Contributor xiota
Better wi-fi support
Written by neilneil2000 the 29 Feb 08 at 00:20.
Global category: Internet & Networking.
New
More support for more wireless chipsets out of the box and "Windows style" ease of set up.
I have spent may a day trying to configure wireless cards on Ubuntu, often without much luck!
Please also deliver more support for what they are both wireless PCI cards and USB, as it is currently very low base of drivers for such devices
Prevent applications from stealing focus
Written by smenjas the 29 Feb 08 at 01:34.
Global category: Usability.
New
I'm constantly frustrated by applications stealing my focus. There should be some way for me to ensure that when I begin typing somewhere, an overzealous application will never pop up in front of what I'm working on.
Solution #1:
Wait in background
Written by
smenjas the 29 Feb 08 at 01:34.
If an application needs my attention, it's task bar button should simply pulse so I can turn my attention to it when I'm ready. Pidgin does this; why not everything else?
If an application needs my attention, it's task bar button should simply pulse so I can turn my attention to it when I'm ready. Pidgin does this; why not everything else?
Solution #2:
Unobtrusive notification
Written by
smenjas the 5 Feb 09 at 09:59.
On Mac OS X, Growl provides a system-wide way to notify the user that something has happened without getting in the way. I'd very much like to see Ubuntu adopt something like that.
On Mac OS X, Growl provides a system-wide way to notify the user that something has happened without getting in the way. I'd very much like to see Ubuntu adopt something like that.
Solution #3:
Pressing Ctrl + launching app makes new window appear below currently active one
I'm imagining that pressing and holding a button (Control, Alt, or some other key of choice) while clicking on a program launcher icon in the panel, would make the window of the newly launched program appear _behind_ the currently active window. That way, I can quickly and easily press Alt+Tab to get to the newly opened application window when I wish to.
I'm imagining that pressing and holding a button (Control, Alt, or some other key of choice) while clicking on a program launcher icon in the panel, would make the window of the newly launched program appear _behind_ the currently active window. That way, I can quickly and easily press Alt+Tab to get to the newly opened application window when I wish to.
Solution #4:
Polite Program Launch
When a program is launched, it is granted the "active window" status. I would like programs to not be able to grant themselves the "active window" status. When another program is selected, the loading program is moved to the background and should be forced to stay there (until the user selects it). When I press ctrl alt d, I want it to minimize until I select it.
In short, don't let programs bring themselves to the front (even update manager). If a program MUST notify me of something, then I think the new notification system is the coolest/most-convenient-ever way to do it.
When a program is launched, it is granted the "active window" status. I would like programs to not be able to grant themselves the "active window" status. When another program is selected, the loading program is moved to the background and should be forced to stay there (until the user selects it). When I press ctrl alt d, I want it to minimize until I select it.
In short, don't let programs bring themselves to the front (even update manager). If a program MUST notify me of something, then I think the new notification system is the coolest/most-convenient-ever way to do it.
Start an Ubuntu Advertising Campaign
Written by rouge568 the 28 Feb 08 at 21:25.
Global category: Marketing.
New
When I first started using Ubuntu, the way I heard about it was several links down in a google search for "linux". the first link was to linux.org, which is not what I wanted to see as a first time user. "What is a distribution? Why are there hundreds of them? This site is really unusable - is there anything better? I mean, its linux.org. That seems pretty core to this great linux thing I've heard about. What's this Gnome and KDE? I just want to run a computer that works. All these Gnome vs KDE reviews don't help at all." I finally saw the word Ubuntu enough that I figured that I should try it out of all the others.
This is exemplary of the poor exposure that Ubuntu has, and pure lack of knowledge the public has about Open Source projects in general. We need to spread public awareness about the operating system, through media outlets, online campaigns, and possible tv/radio/billboard spots.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarketingTeam
edit: We are now #1 on Distrowatch! Also, here is a great example of a promotional video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duBfhSsjgmU&fmt=18
editedit: Apparently, a marketing campaign for ubuntu is in the works. See towards the end of this blog post:
http://huayra.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/january-what-a-start/
Solution #1:
Use a Multi-Pronged Approach
Written by
rouge568 the 28 Feb 08 at 21:25.
I think that the best place to start would be online campaigns, especially a series of official videos on youtube and other video sites. These should focus less on technical specs and the benefits of the open-source ideal, and more on the benefits of switching from Windows while retaining the ability to preform daily tasks. This will be targeting the main bulk of computer users: Microsoft customers who want to email, type, web browse, and don't like paying for an OS. Other facets of this campaign should include spreading the word about Ubuntu to non-tech oriented, high traffic website (myspace, yahoo), getting Ubuntu back as #1 on distrowatch.com, and creating guides in layman's terms so that non tech-savvy people can understand how to preform simple tasks. For example, don't tell people to open xorg.conf; tell them to type in the terminal 'gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf'.
Doing all of this will require a re-mobilization of the Ubuntu marketing team, several people to design a professional looking marketing video, and lots of structure. Once more momentum is generated, the media will be apt to catch on to the trend. However, we want to make sure at all costs that this is positive exposure. Anything negative (eg. Ubuntu is for geeks only) could immensely hurt our image. Physical advertising is harder to get together, but if someone can find an investor, this could be very possible.
A final idea would be to push for Ubuntu in school systems. I know that where I live, the schools are forced to run Windows 2000 because of old computers and no money for an upgrade. Ubuntu could both free funds for education and implant knowledge about the system into children, our future consumer base.
Comment back with any ideas on how to improve this.
I think that the best place to start would be online campaigns, especially a series of official videos on youtube and other video sites. These should focus less on technical specs and the benefits of the open-source ideal, and more on the benefits of switching from Windows while retaining the ability to preform daily tasks. This will be targeting the main bulk of computer users: Microsoft customers who want to email, type, web browse, and don't like paying for an OS. Other facets of this campaign should include spreading the word about Ubuntu to non-tech oriented, high traffic website (myspace, yahoo), getting Ubuntu back as #1 on distrowatch.com, and creating guides in layman's terms so that non tech-savvy people can understand how to preform simple tasks. For example, don't tell people to open xorg.conf; tell them to type in the terminal 'gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf'.
Doing all of this will require a re-mobilization of the Ubuntu marketing team, several people to design a professional looking marketing video, and lots of structure. Once more momentum is generated, the media will be apt to catch on to the trend. However, we want to make sure at all costs that this is positive exposure. Anything negative (eg. Ubuntu is for geeks only) could immensely hurt our image. Physical advertising is harder to get together, but if someone can find an investor, this could be very possible.
A final idea would be to push for Ubuntu in school systems. I know that where I live, the schools are forced to run Windows 2000 because of old computers and no money for an upgrade. Ubuntu could both free funds for education and implant knowledge about the system into children, our future consumer base.
Comment back with any ideas on how to improve this.
Solution #2:
Ubuntu advertisments for fans who own websites and blogs
Written by
kumailht the 21 Mar 08 at 22:23.
A lot of ubuntu users may own blogs and websites , they most probably love ubuntu and want to pay the community back. If the ubuntu website can offer banner ads which are professional and unobtrusive, users can help spread the word.
The banners must be professional and convey the message clearly. It should allow users to change certain aspects of this to match the website design.
Only logos with slogans will not help as people dont know about ubuntu. The banners will help in branding and it isnt hard to create.
A lot of ubuntu users may own blogs and websites , they most probably love ubuntu and want to pay the community back. If the ubuntu website can offer banner ads which are professional and unobtrusive, users can help spread the word.
The banners must be professional and convey the message clearly. It should allow users to change certain aspects of this to match the website design.
Only logos with slogans will not help as people dont know about ubuntu. The banners will help in branding and it isnt hard to create.
Solution #3:
Canonical should send us emails, which we can resend to ur friend
canonical should send emails about the new coming version of ubuntu to its users, videos and more, so we can resend them to our friends and they will know about ubuntu, so new many people will use this operating system.
Now i here your comments.
canonical should send emails about the new coming version of ubuntu to its users, videos and more, so we can resend them to our friends and they will know about ubuntu, so new many people will use this operating system.
Now i here your comments.
Solution #4:
Ubuntu propaganda page
Written by
fixor the 21 Feb 09 at 11:28.
Create a propaganda webpage where people can see and learn what Ubuntu is. Show all the great features and explain what distinguishes Ubuntu from other operating systems. Screenshots, short videos and some compelling arguments why they wanna try Ubuntu.
This way you can direct friends and anyone interested to this page and you don't force commercials on those who don't want to see them.
The best place for this would be somewhere on the official ubuntu page
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/17265 .
Create a propaganda webpage where people can see and learn what Ubuntu is. Show all the great features and explain what distinguishes Ubuntu from other operating systems. Screenshots, short videos and some compelling arguments why they wanna try Ubuntu.
This way you can direct friends and anyone interested to this page and you don't force commercials on those who don't want to see them.
The best place for this would be somewhere on the official ubuntu page http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/17265 .
Solution #5:
Advertise Ubuntu on TV
Written by
flooted the 4 Mar 08 at 07:16.
At a guess most mainstream computer users still watch more TV than they use computers. It takes a bit of searching online to find out about Ubuntu, what it is and why it is a viable OS. Only people who are already interested in Ubuntu will take the time to do this. So reach out to those who don't know about Ubuntu through TV.
At a guess most mainstream computer users still watch more TV than they use computers. It takes a bit of searching online to find out about Ubuntu, what it is and why it is a viable OS. Only people who are already interested in Ubuntu will take the time to do this. So reach out to those who don't know about Ubuntu through TV.
Solution #6:
Highlight the possibility for everyone to improve their desktop experience
Written by
stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:22.
This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
One of the things I hate about having to use commercial software at my work, is that when I encounter an annoying bug or usability issue in the software (which reduces my productivity), I have to live with it. Each time I report such problems to our IT department, they look desperately at me because they can't help me. Also, they are surprised that they get all these questions from me as I am the only one in the company complaining.
(The shock experiments of Seligman and Maier are a possibile explanation for why I am the only one who complains; I am used to escaping the shuttle-box because I already use Linux at home for a long time:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness#Seligman_and_Maier )
In Ubuntu, you have Launchpad, Brainstorm. You can vote, you can contribute by creatively thinking about solutions, you can coordinate different reports and thoughts about the same issue on a wiki page, you can point experts in your network to the issue, you can write better documentation, you can submit patches, you can test fixes, and so forth.
====>
Ubuntu should improve communication regarding the enormous advantage that bugs are not persistent and that the user has *control* over the bug fixing process.
For instance, in the help menu of each application a "What do you hate in this application?" entry can be added that allows people to report annoyances and that learns them how they can help to fix this annoyance. Obviously, this also can get another name like "What annoys you?".
Another possibility to highlight the fact that the user has a stake in the evolution of Ubuntu (contrastingly to closed source platforms), is by some dialog like this: "This is the third time you booted Ubuntu. Do you want to initiate a live chat session with a random community member to report your experiences with Ubuntu? Is there something that annoyed you in your previous 2 Ubuntu sessions? Or do you have a question?"
This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
One of the things I hate about having to use commercial software at my work, is that when I encounter an annoying bug or usability issue in the software (which reduces my productivity), I have to live with it. Each time I report such problems to our IT department, they look desperately at me because they can't help me. Also, they are surprised that they get all these questions from me as I am the only one in the company complaining.
(The shock experiments of Seligman and Maier are a possibile explanation for why I am the only one who complains; I am used to escaping the shuttle-box because I already use Linux at home for a long time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness#Seligman_and_Maier )
In Ubuntu, you have Launchpad, Brainstorm. You can vote, you can contribute by creatively thinking about solutions, you can coordinate different reports and thoughts about the same issue on a wiki page, you can point experts in your network to the issue, you can write better documentation, you can submit patches, you can test fixes, and so forth.
====>
Ubuntu should improve communication regarding the enormous advantage that bugs are not persistent and that the user has *control* over the bug fixing process.
For instance, in the help menu of each application a "What do you hate in this application?" entry can be added that allows people to report annoyances and that learns them how they can help to fix this annoyance. Obviously, this also can get another name like "What annoys you?".
Another possibility to highlight the fact that the user has a stake in the evolution of Ubuntu (contrastingly to closed source platforms), is by some dialog like this: "This is the third time you booted Ubuntu. Do you want to initiate a live chat session with a random community member to report your experiences with Ubuntu? Is there something that annoyed you in your previous 2 Ubuntu sessions? Or do you have a question?"
Solution #7:
Campaign to educate IT departments
Written by
stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:41.
This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
This campaign should consist of an USB stick accompanied with a letter. Key message of such a campaign should be something like these:
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu requires only a modest 384MB of RAM. Save on hardware by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is safe by design and thanks to its fast security updates. Save on anti-virus software by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is accompanied with thousands of easy-to-install and easy-to-update software programs. Save administration time by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
This campaign should consist of an USB stick accompanied with a letter. Key message of such a campaign should be something like these:
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu requires only a modest 384MB of RAM. Save on hardware by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is safe by design and thanks to its fast security updates. Save on anti-virus software by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
* "Do you know Windows is not a requirement to do business? Ubuntu is accompanied with thousands of easy-to-install and easy-to-update software programs. Save administration time by convincing yourself with the included USB stick!"
Solution #8:
Flyer campaign
Written by
stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 21:56.
This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
In this flyer campaign, Ubuntu community members can print flyers at home (or request free flyers in gloss paper via shipit). Next, they can give these flyers to other people or put them in people's mail boxes.
These flyers can look like this:
"Windows is no requirement - Your computer also can run Ubuntu, and maybe you even like it better"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or like this:
"Is your computer slow? Do not throw it away! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"Is your computer infected by a virus? Fix it by yourself! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"You hate computers? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"Computers are difficult for you? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
This is an advertising idea that belongs to Idea #20152. Please read that idea for a better understanding of this solution! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
In this flyer campaign, Ubuntu community members can print flyers at home (or request free flyers in gloss paper via shipit). Next, they can give these flyers to other people or put them in people's mail boxes.
These flyers can look like this:
"Windows is no requirement - Your computer also can run Ubuntu, and maybe you even like it better"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or like this:
"Is your computer slow? Do not throw it away! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"Is your computer infected by a virus? Fix it by yourself! Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"You hate computers? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Or this:
"Computers are difficult for you? Try Ubuntu!"
<vertical list of advantages>
<link to download page>
Solution #9:
Linux Foundation should create a Tux logo campaign for hardware
Written by
stoffel the 5 Jun 09 at 22:07.
This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
The Linux Foundation should create a Tux logo campaign for hardware devices to indicate Linux support. This campaign should be backed by all Linux distributions including Ubuntu.
This is NO advertising idea! Please look at my comment in the the original idea for more information (Idea #20152). Please do not vote here as this belongs in another category.
====
The Linux Foundation should create a Tux logo campaign for hardware devices to indicate Linux support. This campaign should be backed by all Linux distributions including Ubuntu.
Solution #10:
Ubuntu: Just ask for it!
Get everyone you know to simply ask for Ubuntu next time they enter a Big Box store. For example, they could ask, "This laptop is very nice. Do you have one that comes with Ubuntu on it?"
The Big Box stores claim there is no demand for Open Source and Linux. Why? Because no one goes into their stores and asks for it. Inform your friends a bit about Ubuntu and how stress-free it can make your PC, remind them to ask about it at their local Big Box store next time they're there. If they see the demand, they WILL respond.
Best of all, this kind of advertising is free!
Get everyone you know to simply ask for Ubuntu next time they enter a Big Box store. For example, they could ask, "This laptop is very nice. Do you have one that comes with Ubuntu on it?"
The Big Box stores claim there is no demand for Open Source and Linux. Why? Because no one goes into their stores and asks for it. Inform your friends a bit about Ubuntu and how stress-free it can make your PC, remind them to ask about it at their local Big Box store next time they're there. If they see the demand, they WILL respond.
Best of all, this kind of advertising is free!
Solution #11:
Provide free support to advertisers and vendors
I think it would be a great way to spread the word about Ubuntu if Canonical provided free commercial support or other perks to companies that are willing to advertise about Ubuntu or sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed. Doing a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" method would help keep payments low.
I think it would be a great way to spread the word about Ubuntu if Canonical provided free commercial support or other perks to companies that are willing to advertise about Ubuntu or sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed. Doing a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" method would help keep payments low.
Solution #12:
Web campaign perhaps supported by a youtube video
Written by
dailyrev the 2 Sep 09 at 08:11.
Show in detail the history of the Linux phenomenon in Netbooks and cheap PCs: a lean, versatile OS with a stable, light kernel finds a place in hardware that cannot support bloatware such as Apple's Leopard and Microsoft's Vista. Demonstrate the curiously coincidence in the timing of Linux's success in these areas with Cupertino's and Redmond's sudden decisions to scale down and refocus their OS development on function, leanness, and performance in a wide range of hardware. Allow people to see that there is more than coincidence in the Snow Leopard / Win 7 development revolution.
Show in detail the history of the Linux phenomenon in Netbooks and cheap PCs: a lean, versatile OS with a stable, light kernel finds a place in hardware that cannot support bloatware such as Apple's Leopard and Microsoft's Vista. Demonstrate the curiously coincidence in the timing of Linux's success in these areas with Cupertino's and Redmond's sudden decisions to scale down and refocus their OS development on function, leanness, and performance in a wide range of hardware. Allow people to see that there is more than coincidence in the Snow Leopard / Win 7 development revolution.
Solution #13:
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
Written by
hgibson the 12 Oct 09 at 07:15.
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
A suggested name for the website is:
http://books.ubuntu.com
A lot of work has been done by the Ubuntu/Debian communities. It would be a pity if there were no clear guide lines on how to get the books and CD's.
An introduction to the web site could be added to the installation slideshows !
Sorry for dup below. Our weblink went up and down.
Was not sure it was posted.
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
A suggested name for the website is: http://books.ubuntu.com
A lot of work has been done by the Ubuntu/Debian communities. It would be a pity if there were no clear guide lines on how to get the books and CD's.
An introduction to the web site could be added to the installation slideshows !
Sorry for dup below. Our weblink went up and down.
Was not sure it was posted.
Solution #14:
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
Written by
hgibson the 12 Oct 09 at 07:36.
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
A suggested name for the website is:
http://books.ubuntu.com
A lot of work has been done by the Ubuntu/Debian communities. It would be a pity if there were no clear guide lines on how to get the books and CD's.
An introduction to the web site could be added to the installation slideshows !
Create a website to advertise the help books and CD's.
A suggested name for the website is: http://books.ubuntu.com
A lot of work has been done by the Ubuntu/Debian communities. It would be a pity if there were no clear guide lines on how to get the books and CD's.
An introduction to the web site could be added to the installation slideshows !
Fingerprint readers integration
Ubuntu
In :
Priority : Low
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
Written by stgraber the 28 Feb 08 at 12:13.
Global category: System.
In development
Most business laptops and some of the end user ones too now include a fingerprint reader.
Those are perfectly possible to use on Linux either by using thinkfinger (IBM/Lenovo) or fprint (HP).
The various PAM modules for those should be installed by default or at least be easily installable and integrate correctly in the default desktop.
GDM, gksudo and the gnome screensaver would have to be modified in order to correctly support fingerprint readers.
That way the user would be able to login either by entering is password as usual or using his fingerprint.
1667
votes
2328
0
661
Selected solution (#1):
Auto-generated solution of idea #2
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!
47
votes
53
3
6
Selected solution (#2):
improve GDM with fingerprint reader option
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 .
10
votes
16
3
6
Selected solution (#3):
Fingerprint for Identification not Authorisation
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.
Check my hardware against application blackists BEFORE 'upgrading'
Written by r0g the 12 Jan 09 at 08:02.
Related project: Update manager .
New
My graphics hardware was added to the compiz hardware blacklist for the Intrepid release. Annoying asthis is I'm sure they had their reasons. Sadly though I had no idea about this until I 'upgraded' from Hardy and everything went bad without the possibility of undoing any of the changes.
Great.
Maybe the upgrade app could be made to check my (god damn!) hardware BEFORE 'upgrading' me.
In fact if ANY software blacklists ANY hardware should it not be standard practice to publish this info and have applications that do 'upgrading' check it first?
Roger.
PS.
To those smug people just dying to type 'you should have checked yourself before upgrading' really don't bother - my idea is to AUTOMATE SOMETHING THE COMPUTER CAN AND SHOULD DO FOR ME, not become a full time OS geek.
Solution #2:
Make the release notes more visible
Written by
ziroday the 14 Jan 09 at 11:50.
Before upgrading a system have a dialog box warning the user about regressions and a large link to the release notes so that they can check for any identified regressions against their hardware. It should also contain information on how to view what hardware you currently have (possibly through hardinfo or something similar).
Before upgrading a system have a dialog box warning the user about regressions and a large link to the release notes so that they can check for any identified regressions against their hardware. It should also contain information on how to view what hardware you currently have (possibly through hardinfo or something similar).
Solution #3:
Have Ubuntu check for incompatible hardware
Written by
Seph_VII the 14 Jan 09 at 21:14.
Before upgrading or installing Ubuntu, make it check an online(or on-cd, if installing from a LiveCD) blacklist of incompatible hardware. If incompatible hardware is found, make Ubuntu warn the user, and ask whether he/she still wants to continue.
Before upgrading or installing Ubuntu, make it check an online(or on-cd, if installing from a LiveCD) blacklist of incompatible hardware. If incompatible hardware is found, make Ubuntu warn the user, and ask whether he/she still wants to continue.
Solution #4:
Upgrade Advisor
Microsoft fixed this problem for vista, with an upgrade advisor tool that could be run before upgrading.
Basically, it could work by first scanning over your hardware and INSTALLED software and showing:
1) Which hardware still wont run in the new version (no known drivers)
2) Which hardware will not work in the new version of ubuntu yet (or have known issues, and tell the users in laymans terms what issues they may expect.) An example is bluetooth, which was completely broken in kubuntu 8.10.
Then it would scan over all installed programs, and show any apps that are known to have serious probs, require 3rd party patches to run in the new version, require updates from the repository, have known issues, or simply wont work at all. One example might be flash, which many users have installed, but had broken audio in 8.10. Users should be able to be warned before the upgrade that flash had problems (but there is no reason why users who don't have it installed should be told).
All information would be pulled live from an internet database, to provide the latest information in easy-to-understand terms.
These reports could also be used by computer retailers to show compatibility for ubuntu on different computers they are selling (or to help identify components that still need more work).
Microsoft fixed this problem for vista, with an upgrade advisor tool that could be run before upgrading.
Basically, it could work by first scanning over your hardware and INSTALLED software and showing:
1) Which hardware still wont run in the new version (no known drivers)
2) Which hardware will not work in the new version of ubuntu yet (or have known issues, and tell the users in laymans terms what issues they may expect.) An example is bluetooth, which was completely broken in kubuntu 8.10.
Then it would scan over all installed programs, and show any apps that are known to have serious probs, require 3rd party patches to run in the new version, require updates from the repository, have known issues, or simply wont work at all. One example might be flash, which many users have installed, but had broken audio in 8.10. Users should be able to be warned before the upgrade that flash had problems (but there is no reason why users who don't have it installed should be told).
All information would be pulled live from an internet database, to provide the latest information in easy-to-understand terms.
These reports could also be used by computer retailers to show compatibility for ubuntu on different computers they are selling (or to help identify components that still need more work).
Solution #5:
undo function
Written by
ruben the 26 Jan 09 at 21:09.
The function i have in mind is a simple undo of an update or even a package installation.
Unlike apt-get --perge remove it would also delete any unneaded dependancies simmilar to autoremove. However this would make it possible to install updates and then if it didn't work undo the change. Including any movement of files or changes in other files.
The problem i see with an upgrade advisor is that it can never actually say if it will work as only trial and error can. Or at least in most cases. Also it is very possible that the upgrade advisor does not have all the correct information for all systems and thus advises incorrectly. Furthermore advice given need to be based on information gather beforehand. Thus an easy undo feature would make upgrading a lot less risky.
It would be even better if this feature could some how be accessed from recovery mode or a live cd to repair if the system was rendered unboot able. This feature should be a used in conjunction with an upgrade advisor. Perhaps more as a long run solution
The function i have in mind is a simple undo of an update or even a package installation.
Unlike apt-get --perge remove it would also delete any unneaded dependancies simmilar to autoremove. However this would make it possible to install updates and then if it didn't work undo the change. Including any movement of files or changes in other files.
The problem i see with an upgrade advisor is that it can never actually say if it will work as only trial and error can. Or at least in most cases. Also it is very possible that the upgrade advisor does not have all the correct information for all systems and thus advises incorrectly. Furthermore advice given need to be based on information gather beforehand. Thus an easy undo feature would make upgrading a lot less risky.
It would be even better if this feature could some how be accessed from recovery mode or a live cd to repair if the system was rendered unboot able. This feature should be a used in conjunction with an upgrade advisor. Perhaps more as a long run solution
Solution #6:
Related with idea #3: Implement Smolt
Written by
torkiano the 30 Jan 09 at 20:45.
Smolt is a hardware profiler to enable users to submit their hardware profiles during installation.
Smolt, like PackageKit from Fedora is also a distribution neutral tool and collects stats anonymously and sends it to a central database.
It became clear quite quickly that it does not make sense to have a per-distro solution for that - if we want to have momentum with a hardware database a combined effort promises the most.
Fedora and Opensuse already implemented it.
See
http://smolts.org/
http://www.osnews.com/story/20621/Smolt_gets_adopted_by_openSUSE
Smolt is a hardware profiler to enable users to submit their hardware profiles during installation.
Smolt, like PackageKit from Fedora is also a distribution neutral tool and collects stats anonymously and sends it to a central database.
It became clear quite quickly that it does not make sense to have a per-distro solution for that - if we want to have momentum with a hardware database a combined effort promises the most.
Fedora and Opensuse already implemented it.
See http://smolts.org/
http://www.osnews.com/story/20621/Smolt_gets_adopted_by_openSUSE
Optimize OpenOffice.org Default Settings
Written by balleyne the 5 Mar 08 at 19:38.
Global category: Office.
Won't implement
OpenOffice.org is quite sluggish with its default settings. Every time I install Ubuntu, one of the first things I do is change the OpenOffice.org settings.
I usually change the settings as follows:
MEMORY - 30 steps, 128MB, 20 objects, 20MB per object
JAVA - Do not use Java
VIEW - Open GL, optimized output, dithering, refresh during interaction and hardware acceleration all ticked.
Without the View settings changed, running old powerpoint presentations in slideshow mode literally brings a dual core processor to a halt.
I'm not sure that the default settings should be exactly as described above because I'm not sure what ramifications that might have for other computers, but it seems to be that there is a lot of room for improvement in performance.
Developer comments
Changing the memory settings would increase the minimum memory needed to
run OpenOffice.org by quite a bit, which would not be good for lower end
machines. OpenOffice.org uses Java for most functionality not deemed
'core functionality' so by disabling Java many parts of OpenOffice.org
would not work. Also, changing the view settings leads to problems with
older systems and video cards that have buggy drivers.
The fact that some PowerPoint presentations take large amounts of cpu
power without the view settings changed is probably a bug. Also, the
poster on Ubuntu Forums that had mentioned using those settings
corrected his problems later mentioned that the changes didn't actually
help on all documents. So there are probably some bugs that still need
to be corrected in OpenOffice.org regarding these issues. If you see
issues like that it would be very useful to report them on Launchpad and
include a sample document exhibiting the problem.
Per application control of bandwidth
Ubuntu
In :
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee : Cedric Baudoin
Written by UBfusion the 3 Mar 08 at 20:48.
Global category: Internet & Networking.
New
In idea #2806 it was proposed to add a download cap to Synaptic.
I think that full control (and measurement) of the bandwidth for each application would be more flexible. You may think I'm crazy wanting to limit my bandwidth when the whole planet wants to increase it, but I think that the feature is much needed in the following cases:
- to control applications without built-in BW control (synaptic, firefox, etc)
- when the ISP imposes volume limits
- in places where one is accounted or monitored for traffic
- when the PC should not be seen uploading or downloading in an uncontrolled way (in schools, universities, work this will immediately trigger alarms)
Personally, on Windows I cannot live without Netlimiter, which apart from BW control has a very nice per-app firewall, displays charts, stats, connections and a lot of other vital info per network adapter.
Perhaps I'm describing a new utility rather than an Ubuntu idea, but since I don't know whether it is supported by the kernel and/or tcp/ip I have to post it as an Ubuntu networking idea.
Solution #1:
Auto-generated solution of idea #2849
Written by
UBfusion the 3 Mar 08 at 20:48.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2849 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 #2849 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!
Solution #2:
Add a Network tab to the System Monitor
The network tab would house a table which would have the following columns:
- local address/port
- foreign address/port
- type (dgram, stream)
- connected status
- send rate (kb/sec)
- total sent/received (kb)
- process
- user
This would be somewhat equivalent to the netstat command below:
sudo netstat -aepvc -t -u -w
The network tab would house a table which would have the following columns:
- local address/port
- foreign address/port
- type (dgram, stream)
- connected status
- send rate (kb/sec)
- total sent/received (kb)
- process
- user
This would be somewhat equivalent to the netstat command below:
sudo netstat -aepvc -t -u -w
Solution #3:
Use a separated application, e.g. wireshark
It is unlikely that system monitor could handle nearly as robust an analysis as an app dedicated specifically to network monitoring. Wireshark is dedicated to that purpose, and provides a very in-depth analysis of network traffic.
It is unlikely that system monitor could handle nearly as robust an analysis as an app dedicated specifically to network monitoring. Wireshark is dedicated to that purpose, and provides a very in-depth analysis of network traffic.
Solution #4:
Text Overlay
Written by
Basem the 16 Apr 09 at 04:03.
Add a text overlay on top of the network monitor that displays the name of the connected network.
Add a text overlay on top of the network monitor that displays the name of the connected network.
Compiz and OpenGL problems
Written by johan the 3 Mar 08 at 21:54.
Global category: Graphics.
In development
This is what I want:
I want to be able to mark applications "Not Compiz compatible" so that Compiz shuts down when I launch a game or some other 3D-heavy application. This is something I want to improve stability and performance for such applications.
Developer comments
This will be automatically fixed with the arrival of DRI2 and updated drivers. There is no point in adding a plugin or workaround like suggested. The caveat here is that the initial support for DRI2 is only for intel's i915 at the moment... maybe with i965 following shortly thereafter.
When the OpenSource drivers for ATI (radeon,radeonHD) and nVIDIA (nouveau) will support DRI2 is still unknown. But the only way to fix the mentioned bugs is via DRI2. There is not much action that can come from our (Canonical) side as we don't have any experienced upstream Xorg developer in our team.
1083
votes
1255
0
172
Selected solution (#1):
Auto-generated solution of idea #2876
Written by
johan the 3 Mar 08 at 21:54.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2876 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 #2876 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!
0
votes
0
0
0
Selected solution (#2):
Disable compiz automatically before using 3D apps/games
when compiz is enabled , every application/game that uses 3D acceleration slow down so much.
So i should disable compiz, play the 3D game, and the enable again compiz. Honestly, i just disabled compiz all the time.
So... what about, for a better desktop experience, make compiz disable everytime a 3D app is executed, and automatically enable it when it's ended ??
when compiz is enabled , every application/game that uses 3D acceleration slow down so much.
So i should disable compiz, play the 3D game, and the enable again compiz. Honestly, i just disabled compiz all the time.
So... what about, for a better desktop experience, make compiz disable everytime a 3D app is executed, and automatically enable it when it's ended ??
Kernel 2.6.25 for Hardy
Written by flounder the 24 Mar 08 at 15:26.
Global category: System.
Won't implement
1. There are deeply invasive performance/scalability/latency fixes for CFS regressions (vs. 2.6.24) in the 2.6.25 tree. These fixes are too invasive to be ported to the 2.6.24 kernel without significant risk.
2. Many of the driver updates/new drivers in the kernel-ubuntu package are merged into upstream as of 2.6.25. (This is always true, but the smaller the delta against upstream the better on release day).
3. Fedora 9 is based on 2.6.25 which means that key RH kernel developers are aggressively working to get the feature and performance/scalability regressions vs. 2.6.18 & 22 fixed.
4. The kgdb patch will probably be merged at the start of the 2.6.26 cycle which means the delta vs. 2.6.25 kernel should be pretty manageable. This would be really valuable from an LTS ongoing perspective.
5. The RT patch will be better maintained (and smaller) against 2.6.25. (see #3)
6. Better virtualization and SELinux support (see #3).
Given the life-cycle of an LTS release (especially this one which will finally have a meaningful chance to enter the data center) these considerations are especially important.
Obviously 2.6.25 would have to be in addition to 2.6.24 for the Hardy 8.04 LTS release time-frame, but it does allow the aforementioned benefits to be propagated forward.