Written by diegoj the 30 Dec 08 at 12:57.

Goal: integration on Nautilus of some common tasks.

Nautilus should perform these actions over removable devices (like pen drive and USB disks).

+ Basic tasks:
- Change the name of the disk.
- Format the disk with FAT, ext3, ext4 or NTFS.
- Show % of free space in disk.
- Perform a file system check or scandisk over the file system.
- Show hardware propierties: hardware company, etc.
- Clean hidden folders: .thumbnails, .trash, etc.

+ Advanced tasks:
- Encription of the disk.
- Make the disk have a quota (to warn users when using more space than configured).
- Make a USB live disk with Ubuntu.
- Make a backup of the disk.
- Index files for faster file searching.

All this tasks should be "centralized" in Nautilus to avoid using multiple programs to do them.

Goal: integration on Nautilus of some common tasks. Nautilus should perform these actions over removable devices (like pen drive and USB disks). + Basic tasks: - Change the name of the disk. - Format the disk with FAT, ext3, ext4 or NTFS. - Show % of free space in disk. - Perform a file system check or scandisk over the file system. - Show hardware propierties: hardware company, etc. - Clean hidden folders: .thumbnails, .trash, etc. + Advanced tasks: - Encription of the disk. - Make the disk have a quota (to warn users when using more space than configured). - Make a USB live disk with Ubuntu. - Make a backup of the disk. - Index files for faster file searching. All this tasks should be "centralized" in Nautilus to avoid using multiple programs to do them.

Written by asashnov the 14 Jan 09 at 02:54.

Those tasks:

* disk format
* change disk label
* disk backup
* check disk

1) is not related to "file management";
2) requires 'root' privelegues.

So it is better to implement it as separated application, some thing like "Disk Manager".

Those tasks: * disk format * change disk label * disk backup * check disk 1) is not related to "file management"; 2) requires 'root' privelegues. So it is better to implement it as separated application, some thing like "Disk Manager".

Written by torkiano the 14 Jan 09 at 06:43.

A New, Easy To Use Disk Formatter For GNOME

GParted is an excellent GNOME program for editing partitions, changing file-systems, and performing related disk tasks. However, GParted is not exactly the ideal program for new Linux users to familiarize themselves with if all they want to do is format a USB drive or external storage device. Fortunately, a new GNOME utility has come about that supersedes GFloppy and is designed to be a simple yet powerful disk formatting utility: GNOME Format.

Webpage: http://live.gnome.org/gnome-format

See a review here: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=gnome_format&num=1

A New, Easy To Use Disk Formatter For GNOME GParted is an excellent GNOME program for editing partitions, changing file-systems, and performing related disk tasks. However, GParted is not exactly the ideal program for new Linux users to familiarize themselves with if all they want to do is format a USB drive or external storage device. Fortunately, a new GNOME utility has come about that supersedes GFloppy and is designed to be a simple yet powerful disk formatting utility: GNOME Format. Webpage: http://live.gnome.org/gnome-format See a review here: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=gnome_format&num=1

Written by matsonfamily the 15 Jan 09 at 01:09.

I don't know how a frightening GParted would be to a new Ubuntu user compared to the Disk Management in microsoft's windows (c), but I think it would be a good tool to do these tasks.... I guess it would be a quick fix to just install it by default.

I don't know how a frightening GParted would be to a new Ubuntu user compared to the Disk Management in microsoft's windows (c), but I think it would be a good tool to do these tasks.... I guess it would be a quick fix to just install it by default.

Written by diegoj the 23 Jan 09 at 22:34.

It could be easy and useful to open Gparted on selecting some actions on Nautilus like "formatting USB pen-drive", or "changing the name of the disk".

Maybe a temporal solution to that problem.

It could be easy and useful to open Gparted on selecting some actions on Nautilus like "formatting USB pen-drive", or "changing the name of the disk". Maybe a temporal solution to that problem.

Written by diegoj the 26 Jan 09 at 15:36.

From the web of DeviceKit:
DeviceKit is a simple system service that a) can enumerate devices; b) emits signals when devices are added removed; c) provides a way to merge device information / quirks onto devices. It is designed to partially replace hal and overcome some of the design limitiations of hal. DeviceKit functionality is provided in the form of dbus services on the system bus.

NOTE: proposed by bpepple in comments.

From the web of <a href="http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/DeviceKit">DeviceKit</a>: DeviceKit is a simple system service that a) can enumerate devices; b) emits signals when devices are added removed; c) provides a way to merge device information / quirks onto devices. It is designed to partially replace hal and overcome some of the design limitiations of hal. DeviceKit functionality is provided in the form of dbus services on the system bus. NOTE: proposed by <a href="http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/contributor/bpepple/">bpepple</a> in comments.

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).

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.

Written by AndrewLuecke the 14 Jan 09 at 14:23.

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).

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

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

Written by kimchi314 the 29 Feb 08 at 00:08.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #273 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 #273 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 tighem the 28 Feb 08 at 17:24.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #95 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 #95 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 Martin1980 the 14 May 09 at 14:31.

Voice over bluetooth should be included by default when you installed Ubuntu. Regardless accessories / manufacturer.

Voice over bluetooth should be included by default when you installed Ubuntu. Regardless accessories / manufacturer.

Written by t4ggs the 15 Jan 09 at 21:06.

I've tried KTurtle and Little Wizard, never understood what I'm supposed to do.

I've tried KTurtle and Little Wizard, never understood what I'm supposed to do.

Written by timnwells the 15 Jan 09 at 23:50.

Improve the available development tools to aid new programmers. We need tools at the same sort of caliber as Visual Studio or the Mac dev tools with easy to use gui designers, good code completion and integrated debugging.
This would go a long way to encouraging new developers.

Improve the available development tools to aid new programmers. We need tools at the same sort of caliber as Visual Studio or the Mac dev tools with easy to use gui designers, good code completion and integrated debugging. This would go a long way to encouraging new developers.

Written by Primož Papič the 15 Jan 09 at 23:57.

I proposed this idea long ago and I think that it is an viable solution to this problem, even though that original solution tries to convey the same message, but it fails.
---
I'm rookie in Ubuntu and Linux, but I would like to get more
involved in process of developing and creating new programs
and applications for K/EDU/go/X-Ubuntu. But there is no really simple tutorial on how to learn basics of programming.
/EDIT: Let's say that I want to develop an application, so obviously I would go to Ubuntu site and look under development, but it there is no help for those that would like to start develop. The site should be similar to this site: http://techbase.kde.org/Development/Tutorials#Introduction_To_KDE_4_Programming

Where I could get all information on how to program in Ubuntu, plus it would be really great if on this site, there would be default IDE on which this programming would take place.

This would not be site for those who know what they're doing but for those that know no programming language, but would like to learn how to program.

I proposed <a href="http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/7933/" target="_blank">this idea</a> long ago and I think that it is an viable solution to this problem, even though that original solution tries to convey the same message, but it fails. --- I'm rookie in Ubuntu and Linux, but I would like to get more involved in process of developing and creating new programs and applications for K/EDU/go/X-Ubuntu. But there is no really simple tutorial on how to learn basics of programming. /EDIT: Let's say that I want to develop an application, so obviously I would go to Ubuntu site and look under development, but it there is no help for those that would like to start develop. The site should be similar to this site: http://techbase.kde.org/Development/Tutorials#Introduction_To_KDE_4_Programming Where I could get all information on how to program in Ubuntu, plus it would be really great if on this site, there would be default IDE on which this programming would take place. This would not be site for those who know what they're doing but for those that know no programming language, but would like to learn how to program.

Written by r0g the 20 Jan 09 at 22:31.

If you find c really boring then maybe programming is not for you. There are easier languages but it's not something you're ever going to be good at unless you have some enthusiasm for the subject because it goes deep. It's not inherently easy stuff either, this is why people spend thousands of dollars going to college or years of late nights to learn how to do it.

Ubuntu needs developers but they need to be half decent. A huge influx of total rookies wanting to program would be more hinderance than help what with all the hand holding the existing devs would have to do and the buggy/insecure/crappily commented code that would be generated.

There are plenty of ways to contribute to open source projects that don't involve writing code. If you do want to code you need patience, dedication and a very good reason. Even then it wouldn't be Ubuntu's job to teach you, especially as half the entire internet is made of coding tutorials and programming for Ubuntu is really no different than programming for Red Hat or Suse.

If you find c really boring then maybe programming is not for you. There are easier languages but it's not something you're ever going to be good at unless you have some enthusiasm for the subject because it goes deep. It's not inherently easy stuff either, this is why people spend thousands of dollars going to college or years of late nights to learn how to do it. Ubuntu needs developers but they need to be half decent. A huge influx of total rookies wanting to program would be more hinderance than help what with all the hand holding the existing devs would have to do and the buggy/insecure/crappily commented code that would be generated. There are plenty of ways to contribute to open source projects that don't involve writing code. If you do want to code you need patience, dedication and a very good reason. Even then it wouldn't be Ubuntu's job to teach you, especially as half the entire internet is made of coding tutorials and programming for Ubuntu is really no different than programming for Red Hat or Suse.

Written by diegoj the 21 Jan 09 at 00:33.

Easier than becoming a developper but sometimes twice as useful.

There are too much languages without 50% of basic translations.

I think is more important, easier and useful to reach more people than to "support" newbies to develop software.

Using Launchapad to translate packages and Ubuntu should be encouraged from ubuntu.com and as many ways as possible.

Easier than becoming a developper but sometimes twice as useful. There are too much languages without 50% of basic translations. I think is more important, easier and useful to reach more people than to "support" newbies to develop software. Using Launchapad to translate packages and Ubuntu should be encouraged from ubuntu.com and as many ways as possible.

Written by woutersamaey the 21 Jan 09 at 22:37.

As a professional developer myself, I'd love to help out, but cannot spend hours and hours reading everything before I can even start to do anything.
If someone were to point me in the right direction, and get me helping out right away (even if it's just minor tasks), I'd be more eager to take that step. Also, the "coach" should give us the feeling of working together with other devs, instead of sitting alone at a desk, working our buts off.

Personal and vocal contact is a important social aspect of motivating skilled people.

I understand it's hard to talk to every single person, but I believe it's the only way. Give it a try, plz.

As a professional developer myself, I'd love to help out, but cannot spend hours and hours reading everything before I can even start to do anything. If someone were to point me in the right direction, and get me helping out right away (even if it's just minor tasks), I'd be more eager to take that step. Also, the "coach" should give us the feeling of working together with other devs, instead of sitting alone at a desk, working our buts off. Personal and vocal contact is a important social aspect of motivating skilled people. I understand it's hard to talk to every single person, but I believe it's the only way. Give it a try, plz.

Written by calimer the 24 Jan 09 at 04:57.

Hi, I currently work on a project called Platinum Arts Sandbox which is a free easy to use 3D Game Maker for kids and adults. The software is currently being used in schools throughout the world, has appeared at several linux conferences, and at moddb is currently rated as one of the top 100 mods/games of the year out of over 5k (hoping to make the top 10 :D voting ends in Feb). I personally have used the software to teach kids at various schools and colleges. I have had work submitted to me by kids as young as 6. The kids have created some really awesome projects and Sandbox is only growing. We currently have several different game modes such as Save The Princess, RPG, sidescroller, machinima, kartmode, and more! The project is capable of making FPS and other adult games as well. For more information on what it is capable of please check out our webpage at http://kids.platinumarts.net. Especially useful should be this section:
http://kids.platinumarts.net/what-is-sandbox.html
Here is our popular tutorial video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g44Ww2bg2_E
Here is a video of kids enjoying Sandbox :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvy3h3z8cvw

Sandbox is a great way for anyone to start with since it is easy to edit since it is done in game in real time and it is open source. The compiling process is relatively simple as we've put a lot of work into making the project as easy to use as possible and hoping to expand it even further. Another big strength is being able to work on levels cooperatively with other people.

Hi, I currently work on a project called Platinum Arts Sandbox which is a free easy to use 3D Game Maker for kids and adults. The software is currently being used in schools throughout the world, has appeared at several linux conferences, and at moddb is currently rated as one of the top 100 mods/games of the year out of over 5k (hoping to make the top 10 :D voting ends in Feb). I personally have used the software to teach kids at various schools and colleges. I have had work submitted to me by kids as young as 6. The kids have created some really awesome projects and Sandbox is only growing. We currently have several different game modes such as Save The Princess, RPG, sidescroller, machinima, kartmode, and more! The project is capable of making FPS and other adult games as well. For more information on what it is capable of please check out our webpage at http://kids.platinumarts.net. Especially useful should be this section: http://kids.platinumarts.net/what-is-sandbox.html Here is our popular tutorial video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g44Ww2bg2_E Here is a video of kids enjoying Sandbox :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvy3h3z8cvw Sandbox is a great way for anyone to start with since it is easy to edit since it is done in game in real time and it is open source. The compiling process is relatively simple as we've put a lot of work into making the project as easy to use as possible and hoping to expand it even further. Another big strength is being able to work on levels cooperatively with other people. I also plan on making a section on the webpage that lists free development tools. As a note I do have several years of game development experience and my past project was the doom 3 coop mod last man standing at http://doom3coop.com The project won many awards which you can check out in the About section. I'm really hoping to make Sandbox the best I can for everyone :) Take care and thanks for reading all this :D -mike http://kids.platinumarts.net

Written by Primož Papič the 24 Jan 09 at 15:01.

This idea is totally strange, but it might work.
---
It would be nice to have a game where you would compile your own Linux kernel or customize your distro...
You know something similar to Need for Speed (the later versions) just instead of adding spinners to the car you would compile a kernel with some mods in it, do different scripts and so on...
And after you've done you would run the "virtual machine" and see what happens.

/The result could be a bit more fictitious like you kernel caused your computer to burn or caused a outbreak of plague somewhere...

This idea is totally strange, but it might work. --- It would be nice to have a game where you would compile your own Linux kernel or customize your distro... You know something similar to Need for Speed (the later versions) just instead of adding spinners to the car you would compile a kernel with some mods in it, do different scripts and so on... And after you've done you would run the "virtual machine" and see what happens. /The result could be a bit more fictitious like you kernel caused your computer to burn or caused a outbreak of plague somewhere...

Written by Warbo the 6 Feb 09 at 20:13.

Etoys is a programming environment, made in Squeak Smalltalk, which is object oriented, prototype-based (like Javascript), has drag-and-drop programming and allows everything (including the menus and everything!) to be inspected, edited, scripted, etc.

I would say that the hardest part of my programming journey so far was the jump between structured programming (a big list of instructions, conditions and loops, all acting on global variables) to object oriented programming (everything being 'objects' which contain properties and can tell each other things by running each others' methods). This was because it involved a big switch in the way I thought about programs. Once I understood OO programming then masses of libraries and things became available to me, but getting over that hurdle took some time.

Since object oriented programming is a more natural way of thinking than structured programming, I think it would be better to introduce an OO system first, rather than teach something which needs to be partially un-learned later. Etoys offers such a system, and gives instant graphical feedback for the scripts written. It's been used around the world, most notably on the One Laptop Per Child XO machines, showing that it's possible to have a full object oriented programming system understandable enough for children to pick up without prior experience with computers.

I propose that Etoys be promoted on official guides for those who want to start developing for Ubuntu, as a way forward for never-programmed-before users who want to become developers, followed by guides on how to apply knowledge of the Etoys programming environment to Python (Ubuntu's preferred development language).

Etoys is a programming environment, made in Squeak Smalltalk, which is object oriented, prototype-based (like Javascript), has drag-and-drop programming and allows everything (including the menus and everything!) to be inspected, edited, scripted, etc. I would say that the hardest part of my programming journey so far was the jump between structured programming (a big list of instructions, conditions and loops, all acting on global variables) to object oriented programming (everything being 'objects' which contain properties and can tell each other things by running each others' methods). This was because it involved a big switch in the way I thought about programs. Once I understood OO programming then masses of libraries and things became available to me, but getting over that hurdle took some time. Since object oriented programming is a more natural way of thinking than structured programming, I think it would be better to introduce an OO system first, rather than teach something which needs to be partially un-learned later. Etoys offers such a system, and gives instant graphical feedback for the scripts written. It's been used around the world, most notably on the One Laptop Per Child XO machines, showing that it's possible to have a full object oriented programming system understandable enough for children to pick up without prior experience with computers. I propose that Etoys be promoted on official guides for those who want to start developing for Ubuntu, as a way forward for never-programmed-before users who want to become developers, followed by guides on how to apply knowledge of the Etoys programming environment to Python (Ubuntu's preferred development language).

Written by David.ZA the 13 Feb 09 at 12:52.

Forum where projects could post for help and those that want to help could sign up. This could work for all facets of development including documentation, translation and of course programming.

In fact this very forum should provide a link to 'project' for the solutions proposed; and if those projects require volunteers.

Forum where projects could post for help and those that want to help could sign up. This could work for all facets of development including documentation, translation and of course programming. In fact this very forum should provide a link to 'project' for the solutions proposed; and if those projects require volunteers.

Written by codeslicer the 5 Mar 09 at 23:30.

Qt 4.5, recently released by Nokia, allows the development of single-source applications across all platforms.

Plus they recently added better Gtk integration (with Qt 4.5 which isn't available in the repos yet).

See http://doc.trolltech.com/4.5/images/gtk-style-screenshot.png.

Qt 4.5, recently released by Nokia, allows the development of single-source applications across all platforms. Plus they recently added better Gtk integration (with Qt 4.5 which isn't available in the repos yet). See http://doc.trolltech.com/4.5/images/gtk-style-screenshot.png.

Written by TeyeDoubleGuhRrr the 29 Feb 08 at 21:08.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #1826 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 #1826 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 teeks99 the 6 Apr 09 at 16:14.

I love the idea...I just watched Iron Man last weekend, and now I really want a "Jarvis" that will do what I tell it to do!

That said, getting the OS to support doing *everything* with voice commands doesn't sound like something that will be easy to accomplish anytime in the near future. I think this would be even better if it could be scoped down to a list of commands that it understands...like "open firefox. Open bookmark google mail", or "open amarok. start playlist recent songs".

Having just this simple kind of command support would open up all sorts of new uses for ubuntu. Imagine using your smart phone without having to type into a tiny keyboard, or navigate across a diminutive screen to find the program you want. Or imagine calling up your home PC over ekiga and saying "mythtv record show the office at 8pm"!

The possibilities are endless!

I love the idea...I just watched Iron Man last weekend, and now I really want a "Jarvis" that will do what I tell it to do! That said, getting the OS to support doing *everything* with voice commands doesn't sound like something that will be easy to accomplish anytime in the near future. I think this would be even better if it could be scoped down to a list of commands that it understands...like "open firefox. Open bookmark google mail", or "open amarok. start playlist recent songs". Having just this simple kind of command support would open up all sorts of new uses for ubuntu. Imagine using your smart phone without having to type into a tiny keyboard, or navigate across a diminutive screen to find the program you want. Or imagine calling up your home PC over ekiga and saying "mythtv record show the office at 8pm"! The possibilities are endless!

Written by Nanotron the 28 Feb 08 at 20:26.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #202 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 #202 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 loonyphoenix the 17 Jan 09 at 04:53.

As long as a person has physical access of a computer, he can do pretty much anything with it without any passwords -- by, for example, logging into a LiveCD and accessing the files on the disk directly. Unless the disk is encrypted, of course... but even then the data can be deleted and rewritten. The prompt for a password to access encrypted data cannot be skipped, of course.

Other than that, the security aspect of the need of a password prompt is moot. The other aspect is the need to be foolproof. If a prompt is necessary for some really dangerous manipulations which can lead to the user's computer being compromised or to breakage, a simple "Are you sure? This is an administrative task. It will do such and such and that would result in such and such" would be sufficient. Really, there's no need for a password if the user is already logged in -- he gave his password logging in, right?

For the rest, like tasks that are not really dangerous to the system (updating/upgrading the system is one of them), the prompt should not exist at all. As long as the user has the rights to carry out certain tasks, why should he prove he knows what he's doing at every turn?

If you are concerned that someone might wreak havoc when you left your computer logged in, you
1) are paranoid;
2) can lock the screen every time you leave the computer so that nobody can access it unless he (or she) is a registered user.

As long as a person has physical access of a computer, he can do pretty much anything with it without any passwords -- by, for example, logging into a LiveCD and accessing the files on the disk directly. Unless the disk is encrypted, of course... but even then the data can be deleted and rewritten. The prompt for a password to access encrypted data cannot be skipped, of course. Other than that, the security aspect of the need of a password prompt is moot. The other aspect is the need to be foolproof. If a prompt is necessary for some really dangerous manipulations which can lead to the user's computer being compromised or to breakage, a simple "Are you sure? This is an administrative task. It will do such and such and that would result in such and such" would be sufficient. Really, there's no need for a password if the user is already logged in -- he gave his password logging in, right? For the rest, like tasks that are not really dangerous to the system (updating/upgrading the system is one of them), the prompt should not exist at all. As long as the user has the rights to carry out certain tasks, why should he prove he knows what he's doing at every turn? If you are concerned that someone might wreak havoc when you left your computer logged in, you 1) are paranoid; 2) can lock the screen every time you leave the computer so that nobody can access it unless he (or she) is a registered user. If you are one of those uberparanoid guys who are afraid they might forget to lock the screen, you can (can you not?) set up a timer to lock the screen automatically after a period of inactivity. That's the same as sudo's 15-minute timeout.

Written by acidicX the 17 Jan 09 at 16:10.

The user can set a level of security password promts.

E.g., the desktop PC for the parents can use a low level, not much promts, but my laptop could have the normal level.

Maybe this could be implemented like this:
Low level: more programs added to the keyring and allowed uncontrolled access
High level: less programs on the keyring

The user can set a level of security password promts. E.g., the desktop PC for the parents can use a low level, not much promts, but my laptop could have the normal level. Maybe this could be implemented like this: Low level: more programs added to the keyring and allowed uncontrolled access High level: less programs on the keyring

Written by Primož Papič the 17 Jan 09 at 22:23.

make an fake root log in so that you can log in as root from your account.
OK there is sudo -s, but maybe we should need a GUI version.
So you would select switch users -> tadmiistration mode.
And the instead of logging of and back in as root, just run a background sudo -s, and since then on and until "log off" you would run all further applications and CLI commands as root.
I know this could bad if used wrongly. But when you're doing some elongated admin work you don't need to worry about sudo.
Even though the sudo takes awhile to "turn off" but some things can't be run as sudo, at least in KDE4.
Yes all powerful KDE lacks a feature: Like Dolphin edit as root, or same thing for any other app. Or just Kubuntu dosen't have that option, I can't say...

make an fake root log in so that you can log in as root from your account. OK there is sudo -s, but maybe we should need a GUI version. So you would select switch users -> tadmiistration mode. And the instead of logging of and back in as root, just run a background sudo -s, and since then on and until "log off" you would run all further applications and CLI commands as root. I know this could bad if used wrongly. But when you're doing some elongated admin work you don't need to worry about sudo. Even though the sudo takes awhile to "turn off" but some things can't be run as sudo, at least in KDE4. Yes all powerful KDE lacks a feature: Like Dolphin edit as root, or same thing for any other app. Or just Kubuntu dosen't have that option, I can't say...

Written by Primož Papič the 17 Jan 09 at 22:28.

OK I'm just proposing this idea, I'm not sure if Kiosk even has this feature.
But if I understand Kiosk is an run environment for a app, so you could theoretically run Kiosk as sudo and run an app as root.
But the bad thing is that Kiosk is per one app only.

If someone know more about this solution please comment.
Until then I'll vote it 0.

OK I'm just proposing this idea, I'm not sure if Kiosk even has this feature. But if I understand Kiosk is an run environment for a app, so you could theoretically run Kiosk as sudo and run an app as root. But the bad thing is that Kiosk is per one app only. If someone know more about this solution please comment. Until then I'll vote it 0.

Written by natureflow the 19 Jan 09 at 18:44.

"Remember Authorization" is a nice feature of Policykit. If you already have the authorization and you are already in an (local) session, you do not need any extra authentication.

"Remember Authorization" is a nice feature of Policykit. <!-- You only need a authentication to grant a authorization. --> If you already have the authorization and you are already in an (local) session, you do not need any extra authentication.

Written by natureflow the 19 Jan 09 at 19:05.

Do it like GNOME Keyring. If you already are authenticated by login as an admin you only need to click on "allow" or "cancel" to grant an authorization, no password needed. You can combine this with solution #6 (Remember Authorization).

This solution has a better security than a solution with a password dialog, because any application could ask for the password.

Do it like GNOME Keyring. If you already are authenticated by login as an admin you only need to click on "allow" or "cancel" to grant an authorization, no password needed. You can combine this with solution #6 (Remember Authorization). This solution has a better security than a solution with a password dialog, because any application could ask for the password.

Written by pestsov the 20 Jan 09 at 22:54.

There must be an option to change the time sudo doesn't appear
(now the time exists, but you can't change it).
for example from 0s up to 3min

There must be an option to change the time sudo doesn't appear (now the time exists, but you can't change it). for example from 0s up to 3min

Written by AndrewLuecke the 27 Jan 09 at 11:06.

Typing in your password might be pain for some people, but having alternate authentication methods such as smart cards, fingerprint scanners and such to make it easier.

Surely nobody can can complain about having to have their fingerprint scanned even 10 times in 1 hour. Its seriously effortless.

Typing in your password might be pain for some people, but having alternate authentication methods such as smart cards, fingerprint scanners and such to make it easier. Surely nobody can can complain about having to have their fingerprint scanned even 10 times in 1 hour. Its seriously effortless.

Written by AndrewLuecke the 27 Jan 09 at 11:19.

If there was a mechanism in place to allow users to install packages, that don't require root functionality into their home directory like Windows, OSX, or almost any other OS (install it in ~/data/usr/* for instance) , then users wont need to type in their password in to install many applications.

Furthermore, it increases security as users could choose to install all programs without root privileges, so the only user they can damage by default, is the users own.

Installing applications is probably one of the biggest reasons admin privilages are needed. But by allowing applications to be installed locally, less password typing is needed.

If there was a mechanism in place to allow users to install packages, that don't require root functionality into their home directory like Windows, OSX, or almost any other OS (install it in ~/data/usr/* for instance) , then users wont need to type in their password in to install many applications. Furthermore, it increases security as users could choose to install all programs without root privileges, so the only user they can damage by default, is the users own. Installing applications is probably one of the biggest reasons admin privilages are needed. But by allowing applications to be installed locally, less password typing is needed.

Written by amar the 31 Jan 09 at 21:21.

keep the current functionality but explain to the user why it is asking every time.

The system is ensuring that you are actually a admin (and haven't wandered of and let someone else play with your computer).

The system is also letting you know that you are dealing with system admin things and is making sure that you are aware that what you are doing could potentially be harmful.

keep the current functionality but explain to the user why it is asking every time. The system is ensuring that you are actually a admin (and haven't wandered of and let someone else play with your computer). The system is also letting you know that you are dealing with system admin things and is making sure that you are aware that what you are doing could potentially be harmful.

Written by bzhboy the 19 Mar 09 at 02:04.

When a call to sudo, gksudo or kdesudo for the first time the dialog is prompted for the password as usual. Then an icon with a countdown appears in the sytem tray, with a temporary notification like "Time remaining in admin mode".
Each time a new call to either sudo, gksudo or kdesudo is performed before the countdown comes to zero, no dialog window appears and the superusers priviledges are granted (with eventually a dialog like "grant admin priviledges to application [name of application], yes/no)".
If the user make a (right?) click on the countdown, show the options :
-quit admin mode now
-give me more time... (then open a window where user choose the duration)
-set admin mode default duration...(then open a window where user choose the duration)

When a call to sudo, gksudo or kdesudo for the first time the dialog is prompted for the password as usual. Then an icon with a countdown appears in the sytem tray, with a temporary notification like "Time remaining in admin mode". Each time a new call to either sudo, gksudo or kdesudo is performed before the countdown comes to zero, no dialog window appears and the superusers priviledges are granted (with eventually a dialog like "grant admin priviledges to application [name of application], yes/no)". If the user make a (right?) click on the countdown, show the options : -quit admin mode now -give me more time... (then open a window where user choose the duration) -set admin mode default duration...(then open a window where user choose the duration)

Written by tighem the 28 Feb 08 at 17:22.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #94 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 #94 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 loldrup the 13 May 08 at 09:42.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #8466 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 #8466 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!