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Contributor zelut

Fix Suspend and Hibernate   forum
Written by tighem the 28 Feb 08 at 17:22. Global category: System. Not an idea
Suspend and hibernate still seems to be a big issue based on forum posts.

Developer comments
“Fix suspend and hibernate” is not an idea; it is not something that a developer could ever mark as “Implemented”. Suspend and hibernate work for many machines, and making them work for more machines is a matter of fixing individual bugs, not of implementing an idea.

This page has (as shown by the “Mix of improvements” suggestion, and the highly varied “duplicate” ideas) become a vortex for many unrelated ideas. Some of these ideas are good, and some are not so good. They should be separated out and voted on individually.

—mpt
7476
votes
closed
Solution #1: With proprietary drivers
Written by tighem the 28 Feb 08 at 17:22.
Really focus on fixing it, even with proprietary drivers.
78
votes
closed
Solution #3: Mix of improvements + Solution #1 (letting the user choose)
Written by franco.valoppi the 26 Aug 09 at 03:47.
I think that even using proprietary driver may make it more compatible, always let the user to choose.

On the other hand I have some other ideas to improve performance (probably already implemented):
- Memory trim and garbage collection, before hitbernating.
- Memory Defrag.
- Exclude System Prefetched data from hibernate files. I mean memory used with programs already closed but still in memory in the case you want to open them again.
-31
votes
closed
Solution #4: Add an idle option
Written by qwerty800 the 19 Sep 09 at 14:54.
As a temporary solution, we should add an "idle" option to ubuntu.

Since suspend and hibernate both invole creating a system image and storing it in the ram/in the swap, until we fix this, we need to find another alternative to this.

The only alternative remaining is to leave your computer open during all the night!

Well, my idea is to add an "Idle" option, that would:
-Suspend most of the programs
-Lower the CPU clocking (If possible)
-Lower the fan speed (If possible, trying to emit the less noise possible)
-Lower the HDD speed (If possible)
-Lock the screen

That way, we could still avoid energy wasting, while waiting for a working sleep mode.
136
votes
closed
Solution #5: we should have a progress hibernating bar in lucid lynx
Written by slsolaris the 5 Nov 09 at 22:45.
a progress bar is more intuitive than a black screen, nothing else to add
99
votes
closed
Solution #6: don't ask for password after wake up (optionally)
Written by yzarc the 9 Nov 09 at 20:33.
don't ask for password after wake up (optionally).
I'd like to open the lit and have my system ready to use.
-32
votes
closed
Solution #7: Create solid aternative for laptops where suspend/hibernate doens't work.
Written by FeraTech the 21 Mar 10 at 04:47.
For those laptops where suspend and hibernate do not work Ubuntu should automatically default to an alternative.

A good solution would be to simply have the previous state stored onto the hard drive including all running applications. The laptop would boot normally and all of the previous state would just be stored and controlled by the operating system.
30
votes
closed
Solution #8: Don't allow suspend/sleep on Laptops where it doesn't work!
Written by DrWig the 23 Apr 10 at 08:48.
If hibernate/suspend doesn't work, have Ubuntu disable the option, so it doesn't try until a new version/potential fix is released.
-27
votes
closed
Solution #9: Disable suspend/hibernate by default
Written by decumanus the 3 Aug 10 at 19:02.
This is a solution of despair. Function that fails on half of all computers should not be enabled by default. Do not pretend we are able to do what we cannot.
I lost many minutes of work just by accidental pressing sleep button. Sorry.
10
votes
closed
Solution #10: investigate why suspend works in other distros and not ubuntu
Written by DonnyDonNothin the 22 Nov 10 at 15:36.
investigate why suspend works in other distros and not ubuntu. 's2ram -f' in another distro works flawlessly, but what ever ubuntu uses causes my touchpad to freeze. ask the community to contribute to a list of what hardware and applications work in suspend. much like the voting system here. for example:
XXX touchpads freezing after suspend +6 votes
window contents lost on ati drivers +X votes
0
votes
closed
Solution #12: Hibernate light
Written by xer0 the 23 Mar 11 at 17:56.
Boot as normal and just restore the state of the X desktop.
Saving the state is already supported in X but not present as an option in the Ubuntu menus (at least i cant find it).

This would provide an alternative for people who has hardware related problems with hibernate.

See the 280 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Oct 11 at 15:10) >>

Unmount resolution  
Written by Vivien the 28 Feb 08 at 16:35. Global category: System. Not an idea
When someone wants to unmount a volume and the mount point is used, he gets a message telling him that the volume can't be unmounted because an application uses it. The user has no idea which application is actually using it and can't remove the device.

I propose that the popup tells him which application(s) is(are) using the device and propose to terminate them (that list should be kept up to date when the app. dies).

Developer comments
Upstream bug (GNOME #528559) has a patch in discussion. Volunteering to work on it.
4881
votes
closed
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #72
Written by Vivien the 28 Feb 08 at 16:35.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #72 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!
35
votes
closed
Solution #2: Unmount timer
Written by Aphoxema the 23 Sep 08 at 15:26.
Since mounting and unmounting a filesystem over and over again is less hazardous than removing an unmounted filesystem, wouldn't it be as simple as having USB devices unmount automatically after so many minutes without use?

Unmounting any USB drives after, say, 5 minutes without use (by default that is, the option to change it should be available somewhere) would make accidental unplugging less of a risk. It would protect the user, it wouldn't make it all that difficult to mount the filesystem again when it was needed, and it's just damn easy to implement.

See the 42 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 31 Jul 11 at 01:37) >>

Provide a simple graphical interface to manage _any_ type of network connection  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Medium
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
spec
Written by Alan Pope the 28 Feb 08 at 13:50. Global category: Internet & Networking. In development
A single unified tool should be provided which allows the user to connect to a network (or internet) via any supported method. It would also be useful to provide an extension to this tool to manage firewall rules and network connection sharing.

Developer comments
We’re currently designing this graphical interface, with the Internet connection part powered by ConnectionManager.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/NetworkSettings

—mpt
8497
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#1): Single Unified Network Tool
Written by Alan Pope the 28 Feb 08 at 13:50.
A single unified tool should be provided which allows the user to connect to a network (or internet) via any supported method. It would also be useful to provide an extension to this tool to manage firewall rules and network connection sharing.
113
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#2): Add functionality for configuring multiple IP addresses to Network Manager GUI
Written by sanketmedhi the 30 Apr 09 at 13:52.
There should be a functionality in Network Manager to configure multiple IP addresses for the same network interface.

This is mainly to make the system more user friendly especially for non-technical users and in par with other systems.
64
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#3): Create context-sensitive help for network setup
Written by dbneeley the 28 Apr 09 at 04:57.
A simple, context-sensitive help file could explain what the various fields and options mean in simple terms so that new users can more quickly and accurately understand what they are being asked to do.
83
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#5): Implement concurrent connections to NetworkManager
Written by neziric the 24 Apr 09 at 14:26.
It would be great if one could be connected to Internet using ppp0 and LAN using eth0 at the same time (or even eth0 and eth1, etc...).
69
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#6): Add "Automatically connect to VPN..." option to wireless network settings
Written by nickpick the 29 May 09 at 18:54.
Add a drop-down list (or another similar way) allowing the user to select a VPN network he wants to connect to automatically -once the connection with the specified, not just any, WiFi network- has been established.

Example:

+ Automatically connect to VPN...
-- none (default)
-- University_VPN_Example
-- Corporate_VPN_Example
-- Home_server_VPN-Example
42
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#7): Allow network connection categories
Written by timnwells the 4 Jun 09 at 03:51.
Allow network connections to be put into categories so services/shares can be enabled and disabled based on category. So that I can share directories and media at home but not work or public networks.
55
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#8): Easy windows domain support
Written by timnwells the 4 Jun 09 at 03:54.
Make it easy to connect to and use the features of windows domains which are common in a lot of offices. Including authentication and shared directories.
Perhaps on the login screen detect the fact that the currently active network connection has a domain associated and allow authentication to that as an option.
41
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#9): Detect networked media applications
Written by timnwells the 4 Jun 09 at 04:05.
Detect media shares on a network os independantly and allow for streaming from shared media sources such as windows media player/center or rhythmbox/amarok/totem/etc
64
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#10): Windows 7 "Homegroup" compatibility
Written by timnwells the 4 Jun 09 at 04:11.
Add the ability for ubuntu computers to participate in the new Windows 7 homegroups and have access to the functionality the "Homegroup" provides.
66
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#11): Sharing Internet and network configuration automatically.
Written by nq6 the 13 Aug 09 at 02:39.
#view the outline of the idea.

Ubuntu - Idea

The new user can not share your internet with other computers or put two computers with Ubuntu in a network easily.

Below is the commands for the user to perform these tasks. This is not simple for a new user. Install packages, use the terminal, set the ip manually, type in the link of the Nautilus Ip of the other machine.

#commands to the two computers
sudo apt-get install samba system-config-samba

#commands to the computer that shares the Internet
sudo su
modprobe iptable_nat
echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward
iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o eth1 -j MASQUERADE

#command to view the other ubuntu in the network - the PC 1
sudo su
ifconfig eth0 192.168.0.2 up
smb://192.168.0.1/

#command to view the other ubuntu in the network - the PC 2
sudo su
ifconfig eth0 192.168.0.1 up
smb://192.168.0.2/

Who has two network devices, you want to share internet and create a network between two PCs, it has to be experienced and know many commands. This is not ideal. The Ubuntu aims to ease.
-16
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#13): Create something like in Win XP
Written by viejoyoda the 13 Feb 10 at 14:54.
Last time i have to connect two computers with a regular ethernet cable, was really imposible to share internet and folders... finally i have to restart from my windows xp partition and then apply the network configuration assistant, it was like 20 secs. for success!!!
Regular users don't have to manage a cybercafe or protect a meil server or a bank from "attacks", why is it so difficult!
By the way it could be useful to choose between "network-manager" and "wicd". I prefer Wicd.

See the 122 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Jul 11 at 12:30) >>

Enable OpenID for Ubuntu Sites  
Launchpad itself

In :  
Priority : Essential
Definition : Approved (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Implemented
Assignee : Francis J. Lacoste
spec
Written by redyaky the 28 Feb 08 at 14:22. Global category: Others. In development
Allow users to log into Ubuntu Forums and other Ubuntu sites (such as ubuntu brainstorm) using their OpenID.

Developer comments
Work is being done along to make that possible (though I don't know an ETA).
First step: the Fridge (http://fridge.ubuntu.com ) is now using Launchpad authentification via OpenID.
2655
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #9
Written by redyaky the 28 Feb 08 at 14:22.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #9 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!

See the 27 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 May 11 at 16:11) >>

Professional-looking bootloader  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :

Mentorship is available if you want to fix this bug.
spec
forum
Written by Murrquan the 28 Feb 08 at 14:42. Global category: Look and Feel. Implemented
Ubuntu's bootloader is a stark black and white screen, filled with confusing options. It gives newbies a moment of indecision, as they try to figure out if they are supposed to choose something, and wonder why there are three or four Ubuntus listed. Then the timer finishes counting down (starting from 10), and the newb begins to feel like he's getting in over his head as his PC boots into Ubuntu.

Too much information up front, stark text-only display, painfully long countdown timer.
5944
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Create an attractive boot loader with grubgfx
Written by Murrquan the 28 Feb 08 at 14:42.
Create an attractive boot loader with grubgfx that requires minimal user input and does not scare away new users. If that doesn't work then use Fedora's Plymouth
524
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Use Plymouth and the latest GDM for a faster and smoother boot up.
Written by vs8 the 14 Jan 09 at 15:59.
openSUSE and Fedora 10 feature more elaborate art than Ubuntu, I'm not talking about the colors they choose, because I like the Ubuntu colors, it's the art style.

One thing they got right is the boot up. Those distros boot very smooth and they look professional, Ubuntu looks rushed, plain and ugly.

I've seen Fedora boot, and the new plymouth thing rocks, Ubuntu should use it too. It's way better than the actual ugly usplash.

The other thing is the GDM, Ubuntu uses a very old GDM, which is slow. At least on my PC (AMD Phenon 9600 Quad Core, 4gb RAM). The new GDM is smoother, faster and it works fine.

In short, Ubuntu needs eye candy, from boot up to shut down it will attract more people, I guarantee it.

What is Plymouth?

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=fedora_plymouth&num=1

0
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Put a Motion Splashscreen on ubuntu
Written by Felix-Valentine the 12 Jul 09 at 17:26.
to better the user experience, ubuntu should have an animated Splash Screen. a (mini Video) playing, showing the Ubuntu Logo and then a smooth overpass from the splash screen to the loging screen.
330
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Ubuntu Grub Backround
Written by MattFinck21 the 21 Jun 09 at 07:18.
i was thinking that ubuntu team should design an default ubuntu grub backround for future releases..or atleast add them to the current ones. after all it would go nice after seeing the linux mint did that.
9
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Design a GUI to help with the process of changing the image
Written by Rodrigo the 12 Jul 09 at 15:31.
Let's stay with the black screen or maybe a screen, but just one to begin with, then with the use of a GUI (the user can download it from the servers) be able to change it without needing to go to the console.
Everybody likes to customize his machine sooner or later.
516
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Use BURG with GRUB 2
Written by tommis the 7 Jan 10 at 02:02.
BURG is a program based-on Grub 2,BURG uses new menu list,screen layout and shortcut keys that all easily customized.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Also see - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burg
-81
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): Installation Option
Written by puzzler995 the 18 Jan 10 at 20:27.
In installation have an option of using either BURG or GRUB with GRUB the Default Option
48
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): Just make grub2 better
Written by lokster the 3 Feb 10 at 14:13.
The developers must make grub2 better. Why use another new and in early development bootloader, while there is already a good one?
Just make the good one even better.

See the 122 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 May 11 at 11:30) >>

Post-install windows migration  
Written by Alan Pope the 28 Feb 08 at 14:39. Global category: Installation. New
Whilst it's possible to use the "migration" tool in Ubiquity (the live installer for ubuntu) during the installation to migrate settings over, there seems to be no way to do this _after_ the system has been installed.

It should be possible to pick the migration functionality out of Ubiquity and make it a standalone application which a user could run over and over (as necessary) to migrate the current setup on their Windows partition into their Ubuntu partition.

A further useful feature would be a "delete windows" option which makes it easier for people to fully migrate from Windows. It should find the Windows partitions and (after confirmation/checking) delete them, reformat them and add them to Ubuntus storage. Either via LVM, or by massaging the partitions, or even adding the space under some mount point.
198
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #19
Written by Alan Pope the 28 Feb 08 at 14:39.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #19 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!
43
votes
up equal down
Solution #2: Provide access to windows partition to select files & folders.
Written by mtod1 the 14 Feb 09 at 07:07.
Ubuntu could provide a file manager (of sorts) for users to select folders and files within the Windows partition for import over to the Linux partition. Users could select where each folder and files would be imported to. For example Windows My Documents could be selected to be imported to Ubuntu's Documents folder, Windows mp3's over to the Ubuntu music folder etc.

A tmp location on the Linux partition could be created for Windows files to be stored while the Ubuntu installation continues.

Also, it might be worthwhile for Ubuntu to offer to save the entire Windows installation to a specific location for users to later cut 'n' past their files over to Linux as they see fit.
8
votes
up equal down
Solution #3: Store Windows Partition As File On Ubuntu Side
Written by zephyrcat the 15 Feb 09 at 03:54.
If the user chooses to wipe out the Windows side, they could select an option to copy their Windows partition to an image file or something on their Linux side, so that as they moved files in to their new locations or deleted them, they would automatically regain the hard drive space.
2
votes
up equal down
Solution #4: Application to import Migration file
Written by anantshri the 17 Jun 10 at 21:04.
an application that can read and extract valuable information from the windows MIG file. File output from user state migration or windows easy share.

there should be a ubuntu native application to do this task.


See the 6 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Apr 11 at 08:57) >>

Clean up Preferences and Administration.  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
spec
forum
Written by writser the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49. Global category: System. Implemented
First of all: What is the difference between Preferences and Administration? For example: why do I see 'Encryption and Keyrings' in Preferences and 'Keyring Manager' in Administration? What is the difference between 'Default Printer' and 'Printing'? Why do I have to disable the Tracker under Sessions and not under Search and Indexing? And why are these menu's so large? I have 24 items in Preferences (they don't even fit on my screen!) and 18 items in Administration. To put all this stuff in a popup menu is bad interface design imho. Besides, the number of option should be much smaller. A few suggestions:

Below are all settings I can visit via the System menu. This is just way too much.


-- Preferences --
Universal Access
About Me
Appearance
Bluetooth
Default Printer
Encryption and Keyrings
Keyboard
Keyboard Shortcuts
Main Menu
Mouse
Network Proxy
PalmOS Devices (I don't have one)
Power Management
Preferred Applications
Remote Desktop
Removable Drives and Media
SCIM Input Method Setup (What is this?)
Screen Resolution
Screensaver

[....]

Developer comments
* 'Screens and Graphics' has been dropped in favor of just 'Screen Resolution'
6065
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Merge the following
Written by writser the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49.
The following changes could be done

- Merge 'Screensaver', 'Screen Resolution' and 'Screens and Graphics'. -- Already Done.
- Merge 'Network', 'Network Proxy' and 'Network Tools'.
- Merge 'Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, Software Sources'.
- Merge 'Encryption and Keyrings', 'Authorizations', 'Keyring Manager'.
120
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Fedora 10 inspired solution
Written by yule the 18 Jan 09 at 17:28.
I believe the "Preferences" and "Administration" sub-menus of the "System" menu should be re-structured similarily to "Fedora 10", splitting the items into categories of interest: Look and Feel, Input Devices etc.

Also, but this is probably a generic Gnome defect, items like "Screensaver", "Appearance", "Screen Resolution" should be merged together.
-153
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Most important things in Preferences/Administration and everything in control p.
Written by jeypeyy the 18 Jan 09 at 21:05.
Put the most important things that a user will need in Preferences and Administration. If the user want to change less important stuff he/she could go to System->'control panel' where the user can change everything that is configurable.

What I mean with important is something like "screen resolution" while "Sun java 6 policy tool" is less important.
75
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Add a shortcut to the gnome-control-center in the system menu
Written by c0p3rn1c the 6 Feb 09 at 15:33.
I'm not asking to remove the existing shortcuts in the system menu just to add a shortcut to the gnome-control-center, this makes it much easier for beginners to find what they are looking for. Especially when users are coming from Windows or Mac they are used to a having a control center.

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

Please try the gnome-control-center menu before you vote against it.
It's really a matter of choosing increasing usability over the possible redundancy issue.
191
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): All in one Gnome Control Center
Written by dael99 the 14 Feb 09 at 00:56.
All the administration task should be done in the Gnome control center, but nowdays it's just a launcher for gnome-conf apps.

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

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


(also we save some space on the gnome pannel)

85
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Restructure the menu similarly to the Control Center
Written by JimmyVolatile the 10 Feb 09 at 22:48.
Make a nice submenu structure following exactly the category structure of the Gnome Control Center.

Like this: http://www.box.net/shared/9xuzp9tym7
-110
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): More System submenus
Written by cousteau the 12 Feb 09 at 20:14.
Instead of just "Preferences" and "Administration", add more submenus (for example: "Preferences", "Hardware", "Look and feel", "Administration"). Like Solution #1 but using submenus instead of sub-submenus.
109
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): Simply use the Gnome Control Center instead...
Written by JimmyVolatile the 10 Feb 09 at 22:53.
It's by far the most newbie-friendly compared to the existing menu.

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

Furthermore, it can easily be expanded with new items without risking an even more crowded menu.
18
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Restructure the System menu similarly to the Control Center
Written by Endolith the 9 Mar 09 at 14:35.
Like solution #6, except without sub-sub-menus. Just put "Personal", "Look and feel", etc. directly under the System menu.

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

http://library.gnome.org/devel/hig-book/stable/menus-types.html.en#menu-type-su bmenu
61
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#10): Grouping of the listings.
Written by wish the 5 Mar 09 at 19:25.
1. For example, the Network configurations, Network Proxy and Remote Desktop can be grouped under a single listing Network.
2. Similarly, Compiz Settings Manager, Appearance, Emerald, Screen Saver, Screen Resolution, Windows etc can be grouped under GUI or some other better name.
3. Bluetooth, Printer, Mouse, Palm, etc can be grouped under devices.

Preferences and Administration should also get the option to be open in separate windows where they will not be cluttered.
67
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#11): Subdivide System -> Preferences menu in categories
Written by amrlima the 2 Mar 09 at 20:30.
Fedora has a very elegant solution for this. They divide the menu in categories such as "Look and Feel" etc.

It really keeps the menu clean and it's easier to find what you are looking for.
105
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#12): Create a visible acces to Gnome Control Center (gnome-control-center)
Written by razor7 the 3 Mar 09 at 15:04.
Use the Gnome Control Center. The problem is that most users (like me) not even know that this cool Control Center even exists...Make it more visible and improve it
68
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#13): Merge many similar configs into a few good ones
Written by Xero Xenith the 3 Mar 09 at 16:08.
10
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#14): Unified menu for all settings
Written by probono the 4 Mar 09 at 22:09.
The separation between system-wide and per-user settings is not necessary. Neither Windows nor Mac OS X have this kind of separation, as it confuses the user more than it helps. I've observed many people to constantly search for a setting in the wrong menu, because nobody remembers in which menu a certain setting is. Hence, I propose to unify all settings in just one menu, as demonstrated in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF2-JHF6v10

Also, the number of menu items should be brought down by combining multiple of these that fall under the same topic, as it is done in Mac OS X. For example, "Keyboard" and "Keyboard Shortcuts" could be tabs of the same panel. The same is true for "Software Sources" and "Synaptic Pagage Manger", to name just two examples.
-47
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#15): Split System (Admin and Preferences) up into sub-menus
Written by James_Lochhead the 1 Apr 09 at 21:00.
Group similar entries into sub-menus. On average it would be easier to find things, the menus would look less cluttered and the menus would display well on lower resolutions.

I recently had a go at Fedora 10 (went back to Ubuntu within 10 minutes!) and the menus were implemented this way on Fedora.
-64
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#16): Make the Menus Self learning
Written by hariks0 the 7 Apr 09 at 18:37.
If the menu preference could be set in a way that only the recent or frequent items are shown and the others only after a preset delay. Also the "Edit Main Menu" could be used to eliminate the unwanted items from popping up [by the user].

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

My third suggestion is to open the two menu items of"System" tabbed in to a window named "Preferences" the other "Administration". The applets/ items could be represented by icons and in alphabetical order.
990
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#17): Develop according to the examples below
Written by nq6 the 24 May 09 at 21:35.
Below I developed some screens to explain better my idea.

Reduce the number of options available to facilitate the choice by the user. Decrease from 39 to 16 items.
idea nq6

Scheme simplification.
01

idea of how many icons can become one. view of the behavior of windows with the merger of these icons.
02

overview of the idea. In this picture you can see the whole blueprint at once.
03a

Simplify the menu to facilitate usability. Below the simulation of how the menu of Ubuntu can be. Much simpler, less polluted Visually, and easier to find what you want.
04

The Ubuntu is an excellent system, more needs to move forward in some areas. One is the simplification of the options that the user faces. The current options make Ubuntu confused. I think that my idea is to improve usability.

idea nq6 2
-224
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#18): Alternative sub menus
Written by bryonak the 25 May 09 at 16:43.
Do as solution #17 proposes, except for the sub menus that pop up in a new window, which I find looks a bit awkward.

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


5
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#19): Add a new tab for Screen resolution to Appearance Preferences
Written by Frantique the 23 Jun 09 at 06:47.
As mentioned in the title, add a new tab, let's say after Visual Effects... Handy and easy to find the way of changing resolution of your screen.
8
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#20): Add Tab and change the context item to Display Settings
Written by returnofnights the 23 Jun 09 at 08:55.
The tab should be there, new to Linux users expect to find screen controls in with the theme, effects and display properties. Changing the Context Menu item name to reflect the features: (Instead of 'Change Background' make it 'Display Settings') This is simple and to the point for new and old Gnome users.
-31
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#21): Implement or modify mintMenu
Written by je1403 the 14 Jul 09 at 23:41.
Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution. It is especially beginner-friendly. One of its best features is the mintMenu. This replaces the gnome-menu, but is categorized in the same way. It's pretty difficult to explain it by text, but check out this image: http://www.jessture.com/images/linux_mint/lm3-1_mint_menu.png
The menu is divided in several sections. The "Applications" section is categorized with the average "Office", "Internet", etc. Instead of having the pop-up menus, the menu has a fixed width and height, using scrollbars when the listed items dont fit. Mouseovering the categories shows their contents. The best part is the search bar. If you type "screen" it will filter the results and show you screen resolution, screensaver, login screen, for example. Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePEbfsV2yQw
0
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#22): Redistribute into better categories
Written by Aielyn the 26 Oct 10 at 13:15.
Instead of the current split into Preferences and Administration, have the System menu split into parts of the system. And then, on each submenu, the list would be split so that Preferences go on the top of the submenu, and Administration goes on the bottom, with a divider between them, thereby making it easier to distinguish between them, while being able to see both.

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

- Software
- Interface
- User
- System
- Third Party

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

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

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

System would contain everything to do with system settings and underlying system operation - Time and Date, Drivers, power management, Startup Applications, System Monitor, etc.

Third Party would then contain anything introduced by third-party programs and dealing specifically with those third-party programs - for instance, Opera Widget Manager, Wine settings, etc.

TO BE CLEAR - THE ABOVE IS JUST AN EXAMPLE, NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION ITSELF. It can serve as a discussion point regarding how to best implement the Solution, but the Solution itself is only concerned with splitting it into categories and then dividing the resulting submenus into Preferences and Administration segments.
2
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#23): User Settings & System Settings
Written by Darwin Survivor the 7 Oct 10 at 17:10.
Change
-System
---Preferences
---Administration

to

-Settings
---User Settings
---System Settings
2
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#24): Remove gwibber and empathy preferences from System Menu
Written by komputes the 8 Mar 11 at 18:19.
Broadcast (gwibber) and Messaging (empathy) preferences are accessible from within the respective applications. Remove preferences for these applications from the "System" menu.

See the 112 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 Mar 11 at 12:48) >>

Prepare Ubuntu to run on EEE-PC  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :

Mentorship is available if you want to fix this bug.
spec
Written by richie the 28 Feb 08 at 17:49. Global category: Others. Implemented
As default, the Ubuntu Gutsy release runs on the eeepc, but not verry good.

There are some Ubuntu-Lovers how build an script to make Ubuntu fully support the EEE PC. The script can be downloaded here:
http://ubuntu-eee.tuxfamily.org/index.php5?title=Main_Page

Please integrate theese patches in hardy!!

Thanks!

Developer comments
This is ongoing and is called the Netbook Remix: https://launchpad.net/netbook-remix
623
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #107
Written by richie the 28 Feb 08 at 17:49.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #107 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!

See the 17 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 Feb 11 at 09:24) >>

Fingerprint readers integration  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Low
Definition : New (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Unknown
Assignee :
spec
Written by stgraber the 28 Feb 08 at 12:13. Global category: System. Implemented
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
implemented
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!
47
votes
implemented
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 .
10
votes
implemented
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.
264
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Just use the fedora's solution
Written by mike.thorton the 19 Oct 09 at 15:03.
The simplest solution is probably to implement the fedora's one:

http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/Fingerprint
107
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Enable it only when warning about security risks
Written by xfuser4 the 19 Oct 09 at 17:25.
Biometric sensors are known to have potential security risks (see comment).

When enabling finger print readers, the user should be informed about it.
27
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Make it a package file installable like an app.
Written by Jaksco the 30 Oct 09 at 20:49.
Make it a package file installable like an app.
35
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): Make sure there is an option for fingerprint + password authentication.
Written by Jon Monreal the 5 Nov 09 at 13:35.
Based on the comments about security risks, it seems like this should naturally be an option.

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

At any rate, a fingerprint on top of a normal password would definitely stop a casual snooper.
12
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): show captured fingerprint graphically to demonstrate the device adequacy
Written by daddo the 8 Nov 09 at 21:43.
Show live the fingerprint reader output graphically and let the users to decide, is it secure enough or not.

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

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

2
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): make sure at you can login with fingerprint via terminal
Written by tommis the 22 Nov 09 at 18:10.
If you can login via figerprint in gdm terminal should support it too.

See the 31 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 18 Jan 11 at 22:36) >>

Improve dual-screen function  
Ubuntu

In :  
Priority : Undefined
Definition : Approved (Needs guidance)
Implementation : Implemented
Assignee : Bryce Harrington
spec
Written by clemdup the 28 Feb 08 at 20:32. Global category: Graphics. In development
I'm bored with dual-screen on GNU/Linux, it really has to have a graphic configuration, and better features.
I would like to move windows from a screen to another, but when I maximize I need it to be in a single screen.

Update: Xrandr GUI blog post by Bryce Harrington

Developer comments
Response from Bryce Harrington: http://blog.qa.ubuntu.com/node/9
6224
votes
inprogress
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #206
Written by clemdup the 28 Feb 08 at 20:32.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #206 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!

See the 69 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Apr 10 at 20:22) >>