buttons on the right until 10.10
Written by neblogas the 16 Mar 10 at 15:58.
Because Mark said that in 10.10 the windows will have something new in the right side, but now, there is no need to change the buttons, and this is LTS release! in 10.10 when you will finish the new mysteriuos window features on the right then you can put the buttons on the left. As I said, there is no need now to change. Its an LTS release and the people and companies won't change until the next LTS, so there won't be for them new mysteriuos windows features on the right!
246
votes
closed
Solution #17: Place a checkbox in the Appearance menu: Left / Right
Written by TrueSongMedia the 16 Mar 10 at 17:16.
Yes the button location can be changed via Terminal, but for the average user...the Terminal can be a bit scary. I think it would be appropriate to place a simple option in the Appearance Preferences window.

Something like this:
http://launchpadlibrarian.net/40647960/window_controls_position_gui.png
-117
votes
closed
Solution #18: Top Horizontial Bar moved the the Left or Right as Vertical Bar
Written by ichido the 17 Mar 10 at 17:53.
Move the Top Bar to the Right Side-Vertical Bar and the Bottom Bar would be on the Left Side Vertical.
This would allow for more Vertical Space.
The user would be able to Swap the Left Bar with the Right Bar and also the Size/Thickness of the Bars.
Applications could maintain the Top Bar or a Side or a Bottom bar for their Window.
-94
votes
closed
Solution #19: Replace the menubar with an icon
Written by Wiplash4 the 19 Mar 10 at 12:17.
Hello
I would like to add one idea: Replace the menubar (File, Edit, View, etc.), which can be found in every window, with an icon and put that icon into the titlebar. It worked out for my terminal.
Regards
-88
votes
closed
Solution #23: Merge Statusbar into titlebar
Written by Wiplash4 the 19 Mar 10 at 16:40.
I figured out that the status bar is only filled up to 1 / 4. Why not put those messages displayed in the status bar in the title bar?
-85
votes
closed
Solution #24: Modify all applications consistently
Written by a_pirard the 20 Mar 10 at 03:14.
Modify all applications to be consistent with Lucid : move all close buttons to the left, for example, OpenOffice document close, Firefox tab close, File Explorer side pane close, etc... etc...

-134
votes
closed
Solution #26: Instead of corner, make it POSSIBLE to place buttons in the MIDDLE.
Written by luojie-dune the 20 Mar 10 at 21:01.
Instead of corner, make it POSSIBLE to place buttons in the MIDDLE.

I knew there is no such a solution according to "ewmh".

But, I guess most people have their cursor in the middle of a window for most of the time they using it.
35
votes
closed
Solution #27: For longer term, how about a window manager merge?
Written by LukeM33P the 25 Mar 10 at 01:13.
Compiz managers and decorators are already effective at options. Placing the Metacity and Kwin options in Emerald Decorator manager, which would be preinstalled, along with CCSM (or a custom replacement) would be the solution, with CCSM/replacement simplified to look like (in functionality and basic organization) the KDE settings manager, but using default schemes and such, of course.

For KDE users, alongside the CCSM/replacement, the interface would be integrated into the System Settings, just like the traditional settings.

The reason I propose this is because options, while not easy to find and configure (and why I propose the reorg) are very powerful. Setting up Metacity and KWin to show up as options and adding the appropriate settings, if necessary, seems to make sense (to me) as a long-term solution. The operating system needs to seem as encompassing as KDE or even more so, and combining these options so that the system is even more universal would be a step towards this.

An addition to the application of managing the system title bar like the KDE or GNOME dashboards would be similarly useful, and may be all of this potential solution that should be used. Default should stay in line with last-gen human theme, even if the colors and buttons look different.
51
votes
closed
Solution #28: adopt the XFCE placement approach in Gnome appearence prefs
Written by 2cute4u the 25 Mar 10 at 03:37.
XFCE has for many years had a very easy convient way to configure the placment of titlebar buttons. See.http://www.xfce.org/documentation/4.2/manuals/xfwm4#wm-settings
It would not be too difficult to add somethng like this to gnome; that way everyone can be happy.
-93
votes
closed
Solution #29: Have the buttons on both sides AND hide them.
Written by MisterLinOx the 26 Mar 10 at 21:52.
Have the min, max, close buttons on both sides of the title bar, but hide them. The only time they should show is on mouseover of the bar, but depending on which side you mouseover decides which side the buttons show.

For example, cursor closer to the left side? Mouse over the top-left and the buttons will appear. Vice-versa for the right side.
-63
votes
closed
Solution #30: choice where in the Instalation
Written by emucosmos the 27 Mar 10 at 03:11.
make apear a messagebox in the begining of the instalation asking where do we want to have those buttons, coz personally I love the new mac style, but considering the ubuntu objectives, it's a good option to let the users choice.
-44
votes
closed
Solution #34: Let user chose on the First Run, after installation.
Written by darkham the 29 Mar 10 at 08:23.
Let user chose on the First Run, after installation.
-57
votes
closed
Solution #35: Press [middle-mouse-button] whilst the cursor is over the window border
Written by tomjb24 the 3 Apr 10 at 09:25.
Hover over the window border, click the middle mouse button, scroll to choose (close, minimise, maximise)
-59
votes
closed
Solution #36: Create Another Ubuntu. Call it "UbuntuRewind"
Written by rrnwexec the 3 Apr 10 at 20:26.
Create a version of Ubuntu for those who like the (standard) Ubuntu desktop's "look and feel" just the way it is. Solicit Mark's (SABDFL) endorsement.

Enjoy how growingly quaint it feels as time passes by!
-38
votes
closed
Solution #37: Make Mac Styled menu bar
Written by jase21 the 4 Apr 10 at 11:54.
Make Mac styled menu bar which is available in KDE. The current active windows menu appears on the bar. So no accidental closing of windows.

Or move the window control buttons to the right.
-12
votes
closed
Solution #38: Allow the option to be changed in installation slideshow and in minimal install
Written by Jon Monreal the 17 Apr 10 at 23:49.
Please note that this is not an idea for the imminent release of 10.04, but would be better included in the next update ISO.

Experienced users already know how to change the buttons back to the original location, so server installations shouldn't be so much of a problem.

For absolute beginner users, the first slide in the installation slideshow could be one explaining the benefits of having the buttons on the left side and asking the user to choose what they could like to do.

In the minimal install, it would also be easy to add a simple option (most users using the minimal install are probably fairly experienced).

This would solve the real issue here: beginners possibly not using Ubuntu at all because it changes something.
-6
votes
closed
Solution #39: found an easy fix
Written by land_grab the 5 May 10 at 23:23.
I found this extremely easy fix how to move the min, max, and close buttons back to the right side.


http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/13535/move-window-buttons-back-to-the-right-in-u buntu-10.04/

Even I was able to follow these directions and make it happen!
-4
votes
closed
Solution #40: To the right by default, but an option to move them to the left.
Written by turbolad the 5 Jul 10 at 15:42.
As per title. Buttons to the right by default, with an option to move to the left.

Don't forget to keep the little circle, which when clicked on, has options such as "Always On Top", "Move to Workspace Right" etc. These options should never be removed and I think the 3 buttons should be on the right by default, as most newbies are familiar with that setup.
-11
votes
closed
Solution #41: Put min, max, close buttons in a completely new position
Written by baretobareto the 3 Aug 10 at 20:31.


Fisrt of all, sorry for my English.

Why we really needs buttons to the right? Well theres no real difference between having your buttons on the left or on the right, its just a matter of have the enough time to get used to one position or another.
But what about if we have these button in a complete new position.
What about having min, max, close buttons on the right BUT in the lower side of the windows instead of the upper side.

If you think about it, when you open a document or a web-page, you need to scroll down to really knows if that document is what you are looking for. When a document is too long, you need to use the scroll down arrow. So your mouse-arrow will be closer to the lower right of the window instead of the upper side of the window.
If you want to look to a minimize window that you think it would be not useful anymore, you need to un-minimize this window. If the buttons are in the lower right of the window it will be needed much less movement of your hand to close it after un-minimize because the close button will be closer to the task bar.

As you see there are some reason to have buttons in the lower side of the window BUT I know there are others to have this buttons on others positions.

So, why not to put this buttons in a completely new position.
This could be a ubuntu-only-feature just like the recycle bin in the task bar is a ubuntu-only-feature.

See the 118 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Mar 12 at 20:59) >>

New users tell that Ubuntu is slow (live sessions)  
Written by zwyber the 8 Mar 09 at 19:55. Related project: Live CD. Won't implement
I tell my friends and family about Ubuntu and most of them come back telling me that Ubuntu makes their PC run very slow. They didn't know that you had to install Ubuntu to get the true speed.

I think that many people may encounter this problem, because when you run a live session it really just looks like it is installed. Because of the speed these users don't want to use Ubuntu and tell everyone they know that it is very slow.
1318
votes
closed
Solution #1: Show (extra) notification.
Written by zwyber the 8 Mar 09 at 19:55.
Very plain and simple, show a (extra) notification, telling the user that they are running in a live session and that Ubuntu runs very slow now.

Why extra? If Ubuntu developers are going to create a welcome screen where they put this information some people are not going to read this. Just a small dialogue after the welcome screen has been closed would be nice.

OR

Put the message in the default wallpaper, easier but not really the best solution.
-389
votes
closed
Solution #2: Live CD Cloud
Written by kidmodify the 9 Mar 09 at 02:07.
Use a Live CD "Cloud" if the computer is connected to the Internet to help increase speed. That way you have two sources of incoming data, the CD, and the Web.
-431
votes
closed
Solution #3: Use multiple CD Drives if possible
Written by kidmodify the 9 Mar 09 at 02:14.
Some computers have more than one CD drive. Make it possible to use for example two disk drives each with an ubuntu CD. This could (as far as I know) double the speed, depending on the drive speeds.
254
votes
closed
Solution #4: (Pre)cache executables on CD agressively
Written by the 13 Mar 09 at 12:24.
Cache the executable files on the CD very agressively.
Cache the data files a lot less.
If there's a lot of RAM, precache executable files, if possible all of them.
This will make the use of the CD (or a slow HD) a lot faster.
446
votes
closed
Solution #5: Grub option to load into memory
Written by scubanator87 the 13 Mar 09 at 13:45.
Some live CDs (like puppy for instance) have the option to load the OS into memory.

Provided there is enough RAM (2GB?) Allow users the option to load the OS into memory and to continue to boot from there.
-142
votes
closed
Solution #6: Don't run Compiz in LiveCD
Written by sci-fi guy the 16 Mar 09 at 23:08.
Maybe integrate a checkbox to turn it on with Solution #1 above.
259
votes
closed
Solution #7: Notify During OS Boot
Written by Basem the 22 Mar 09 at 08:54.
While booting the OS, add a line that says "Enjoy ubuntu in full speed by installing it"
-52
votes
closed
Solution #8: As #1, keep notification visible
Written by euxneks the 26 Mar 09 at 19:01.
I like the idea of letting them know that they are using a LiveCD on the desktop - we should also have interaction with it so that a user can get an idea of what a LiveCD is and why it's slower than the real system.

Once they close this, allow them the ability to open it again.
-90
votes
closed
Solution #9: Most users don't need all programs in live session
Written by ahsaeed the 29 Mar 09 at 16:11.
When I use Ubuntu in live session i don't wont to play games for example .. and some users do..
So..
i recommend to add another option to the boot menu as an advanced option..
"select programs to load during live sessions " .

-47
votes
closed
Solution #10: Insert USB to improve performance
Written by sanketmedhi the 2 Apr 09 at 11:23.
Everyone might not have 2 GB of RAM but everyone has a USB drive. Live sessions booted from CDs can be cached onto USB storage for improved performance.
173
votes
closed
Solution #11: Promote bootable USB
Written by sanketmedhi the 2 Apr 09 at 11:51.
Bootable USB images should be promoted rather than live CDs. Bootable USB drives can be prepared using software such as the one showed on https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick . Alternatively, the software that runs on Windows when an Ubuntu live CD is inserted should include such a functionality.
-58
votes
closed
Solution #12: fast live session
Written by Dorje the 2 Apr 09 at 22:10.
like solution #9 add an option to deselect unnecessary programmes and also give the percentage increase each unselection generates .
like for eg.
deselecting games =increase in speed 10%
and so on

PS:i don't know much about programmes so i dont know how much speed gain every (possible)deselection will generate
47
votes
closed
Solution #13: Use UnionFS to our advantage
Written by deriamis the 4 Apr 09 at 18:40.
Since the majority of load times is in late-linking the libraries, why not have the often-used libraries in a ramdisk and use UnionFS to overlay those files on a path? In combination with pre-caching (#4), this could be a significant speed boost. If we combine it with using a LiveUSB distro (#11), we could be on par with the performance of the computer itself.
43
votes
closed
Solution #14: Add an option to create a live-usb from the autorun menu of the cd
Written by pepperpupper the 5 Apr 09 at 12:47.
Add an option for creating a live-usb to the autorun menu that pops up when mounting or inserting the cd/iso. Many people will use daemon-tool or similar to mount the cd in Windows, and if they see an option to create a live-usb from the popup menu, that would be a way of making it easier for everyone to do so.
39
votes
closed
Solution #15: Offer a tool for creating a live-usb in occasion with the download link
Written by pepperpupper the 5 Apr 09 at 12:54.
The title is self-descriptive. This would be another way of making it easier for people to find out about the possibility of creating a live-usb.
29
votes
closed
Solution #16: Instead of notification write it in the background.
Written by ll the 6 Apr 09 at 03:52.
A modified background that includes a warning can be used instead of a notification. Many computers at universities that are meant for multiple users use the background to communicate a special procedure especially in libraries for catalogue searches. This will decrease confusion and not use as many resources as a notification (I assume).
14
votes
closed
Solution #17: Install Ubuntu natively from within Windows
Written by pepperpupper the 7 Apr 09 at 14:14.
Make it possible to install a native Ubuntu installation from within Windows to another partition than the one running Windows from or to an USB-memory key, making it easier to install Ubuntu without having to boot into live mode.
5
votes
closed
Solution #18: Calc & disp speed-up performance on log-out based on sys's characteristics
Written by lackscr8ivity the 7 Apr 09 at 14:25.
When running the live session I would guess the memory, processor, hard disk read/write speed (maybe not this one), etc. system hardware & performance are evaluated.
As well, when running a program (game, OpenOffice, etc.) the CD read/write & load time could stored. Thus, when the user ends the live session, in the log-out window list some statistics: "These are the 5 programs you used the most:
From the live CD it took X-amount of real-time to load, but based on your system's hardware, if this were installed, we would expect it would X% faster."
58
votes
closed
Solution #19: disabeling unnecessary services for the live-cd
Written by moose the 14 Apr 09 at 08:08.
So the live-cd shouldn't start services which are not neccessary for testing ubuntu (as some people use the live-cd as a secure system, services like cups are neccessary):

# anachron, atd, cron: I never used a live-cd longer than six hours - why should I create a cronjob?
# acpid, acpi-support, apmd, powernowd, powernowd.early: If I use the live-cd, I want to test if my hardware works and if the software fits my expections, not if the sleep option works.
71
votes
closed
Solution #20: Solution #1 but sooner
Written by Ssdg the 29 Apr 09 at 11:25.
My idea would be to tell it on the first screen (the one that offers you to test, install, etc...).

Like:
Try ubuntu without
Install on your hard drive for better performances
...

not by demoting the live CD mode, but by promoting the installation.

I'm not in advertisement, but ubuntu will look much better.
-84
votes
closed
Solution #21: Make user choose when downloading Ubuntu
Written by chareos the 6 May 09 at 14:08.
Make the Ubuntu download to be an EXE file which lets user choose to create a LiveCD (with performance warning here) OR a LiveUSB.

Also, a performance warning on LiveCD boot itself would be great !
-75
votes
closed
Solution #22: Load LiveCD into temporary file
Written by Avantarius the 10 May 09 at 09:42.
For systems with 1 GiB RAM or less, where solution #5 can't be applied, load the content of the CD in a virtual file system which could be located in a file on the computer's harddisk, i.e. create file on a existing ntfs-partition, an unpartitioned space or even use the m$-windows-swapspace.
55
votes
closed
Solution #23: Put a note into the loading screen
Written by Kver the 16 May 09 at 20:51.
When a live cd shows the loading bar, there's plenty of time for a message such as "Loading and running content from this DVD will result in slow performance, and changes or customizations will not be saved."
5
votes
closed
Solution #24: Use the new notification system
Written by aroach31291 the 22 Oct 09 at 17:19.
Firstly, I think that many of the solutions above are solving the wrong problem. People that try out Ubuntu may think that it is installed by just inserting the CD. The user may have no idea that they are using a LiveCD. After they discover that Ubuntu is "slow", they give up and reboot back into Windows. Notifying the user that they haven't installed Ubuntu yet would be the best way to solve this problem.

Utilize the new notification system. Have it simply display a message when the desktop has finished loading similar to:

Ubuntu is not installed yet! Feel free to use Ubuntu before installing it, but beware that it may be a little slow. If you like what you see click the install icon on your desktop!
2
votes
closed
Solution #25: Show notification when system is waiting for CD drive
Written by mikko.rantalainen the 7 Oct 10 at 06:45.
Live session from USB/flash memory should be pretty okay even today but the real problem is accessing files from optical drive. Even there, the problem is latency, usually not the bandwidth.

The live session should run a small background service that displays a notification message when system is waiting for CD drive to access required data. The message could be along the line "Reading data from CD (installing on the hard drive would improve performance)" [however, the label should not claim to be reading CD if one is booting from e.g. usb memory stick]. The notification should be displayed if read command has waited in disk scheduler queue for more than a second.

This could be extended to deal with installed system, too. It would make sense to point out bottlenecks in the system to the user. If the system feels slow and a notification pops up that says "Waiting for disks (installing a fast SSD drive would improve performance)" would give a reasonable hint to the user which hardware upgrade would help the most. This could be even further extended and a similar notification should pop up if all CPU cores have been taken for more than 5 seconds ("Waiting for processor (upgrading the processor would improve performance)").

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 03:08) >>

Engage DeviantArt for Ubuntu theme competition  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : Pending Approval (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Good progress
Assignee : Mike MacCana
spec
Written by mikemaccana the 29 Feb 08 at 01:19. Global category: Look and Feel. Won't implement
There is a wide community of online artists capable of creating brilliant, unique artwork.

heading: Get your artwork on 10 million desktops

Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution, needs a new theme. The winner will appear in the default desktop of Ubuntu 8.10.

We're looking for original wallpapers, that match Ubuntu's color palette. You entry should also include a suggested combination of application, icon, and window themes. These can be existing themes, or your own original works - you only need to submit a wallpaper to win.

Work must be CC licensed, and be openable in either Inkscape or Gimp (rest of criteria continues)

Submit your works to DeviantArt and include the words [Ubuntu810].


Good luck!

Developer comments
At this point in time it is unclear as to whether we can realize something like this. In any case we cannot promise to include anything as default without having already seen it. This might be a good way to find alternative wallpapers to also include on the CD and/or universe as an extra package.
4100
votes
closed
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #384
Written by mikemaccana the 29 Feb 08 at 01:19.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #384 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!
9
votes
closed
Solution #2: Ubuntu picks the winners
Written by bukzor the 9 Apr 11 at 19:38.
@Developer: If you pick the winner of the contest, then surely you will have seen it beforehand... This can easily be done. Please reconsider. For a great reference see the recent collaborative competition hosted by TF2 and Polycount.org ( http://www.polycount.com/team-fortress-2-polycount-pack/ ). This created valuable assets for TF2, prestige for Polycount members, and great buzz for both.

See the 137 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 02:53) >>

Less screensavers  
Written by programad the 11 Mar 08 at 15:24. Global category: Look and Feel. Implemented
Actually, we have 5 wallpapers, 9 themes and 80+ SCREENSAVERS!!!

WHAT THE HELL!

Who need that amount of screensavers?

I think we should vote five to the default installation, and the other ones comes with a optional package?

Isn't gnome "keep it simple"?

For me just a "dim screen" is enough for default.
681
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #4236
Written by programad the 11 Mar 08 at 15:24.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4236 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!
36
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): get rid of some screen savers
Written by slsolaris the 8 Mar 09 at 17:56.
canonical should just add a few screen-savers made specially for ubuntu, and no more; for those people who still like to have a lot of screen-saver (i do not know why?) should be able to download them form internet if they like, in a deb ot a tar.gz file, so they could install them easily.
-7
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): do not remove any screen saver but improve them
Written by slsolaris the 18 Mar 09 at 03:52.
for example GLText should be editable, give as the option to set speed, improved graphics, etc... but do not remove them because a lot of them are awesome.
in the other hand some of them are ugly and u should remove:
Lavalite, sonar, spheremonics, circuit, deco, engine, FlipScreen3D, Floating Toasters (what the hell is that, LOL), GFlux, GLKnots...
please do it canonical, Linux for human Beings, computer needs to be personal.
-208
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Remove ALL screensavers
Written by tobster the 29 Apr 09 at 18:27.
screen"savers" aren't needed any more with modern lcd panels they are nothing more than a waste of cpu cycles and energy.
178
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): add DPMS instead of blank screen into screansavers list
Written by daddo the 30 Apr 09 at 16:08.
Replace the "Blank screen" with DPMS feature. Maybe even set it default.
406
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Make the extra screensavers "Recommends" not "depends" of gnome-screensaver
Written by Mehall the 29 Apr 09 at 00:03.
It has just been pointed out that most of the screensavers aren't actually part of the gnome-screensaver package.

IMO, if something isn't required for a package to work, then it should be "recommends" not "depends" and this is a good place to start.
712
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): place in a "screensavers-extra" package
Written by lee.jarratt the 28 Apr 09 at 20:34.
A good idea is to remove many of these screensavers (some are quite poor) and place them in a "screensavers-extra" package so users who do want to use a not-so-popular screensaver can just install the package.

An advantage for this is that it will cut down the size of the disk image by around 8Mb. That 8Mb for Screensavers could be used towards something more useful.
81
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): Offer Download & Install easy interface
Written by pumukyjunior the 6 May 09 at 14:34.
I think it could be interesting to mantain the most popular screenSavers by default, and let the user to search, explore, and to try another screensavers.

Maybe, these ones could be stored in a repository, and shown to users by a user-friendly interface.

I think something simililar is done in KDE 4.0 when you want to install a new Grub image.


Finally, I would keep the black screensaver by default, in order to try to safe Energy.
-208
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Offer "Screensavers" option in Ubuntu installation.
Written by rmconard the 7 May 09 at 15:16.
During the install process the user should come to a section about the "look and feel" of Ubuntu. From this spot in the installation the user should be given the option of installing which screensavers he/she wants. You should have 3 options:

1) Install All Screensavers
2) Install No Screensavers
3) Install Some Screensavers (choose which ones)

This way, the ones the user doesn't choose don't even get put on the HD.

See the 42 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 18 Jan 12 at 17:19) >>

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