Written by writser the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49.

The following changes could be done

- Merge 'Screensaver', 'Screen Resolution' and 'Screens and Graphics'. -- Already Done.
- Merge 'Network', 'Network Proxy' and 'Network Tools'.
- Merge 'Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, Software Sources'.
- Merge 'Encryption and Keyrings', 'Authorizations', 'Keyring Manager'.

The following changes could be done - Merge 'Screensaver', 'Screen Resolution' and 'Screens and Graphics'. -- Already Done. - Merge 'Network', 'Network Proxy' and 'Network Tools'. - Merge 'Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, Software Sources'. - Merge 'Encryption and Keyrings', 'Authorizations', 'Keyring Manager'.

Written by yule the 18 Jan 09 at 17:28.

I believe the "Preferences" and "Administration" sub-menus of the "System" menu should be re-structured similarily to "Fedora 10", splitting the items into categories of interest: Look and Feel, Input Devices etc.

Also, but this is probably a generic Gnome defect, items like "Screensaver", "Appearance", "Screen Resolution" should be merged together.

I believe the "Preferences" and "Administration" sub-menus of the "System" menu should be re-structured similarily to "Fedora 10", splitting the items into categories of interest: Look and Feel, Input Devices etc. Also, but this is probably a generic Gnome defect, items like "Screensaver", "Appearance", "Screen Resolution" should be merged together.

Written by jeypeyy the 18 Jan 09 at 21:05.

Put the most important things that a user will need in Preferences and Administration. If the user want to change less important stuff he/she could go to System->'control panel' where the user can change everything that is configurable.

What I mean with important is something like "screen resolution" while "Sun java 6 policy tool" is less important.

Put the most important things that a user will need in Preferences and Administration. If the user want to change less important stuff he/she could go to System->'control panel' where the user can change everything that is configurable. What I mean with important is something like "screen resolution" while "Sun java 6 policy tool" is less important.

Written by c0p3rn1c the 6 Feb 09 at 15:33.

I'm not asking to remove the existing shortcuts in the system menu just to add a shortcut to the gnome-control-center, this makes it much easier for beginners to find what they are looking for. Especially when users are coming from Windows or Mac they are used to a having a control center.

On top of increased similarity to the most popular commercial OS's gnome-controle-center also adds extra functionality with the search box for people who are not used to Ubuntu yet and or are not yet using gnome-do.

Please try the gnome-control-center menu before you vote against it.
It's really a matter of choosing increasing usability over the possible redundancy issue.

I'm not asking to remove the existing shortcuts in the system menu just to add a shortcut to the gnome-control-center, this makes it much easier for beginners to find what they are looking for. Especially when users are coming from Windows or Mac they are used to a having a control center. On top of increased similarity to the most popular commercial OS's gnome-controle-center also adds extra functionality with the search box for people who are not used to Ubuntu yet and or are not yet using gnome-do. Please try the gnome-control-center menu before you vote against it. It's really a matter of choosing increasing usability over the possible redundancy issue.

Written by dael99 the 14 Feb 09 at 00:56.

All the administration task should be done in the Gnome control center, but nowdays it's just a launcher for gnome-conf apps.

The Gnome Control Centre should be a homegenius way of do things, use the same windows for operations and provide a back button, just like a file explorer (more intuitive no?)

Instead of launching a new windows it show be showed (not nested) to the main area of the Centre. This way we could compete with MS, KDE and MAC in terms of a nice control center.


(also we save some space on the gnome pannel)

All the administration task should be done in the Gnome control center, but nowdays it's just a launcher for gnome-conf apps. The Gnome Control Centre should be a homegenius way of do things, use the same windows for operations and provide a back button, just like a file explorer (more intuitive no?) Instead of launching a new windows it show be showed (not nested) to the main area of the Centre. This way we could compete with MS, KDE and MAC in terms of a nice control center. (also we save some space on the gnome pannel)

Written by JimmyVolatile the 10 Feb 09 at 22:48.

Make a nice submenu structure following exactly the category structure of the Gnome Control Center.

Like this: http://www.box.net/shared/9xuzp9tym7

Make a nice submenu structure following exactly the category structure of the Gnome Control Center. Like this: http://www.box.net/shared/9xuzp9tym7

Written by cousteau the 12 Feb 09 at 20:14.

Instead of just "Preferences" and "Administration", add more submenus (for example: "Preferences", "Hardware", "Look and feel", "Administration"). Like Solution #1 but using submenus instead of sub-submenus.

Instead of just "Preferences" and "Administration", add more submenus (for example: "Preferences", "Hardware", "Look and feel", "Administration"). Like Solution #1 but using submenus instead of sub-submenus.

Written by JimmyVolatile the 10 Feb 09 at 22:53.

It's by far the most newbie-friendly compared to the existing menu.

You can even type in search words to find what you're after, for instance "mouse" or "resolution".

Furthermore, it can easily be expanded with new items without risking an even more crowded menu.

It's by far the most newbie-friendly compared to the existing menu. You can even type in search words to find what you're after, for instance "mouse" or "resolution". Furthermore, it can easily be expanded with new items without risking an even more crowded menu.

Written by Endolith the 9 Mar 09 at 14:35.

Like solution #6, except without sub-sub-menus. Just put "Personal", "Look and feel", etc. directly under the System menu.

"Use submenus sparingly, as they are physically difficult to navigate and make it harder to find and reach the items they contain." "Do not nest submenus within submenus. More than two levels of hierarchy are difficult to memorize and navigate."

http://library.gnome.org/devel/hig-book/stable/menus-types.html.en#menu-type-su bmenu

Like solution #6, except without sub-sub-menus. Just put "Personal", "Look and feel", etc. directly under the System menu. "Use submenus sparingly, as they are physically difficult to navigate and make it harder to find and reach the items they contain." "Do not nest submenus within submenus. More than two levels of hierarchy are difficult to memorize and navigate." http://library.gnome.org/devel/hig-book/stable/menus-types.html.en#menu-type-submenu

Written by wish the 5 Mar 09 at 19:25.

1. For example, the Network configurations, Network Proxy and Remote Desktop can be grouped under a single listing Network.
2. Similarly, Compiz Settings Manager, Appearance, Emerald, Screen Saver, Screen Resolution, Windows etc can be grouped under GUI or some other better name.
3. Bluetooth, Printer, Mouse, Palm, etc can be grouped under devices.

Preferences and Administration should also get the option to be open in separate windows where they will not be cluttered.

1. For example, the Network configurations, Network Proxy and Remote Desktop can be grouped under a single listing Network. 2. Similarly, Compiz Settings Manager, Appearance, Emerald, Screen Saver, Screen Resolution, Windows etc can be grouped under GUI or some other better name. 3. Bluetooth, Printer, Mouse, Palm, etc can be grouped under devices. Preferences and Administration should also get the option to be open in separate windows where they will not be cluttered.

Written by amrlima the 2 Mar 09 at 20:30.

Fedora has a very elegant solution for this. They divide the menu in categories such as "Look and Feel" etc.

It really keeps the menu clean and it's easier to find what you are looking for.

Fedora has a very elegant solution for this. They divide the menu in categories such as "Look and Feel" etc. It really keeps the menu clean and it's easier to find what you are looking for.

Written by razor7 the 3 Mar 09 at 15:04.

Use the Gnome Control Center. The problem is that most users (like me) not even know that this cool Control Center even exists...Make it more visible and improve it

Use the Gnome Control Center. The problem is that most users (like me) not even know that this cool Control Center even exists...Make it more visible and improve it

Written by Xero Xenith the 3 Mar 09 at 16:08.

http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/80/

http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/80/

Written by probono the 4 Mar 09 at 22:09.

The separation between system-wide and per-user settings is not necessary. Neither Windows nor Mac OS X have this kind of separation, as it confuses the user more than it helps. I've observed many people to constantly search for a setting in the wrong menu, because nobody remembers in which menu a certain setting is. Hence, I propose to unify all settings in just one menu, as demonstrated in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2-JHF6v10

Also, the number of menu items should be brought down by combining multiple of these that fall under the same topic, as it is done in Mac OS X. For example, "Keyboard" and "Keyboard Shortcuts" could be tabs of the same panel. The same is true for "Software Sources" and "Synaptic Pagage Manger", to name just two examples.

The separation between system-wide and per-user settings is not necessary. Neither Windows nor Mac OS X have this kind of separation, as it confuses the user more than it helps. I've observed many people to constantly search for a setting in the wrong menu, because nobody remembers in which menu a certain setting is. Hence, I propose to unify all settings in just one menu, as demonstrated in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2-JHF6v10 Also, the number of menu items should be brought down by combining multiple of these that fall under the same topic, as it is done in Mac OS X. For example, "Keyboard" and "Keyboard Shortcuts" could be tabs of the same panel. The same is true for "Software Sources" and "Synaptic Pagage Manger", to name just two examples.

Written by James_Lochhead the 1 Apr 09 at 21:00.

Group similar entries into sub-menus. On average it would be easier to find things, the menus would look less cluttered and the menus would display well on lower resolutions.

I recently had a go at Fedora 10 (went back to Ubuntu within 10 minutes!) and the menus were implemented this way on Fedora.

Group similar entries into sub-menus. On average it would be easier to find things, the menus would look less cluttered and the menus would display well on lower resolutions. I recently had a go at Fedora 10 (went back to Ubuntu within 10 minutes!) and the menus were implemented this way on Fedora.

Written by hariks0 the 7 Apr 09 at 18:37.

If the menu preference could be set in a way that only the recent or frequent items are shown and the others only after a preset delay. Also the "Edit Main Menu" could be used to eliminate the unwanted items from popping up [by the user].

There should be a screen during installation letting the user select which applets they want to install with some tool tip for each of the items.Another requirement is an option to replace the default "menu Bar" with "Main Menu Icon" in initial setup from live CD ,which makes the desktop cleaner.

My third suggestion is to open the two menu items of"System" tabbed in to a window named "Preferences" the other "Administration". The applets/ items could be represented by icons and in alphabetical order.

If the menu preference could be set in a way that only the recent or frequent items are shown and the others only after a preset delay. Also the "Edit Main Menu" could be used to eliminate the unwanted items from popping up [by the user]. There should be a screen during installation letting the user select which applets they want to install with some tool tip for each of the items.Another requirement is an option to replace the default "menu Bar" with "Main Menu Icon" in initial setup from live CD ,which makes the desktop cleaner. My third suggestion is to open the two menu items of"System" tabbed in to a window named "Preferences" the other "Administration". The applets/ items could be represented by icons and in alphabetical order.

Written by nq6 the 24 May 09 at 21:35.

Below I developed some screens to explain better my idea.

Reduce the number of options available to facilitate the choice by the user. Decrease from 39 to 16 items.


Scheme simplification.


idea of how many icons can become one. view of the behavior of windows with the merger of these icons.


overview of the idea. In this picture you can see the whole blueprint at once.

Below I developed some screens to explain better my idea. Reduce the number of options available to facilitate the choice by the user. Decrease from 39 to 16 items. <a href="http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6915/ideanq6.jpg" title="Nq6 idea"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3599989553_82e7e0512f.jpg" width="500" height="221" alt="idea nq6" /></a> Scheme simplification. <a href="http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5403/96435707.jpg" title="Simplify the system of preferences"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3560259065_a876cc1324.jpg" width="500" height="267" alt="01" /></a> idea of how many icons can become one. view of the behavior of windows with the merger of these icons. <a href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1473/77578921.jpg" title="Nq6 Idea"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3561072856_1ab7feeed0.jpg" width="500" height="206" alt="02" /></a> overview of the idea. In this picture you can see the whole blueprint at once. <a href="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4152/03a.jpg" title="Nq6 Idea"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3560255681_796d7a1961.jpg" width="500" height="474" alt="03a" /></a> Simplify the menu to facilitate usability. Below the simulation of how the menu of Ubuntu can be. Much simpler, less polluted Visually, and easier to find what you want. <a href="http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4130/45298988.jpg" title="Nq6 Idea"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3561762040_de223eb9e1.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="04" /></a> The Ubuntu is an excellent system, more needs to move forward in some areas. One is the simplification of the options that the user faces. The current options make Ubuntu confused. I think that my idea is to improve usability. <a href="http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8748/ideanq62.jpg" title="Nq6 idea"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3599989715_5165cd6a29.jpg" width="500" height="317" alt="idea nq6 2" /></a>

Written by bryonak the 25 May 09 at 16:43.

Do as solution #17 proposes, except for the sub menus that pop up in a new window, which I find looks a bit awkward.

Instead of a popup, make the sub menus "slide out" below the clicked entry in the same window. The other entries just move further down.

Do as solution #17 proposes, except for the sub menus that pop up in a new window, which I find looks a bit awkward. Instead of a popup, make the sub menus "slide out" below the clicked entry in the same window. The other entries just move further down. <img src="http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2034/slidemenus.jpg"></img>

Written by Frantique the 23 Jun 09 at 06:47.

As mentioned in the title, add a new tab, let's say after Visual Effects... Handy and easy to find the way of changing resolution of your screen.

As mentioned in the title, add a new tab, let's say after Visual Effects... Handy and easy to find the way of changing resolution of your screen.

Written by returnofnights the 23 Jun 09 at 08:55.

The tab should be there, new to Linux users expect to find screen controls in with the theme, effects and display properties. Changing the Context Menu item name to reflect the features: (Instead of 'Change Background' make it 'Display Settings') This is simple and to the point for new and old Gnome users.

The tab should be there, new to Linux users expect to find screen controls in with the theme, effects and display properties. Changing the Context Menu item name to reflect the features: (Instead of 'Change Background' make it 'Display Settings') This is simple and to the point for new and old Gnome users.

Written by je1403 the 14 Jul 09 at 23:41.

Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution. It is especially beginner-friendly. One of its best features is the mintMenu. This replaces the gnome-menu, but is categorized in the same way. It's pretty difficult to explain it by text, but check out this image: http://www.jessture.com/images/linux_mint/lm3-1_mint_menu.png
The menu is divided in several sections. The "Applications" section is categorized with the average "Office", "Internet", etc. Instead of having the pop-up menus, the menu has a fixed width and height, using scrollbars when the listed items dont fit. Mouseovering the categories shows their contents. The best part is the search bar. If you type "screen" it will filter the results and show you screen resolution, screensaver, login screen, for example. Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePEbfsV2yQw

Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution. It is especially beginner-friendly. One of its best features is the mintMenu. This replaces the gnome-menu, but is categorized in the same way. It's pretty difficult to explain it by text, but check out this image: http://www.jessture.com/images/linux_mint/lm3-1_mint_menu.png The menu is divided in several sections. The "Applications" section is categorized with the average "Office", "Internet", etc. Instead of having the pop-up menus, the menu has a fixed width and height, using scrollbars when the listed items dont fit. Mouseovering the categories shows their contents. The best part is the search bar. If you type "screen" it will filter the results and show you screen resolution, screensaver, login screen, for example. Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePEbfsV2yQw

Written by Aielyn the 26 Oct 10 at 13:15.

Instead of the current split into Preferences and Administration, have the System menu split into parts of the system. And then, on each submenu, the list would be split so that Preferences go on the top of the submenu, and Administration goes on the bottom, with a divider between them, thereby making it easier to distinguish between them, while being able to see both.

EXAMPLE LAYOUT - NOT PART OF SOLUTION ITSELF, JUST A POSSIBLE LAYOUT:

- Software
- Interface
- User
- System
- Third Party

Software would contain everything to do with software - Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, Software Sources, Computer Janitor, and Preferred Applications would all be examples.

Interface would contain everything to do with the User Interface - Mouse, Keyboard, Monitors, Audio, Menus, Appearance, etc.

User would hold things that are relevant to the users themselves - Languages, Passwords, About Me, E-Mail Settings, and Users and Groups as a few examples.

Instead of the current split into Preferences and Administration, have the System menu split into parts of the system. And then, on each submenu, the list would be split so that Preferences go on the top of the submenu, and Administration goes on the bottom, with a divider between them, thereby making it easier to distinguish between them, while being able to see both. EXAMPLE LAYOUT - NOT PART OF SOLUTION ITSELF, JUST A POSSIBLE LAYOUT: - Software - Interface - User - System - Third Party Software would contain everything to do with software - Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, Software Sources, Computer Janitor, and Preferred Applications would all be examples. Interface would contain everything to do with the User Interface - Mouse, Keyboard, Monitors, Audio, Menus, Appearance, etc. User would hold things that are relevant to the users themselves - Languages, Passwords, About Me, E-Mail Settings, and Users and Groups as a few examples. System would contain everything to do with system settings and underlying system operation - Time and Date, Drivers, power management, Startup Applications, System Monitor, etc. Third Party would then contain anything introduced by third-party programs and dealing specifically with those third-party programs - for instance, Opera Widget Manager, Wine settings, etc. TO BE CLEAR - THE ABOVE IS JUST AN EXAMPLE, NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION ITSELF. It can serve as a discussion point regarding how to best implement the Solution, but the Solution itself is only concerned with splitting it into categories and then dividing the resulting submenus into Preferences and Administration segments.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 7 Oct 10 at 17:10.

Change
-System
---Preferences
---Administration

to

-Settings
---User Settings
---System Settings

Change -System ---Preferences ---Administration to -Settings ---User Settings ---System Settings

Written by komputes the 8 Mar 11 at 18:19.

Broadcast (gwibber) and Messaging (empathy) preferences are accessible from within the respective applications. Remove preferences for these applications from the "System" menu.

Broadcast (gwibber) and Messaging (empathy) preferences are accessible from within the respective applications. Remove preferences for these applications from the "System" menu.

Written by jherran the 28 Feb 08 at 15:01.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #28 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!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #28 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.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by fc.truter the 2 Jun 09 at 20:27.

Instead of creating hardware interfaces for every phone/PC combination, Canonical could take different approach, and sync both devices to a online service such as Google Contacts/Calendar or perhaps even with Ubuntu One.

On the PC side, Evolution already supports this to an extent but the process can be made much more streamlined. From the phone side, projects like GCalSync have already started something like this but few have seen the potential in this, and there is massive room for improvement.

This could be the next step in cloud computing and could bypass all the device driver issues and unwilling hardware manufacturers, since most phones already support Java or a similar language.

Instead of creating hardware interfaces for every phone/PC combination, Canonical could take different approach, and sync both devices to a online service such as Google Contacts/Calendar or perhaps even with Ubuntu One. On the PC side, Evolution already supports this to an extent but the process can be made much more streamlined. From the phone side, projects like GCalSync have already started something like this but few have seen the potential in this, and there is massive room for improvement. This could be the next step in cloud computing and could bypass all the device driver issues and unwilling hardware manufacturers, since most phones already support Java or a similar language.

Written by socceroos the 23 Oct 09 at 00:04.

Conduit seems to be a worthy step in the right direction to solve this particular issue. I would suggest that Canonical puts some muscle behind this and kill off this issue once and for all.

http://live.gnome.org/Conduit

Conduit seems to be a worthy step in the right direction to solve this particular issue. I would suggest that Canonical puts some muscle behind this and kill off this issue once and for all. http://live.gnome.org/Conduit

Written by sn0m the 11 Dec 09 at 19:34.

multisync seems to work fine, it just needs fine tunning with ubuntu and evolution.
All we need is contacts, calendar and notes to synch, who cares about sending text or making calls through whatever.

multisync seems to work fine, it just needs fine tunning with ubuntu and evolution. All we need is contacts, calendar and notes to synch, who cares about sending text or making calls through whatever.

Written by AdlerHorst the 27 Dec 09 at 13:38.

I Think this API should store a Database on local or Ubuntu One in that the Data should be stored in the most detailed version.

eg: The street of the address should be split in the Data base into Streetname and houseNr.

Sync modules for connections and Data fields and merging/split should give the access on other devices.

This tool should not only could be used for Contact, Calendar, ToDo, Notice and Messages. File Syncing like rsync should also be possible to use with.

I Think this API should store a Database on local or Ubuntu One in that the Data should be stored in the most detailed version. eg: The street of the address should be split in the Data base into Streetname and houseNr. Sync modules for connections and Data fields and merging/split should give the access on other devices. This tool should not only could be used for Contact, Calendar, ToDo, Notice and Messages. File Syncing like rsync should also be possible to use with.

Written by Theodore the 3 Apr 08 at 20:19.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #6351 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!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #6351 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.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by lavinog the 1 May 09 at 16:56.

Usually during a kernel update I get the 'what should be done about menu.lst'
I choose the same option every time.
A checkbox could be added to remember the choice for future updates.

Usually during a kernel update I get the 'what should be done about menu.lst' I choose the same option every time. A checkbox could be added to remember the choice for future updates.

Written by sventer the 7 Jun 10 at 15:31.

So my suggestions are:
1. Design those messages so that, when they pop up, they (the messages) can continue to wait for the user's acknowledgement before disappearing again, but let the underlying upgrade process continue past that point without waiting for the user acknowledgement.

2. Similarly, to prevent a delay at the end the "calculating the changes" part of the "Setting new software channels" downloading, is it not possible to provide a check-box or other option, which would allow a user to specify that the upgrade should continue without having the user specifically click to "Start Upgrade".. again, the information in the pop-up windows is useful to see, but I would like to have the option to allow my upgrade to continue on and get done.. I can always come back later and review the details etc.

So my suggestions are: 1. Design those messages so that, when they pop up, they (the messages) can continue to wait for the user's acknowledgement before disappearing again, but let the underlying upgrade process continue past that point without waiting for the user acknowledgement. 2. Similarly, to prevent a delay at the end the "calculating the changes" part of the "Setting new software channels" downloading, is it not possible to provide a check-box or other option, which would allow a user to specify that the upgrade should continue without having the user specifically click to "Start Upgrade".. again, the information in the pop-up windows is useful to see, but I would like to have the option to allow my upgrade to continue on and get done.. I can always come back later and review the details etc.

Written by stgraber the 28 Feb 08 at 12:13.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2 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!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2 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.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by musikele the 15 Jan 09 at 12:51.

When Ubuntu starts and GDM comes out, you should be able to login only with your fingerprint, without entering any username.
So, the login window should be with all users like always, but with the possibility to login simply passing the fingerprint. If the fingerprint is recognized, a windows telling "user XXX recognized/accessing" should come out and linux should go on.
If the user is not recognized, a window telling "no user recognized - try again" could be an idea.
The normal login option should always be present, in case of an hardware error one should be always capable to enter with his username - password .

When Ubuntu starts and GDM comes out, you should be able to login only with your fingerprint, without entering any username. So, the login window should be with all users like always, but with the possibility to login simply passing the fingerprint. If the fingerprint is recognized, a windows telling "user XXX recognized/accessing" should come out and linux should go on. If the user is not recognized, a window telling "no user recognized - try again" could be an idea. The normal login option should always be present, in case of an hardware error one should be always capable to enter with his username - password .

Written by doctormo the 15 Jan 09 at 22:19.

The inherent security problem with fingerprints is that you can take anyone's laptop and very easily, using high school chemistry. Take the owners fingerprints and feed it to the reader.

When this topic comes up in Ubuntu Development lists, it's pretty much decided that a fingerprint reader can be used for a bad-ass username, but then the computer must still ask for a password to login.

This also includes using the webcam and some facial recognition tech that's in the pipes.

The inherent security problem with fingerprints is that you can take anyone's laptop and very easily, using high school chemistry. Take the owners fingerprints and feed it to the reader. When this topic comes up in Ubuntu Development lists, it's pretty much decided that a fingerprint reader can be used for a bad-ass username, but then the computer must still ask for a password to login. This also includes using the webcam and some facial recognition tech that's in the pipes.

Written by mike.thorton the 19 Oct 09 at 15:03.

The simplest solution is probably to implement the fedora's one:

http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Fingerprint

The simplest solution is probably to implement the fedora's one: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Fingerprint

Written by xfuser4 the 19 Oct 09 at 17:25.

Biometric sensors are known to have potential security risks (see comment).

When enabling finger print readers, the user should be informed about it.

Biometric sensors are known to have potential security risks (see comment). When enabling finger print readers, the user should be informed about it.

Written by Jaksco the 30 Oct 09 at 20:49.

Make it a package file installable like an app.

Make it a package file installable like an app.

Written by Jon Monreal the 5 Nov 09 at 13:35.

Based on the comments about security risks, it seems like this should naturally be an option.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authentication#History_and_state-of-the-art : "Hybrid or two-tiered authentication methods offer a compelling solution." Fingerprints can be swiped and used and there are plenty of methods for getting a password (peeking, social engineering, brute force, etc.); getting both would likely prove to be more difficult.

At any rate, a fingerprint on top of a normal password would definitely stop a casual snooper.

Based on the comments about security risks, it seems like this should naturally be an option. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authentication#History_and_state-of-the-art : "Hybrid or two-tiered authentication methods offer a compelling solution." Fingerprints can be swiped and used and there are plenty of methods for getting a password (peeking, social engineering, brute force, etc.); getting both would likely prove to be more difficult. At any rate, a fingerprint on top of a normal password would definitely stop a casual snooper.

Written by daddo the 8 Nov 09 at 21:43.

Show live the fingerprint reader output graphically and let the users to decide, is it secure enough or not.

At the moment, users don't realize at which quality are their fingerprints captured. Show it them!

It could be also solution for showing how good is the the fingerprint reader which is in use.

Show live the fingerprint reader output graphically and let the users to decide, is it secure enough or not. At the moment, users don't realize at which quality are their fingerprints captured. Show it them! It could be also solution for showing how good is the the fingerprint reader which is in use.

Written by tommis the 22 Nov 09 at 18:10.

If you can login via figerprint in gdm terminal should support it too.

If you can login via figerprint in gdm terminal should support it too.

Written by rouge568 the 29 Feb 08 at 00:39.

Have a drop-down menu display when I right-click on an item, with choices such as "edit this item" "delete this item", and "add a new menu item". Also, if I click and hold on an item, it should hover and I should be able to drag it through the menus to reposition it.

Have a drop-down menu display when I right-click on an item, with choices such as "edit this item" "delete this item", and "add a new menu item". Also, if I click and hold on an item, it should hover and I should be able to drag it through the menus to reposition it.

Written by robertjlee the 29 Mar 09 at 16:50.

When you right-click on a submenu's menu item, it should not close the submenu. Instead, it should bring up a context menu with additional options to edit this submenu in the menu editor, and to hide this submenu (as well as the existing options you would get from right-clicking on a menu item within that sub-menu).

For a menu item, add extra context menu options to edit this menu item in the menu editor, to directly edit the menu item's launcher's properties, and to hide the menu item.

It should also be possible to drag menu items (including entire sub-menus), within each menu. Additionally, each sub-menu item should have a "lock to menu" checkbox option on its context menu to prevent it from being dragged (similar to panel items' "lock to panel" checkbox option).

It may even be possible to use panels and drawers to build the menus and use common code to handle the behaviour of both consistently.

The edit menus item would still be needed to remove items, and would still be useful for "bulk" changes where the user may not want to open the applications menu each time.

When you right-click on a submenu's menu item, it should not close the submenu. Instead, it should bring up a context menu with additional options to edit this submenu in the menu editor, and to hide this submenu (as well as the existing options you would get from right-clicking on a menu item within that sub-menu). For a menu item, add extra context menu options to edit this menu item in the menu editor, to directly edit the menu item's launcher's properties, and to hide the menu item. It should also be possible to drag menu items (including entire sub-menus), within each menu. Additionally, each sub-menu item should have a "lock to menu" checkbox option on its context menu to prevent it from being dragged (similar to panel items' "lock to panel" checkbox option). It may even be possible to use panels and drawers to build the menus and use common code to handle the behaviour of both consistently. The edit menus item would still be needed to remove items, and would still be useful for "bulk" changes where the user may not want to open the applications menu each time.

Written by leael the 18 Apr 09 at 13:48.

To be consistent with the panels, the user has to unlock the menu in order for the drag'n'drop to become possible. Possible implementations could be a global "Unlock Menu Elements" or better "Allow Dragging of Menu Elements".

To be consistent with the panels, the user has to unlock the menu in order for the drag'n'drop to become possible. Possible implementations could be a global "Unlock Menu Elements" or better "Allow Dragging of Menu Elements".

Written by leael the 18 Apr 09 at 13:58.

To be consistent with the panels, each item gets an "Move" entry in its context menu, thus locking the item in the mouse and let the user drag it to other locations as also into submenus, until the mouse button is clicked again.

To be consistent with the panels, each item gets an "Move" entry in its context menu, thus locking the item in the mouse and let the user drag it to other locations as also into submenus, until the mouse button is clicked again.

Written by corfy the 5 Mar 08 at 04:17.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #3253 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!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #3253 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.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by bigfox the 29 Feb 08 at 23:53.

Have an option when right clicking the panel to "Lock entire panel"

Have an option when right clicking the panel to "Lock entire panel"

Written by jez9999 the 28 Feb 08 at 23:50.

Me, I still maintain that the storage should just be mounted synchronously. I *want* to be able to just pull the thing out when its light stops flashing (and it's VERY likely to be in a safe state to remove), if for no other reason than that I know I'll forget to unmount occasionally and I don't want my drive's filesystem screwed (or data lost) because of a one-off mistake. I do not think it is going to 'damage' flash media significantly, yeah it will result in a little more wear but frankly, so what? People only use flash dongles for maybe a year and most modern ones will last enough write cycles that this extra wear won't be an issue.

Me, I still maintain that the storage should just be mounted synchronously. I *want* to be able to just pull the thing out when its light stops flashing (and it's VERY likely to be in a safe state to remove), if for no other reason than that I know I'll forget to unmount occasionally and I don't want my drive's filesystem screwed (or data lost) because of a one-off mistake. I do not think it is going to 'damage' flash media significantly, yeah it will result in a little more wear but frankly, so what? People only use flash dongles for maybe a year and most modern ones will last enough write cycles that this extra wear won't be an issue.

Written by Endolith the 8 Apr 09 at 15:30.

Apparently sync mode has several disadvantages, like reducing life of the drive and greatly reduced speed in some situations. Here's an alternative:

Any time a drive is removed without unmounting first, a big scary warning should pop up telling the user they may have lost data or screwed up their drive. (I think this is what OS X does.) It should point out clearly, with an animation, how to unmount the drive before physically removing it, so they don't have any problems in the future.

The first time a USB drive is plugged in and auto-mounted, a notification should be displayed along with the contents of the drive, explaining the same issue, with a "do not show this anymore" button, to educate the user and avoid causing any problems even the first time.

Unmounting the drive should be made more obvious and intuitive. A right-click context menu is not obvious.

When a drive has been plugged in that hasn't been synced and is screwed up, tools should be immediately available to fix the problem, and an explanation should appear that points the user to where they can get help.

The word "unmount" should be changed to something more intuitive ("detach", "disconnect", "turn off").

Apparently sync mode has several disadvantages, like reducing life of the drive and greatly reduced speed in some situations. Here's an alternative: Any time a drive is removed without unmounting first, a big scary warning should pop up telling the user they may have lost data or screwed up their drive. (I think this is what OS X does.) It should point out clearly, with an animation, how to unmount the drive before physically removing it, so they don't have any problems in the future. The first time a USB drive is plugged in and auto-mounted, a notification should be displayed along with the contents of the drive, explaining the same issue, with a "do not show this anymore" button, to educate the user and avoid causing any problems even the first time. Unmounting the drive should be made more obvious and intuitive. A right-click context menu is not obvious. When a drive has been plugged in that hasn't been synced and is screwed up, tools should be immediately available to fix the problem, and an explanation should appear that points the user to where they can get help. The word "unmount" should be changed to something more intuitive ("detach", "disconnect", "turn off").

Written by pato101 the 3 Jun 09 at 12:24.

Not sure if this is feasible, and for sure requires kernel hacking and solving lots of small issues, but I think it is the best solution:

1. The device would be mounted async.
2. Kernel would keep track of status if device is unplugged.
3. In such case a message would ask the user to plug the device again only if there are pending operations
4. Then, kernel would see that the device has been plugged again and would end the operation.

Not sure if this is feasible, and for sure requires kernel hacking and solving lots of small issues, but I think it is the best solution: 1. The device would be mounted async. 2. Kernel would keep track of status if device is unplugged. 3. In such case a message would ask the user to plug the device again only if there are pending operations 4. Then, kernel would see that the device has been plugged again and would end the operation.

Written by slashdotaccount the 2 Aug 09 at 10:18.

Just lost the data just like ejecting the floppy disk do. Why not?

Just lost the data just like ejecting the floppy disk do. Why not?

Written by md5encrypted the 19 Jul 10 at 16:12.

And mount removable drives with `flush` option. Copying to drive will result in indicator growth which then return to 0 as data flushed. When it reaches 0, desktop environment should inform user with something like "it is now safe to remove drive" (and maybe change color of indicator icon)

And mount removable drives with `flush` option. Copying to drive will result in indicator growth which then return to 0 as data flushed. When it reaches 0, desktop environment should inform user with something like "it is now safe to remove drive" (and maybe change color of indicator icon)

Written by mikko.rantalainen the 7 Oct 10 at 07:58.

The synchronous mounting would be required only because kernel is too dumb to not lose the data. Fix this problem and it really does not make any sense to mount removable devices synchronously. To the contrary - mounting a flash device synchronously will decrease it's lifespan because of increased amount of writes.

Very similar to solution #3: See idea http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/1515/ Allow repairing incorrectly removed USB Mass Storage Device (flash memory stick.

The synchronous mounting would be required only because kernel is too dumb to not lose the data. Fix this problem and it really does not make any sense to mount removable devices synchronously. To the contrary - mounting a flash device synchronously will decrease it's lifespan because of increased amount of writes. Very similar to solution #3: See idea <a href="http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/1515/">http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/1515/ Allow repairing incorrectly removed USB Mass Storage Device (flash memory stick</a>.

Written by Felix_the_Mac the 29 Feb 08 at 23:16.

Update Manager should analyse the dependencies in packages which need updating and download the packages with no dependencies first (that is no dependencies on packages which themselves need updating), followed by files which only depended on the first package downloaded etc.

This will allow updates to be installed in parallel - as soon as the first package is downloaded it can be installed.

Update Manager should analyse the dependencies in packages which need updating and download the packages with no dependencies first (that is no dependencies on packages which themselves need updating), followed by files which only depended on the first package downloaded etc. This will allow updates to be installed in parallel - as soon as the first package is downloaded it can be installed.

Written by probono the 1 Mar 08 at 17:31.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2236 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!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2236 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.</i><br /> Thanks!