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Contributor forteller on the Documentation category

Ubuntu Documentation needs some work!  
Written by Diggs808 the 3 Jul 08 at 00:54. Global category: Documentation. Not an idea
My 9-5 job is doing training and documentation for a large university IT department. Some of the things I have noticed as an Ubuntu user is that the available documentation is pretty difficult to navigate. If I know what I am looking for, I can browse to it or search for it. Approaching things from an IT Professionals perspective it is not extremely difficult to find what I am looking for, it is pretty time consuming though. It seems that the de-facto standard people tend to use is the "Grandmother" standard (IE: If my grandmother can use x in Ubuntu, then x is ready for prime time). This, IMHO, is a great standard to aim at. However, looking at the available documentation from the "grandmother" perspective it is very confusing and non-intuitive. This is my idea: Ubuntu Documentation needs to be more newbie/beginner friendly. This can be accomplished with a few additions:

1. The documentation on Help.Ubuntu.Com is a good start, but it needs to be cleaned up to remove old information from the community pages (references to Dapper are a bit dated). Attention also needs to be give to making the available documentation easy to navigate and search. Honestly, one of the greatest strengths of Ubuntu is newbie friendliness, we just need to take our documentation to the next level.

2. ALL documentation from Help.ubuntu.com needs to be available for download for folks with slow or unreliable internet connections. A copy of the Man pages in Linux would be nice to download as well (if they aren't already) since most people aren't comfortable searching for information through the command line interface.

3. Ubuntu Quick Reference Cards. These would contain the most basic information such as:
- Switching From Windows to Ubuntu
- Setting up your new Ubuntu installation
- Advanced Ubuntu Topics such as Common Terminal commands, etc
- Other topics from the Ubuntu Documentation team as necessary
The quick reference cards would have some requirements such as numbered steps and be limited to 4-5 pages front and back (so a total of 8-10 pages).

Documentation needs to be available in PDF format (so that it is cross platform readable). Documentation should also be as easy to understand for newbies. This would mean that help steps would need to avoid referring users to the command line unless there is no other way of accomplishing the task (which honestly shouldn't happen, since Ubuntu is so easy to use).

[....]
111
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Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #10638
Written by Diggs808 the 3 Jul 08 at 00:54.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #10638 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 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 Aug 11 at 16:22) >>

Make guides/videos to teach users how to replace Windows with Ubuntu  
Written by diegoj the 20 Nov 08 at 13:50. Global category: Documentation. New
Make a guide/videos that show how to migrate from Windows to Ubuntu.

That is,
- how can I know if my hardware is supported
- how can I make a partition of my hard disk
- what is the difference between installing Wubi of installing Ubuntu in other partition
- how to move outlook emails and address to thunderbird/evince
- how do some Microsoft Office tasks with OpenOffice.org
- how share files in a SMB intranet
- which programs run in wine seamsly
- how to use Pidgin to talk with friends
- Show Microsoft (and related) software replacements in Ubuntu
... And any other simple low-medium level user tasks.

Of course, the guides/videos would be in several languages (or subtituled in chase of videos), with a plain easy language (for very low tech-profile users).
126
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Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #15805
Written by diegoj the 20 Nov 08 at 13:50.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #15805 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 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 11 at 20:34) >>

include the ubuntu-manual into the LiveCD   forum
Written by _sebastian_ the 7 Apr 10 at 12:51. Related project: Live CD. New
the Ubuntu-Manual https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-manual is designed to be as user-friendly and easy to follow as possible, it provides the first point of reference to any Ubuntu newcomer with lots of information in one easy to access PDF file. Every six months we intend to produce a new revision -- a new release to coincide with each new release of Ubuntu.

It is intended to help Ubuntu newcomer getting Started with Ubuntu 10.04.
The Ubuntu-Manual is a complete beginner's manual for Ubuntu, featuring comprehensive guides, How Tos and information on anything you need to know after first installing Ubuntu.

With the newcomer in mind the Live CD is a excellent platform to distribute the Ubuntu-Manual.
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Solution #1: Include the Ubuntu-Manual in the example content of the Live CD
Written by _sebastian_ the 7 Apr 10 at 12:51.
As the title suggests I think it would be good to provide the Ubuntu-Manual via the example-content package.
107
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Solution #2: Include the Ubuntu-Manual in the Help system
Written by _sebastian_ the 7 Apr 10 at 12:53.
Currently the Help System (blue ! symbol in the top panel) combines Help and man pages.

Why not include the Ubuntu-Manual there as well!?
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Solution #3: Have a Ubuntu-Manual folder on the LiveCD
Written by _sebastian_ the 7 Apr 10 at 12:59.
The LiveCD has a folder Examples, why not have a folder ~/Ubuntu-Manual conaining the Ubuntu-Manual.

With an extra folder for the manual the folder and manual could be easily translated into the other languages.
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Solution #4: Make the Manual a separate download
Written by kidmodify the 7 Apr 10 at 20:58.
The current Ubuntu CD has little room left for more things that are not absolutely necessary. (farewell Gimp, we will miss you)
A link to download the Manual should be clearly visible on the Ubuntu Web site.
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Solution #5: Put the Manual on another CD/printed copy
Written by kidmodify the 7 Apr 10 at 21:04.
Some people don't have internet access. There should be an option to have the manual shipped with the Ubuntu CDs. The manual could be on another CD or be in book form, albeit the latter would have a cost.
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Solution #6: Make the Help System the Manual
Written by mooserider2 the 7 Apr 10 at 21:41.
If the name help was changed to Manual people would be more keen to use it. Most people are windows refugees and the help didn't do much. If you made the manual interactive and used videos describing certain functions and uses of ubuntu, and changed the name, well I would certainly use it.
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Solution #7: Put the manual, and other relevant information, into an Ubuntu folder in /home.
Written by k3lt01 the 8 Apr 10 at 10:05.
A folder could be created in /home (under the Places menu) titled Ubuntu (like we already have Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, & Videos) and the Ubuntu manual could be placed in the Ubuntu folder along with other relevant Ubuntu information. This has an advantage that the end user could use this folder for other relevant Ubuntu information (such as the free book already listed in the forum or packages downloaded off the net but not through Synaptic).

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 25 Apr 10 at 20:45) >>

Tutorial   forum
Written by buu700 the 13 Sep 08 at 16:58. Global category: Documentation. New
"You know that annoying "Welcome to Windows" tutorial that pops up the first time you boot into Windows (or every time thereafter if you forget the checkbox (Or at least it did in Win2k and XP I dunno about Vista))? For new users, there should be an option for that in the install - an opt-in choice like "Please install a tutorial to use the first time I run Ubuntu." Then, when booting up, it wouldn't just pop up, but there would be an icon on the desktop titled "Tutorial" or something of the sort. Click on that, and a little animated paperclip would... I kid, I kid. No, you click on that, and it would give you a basic overview of things that trip up new users: installing programs, home vs. My Documents, sudo/root, what the pre-installed programs do (i.e. OpenOffice Writer = Word), etc. It wouldn't go into more advanced stuff like compiling your own program - that would scare people off. But it would explain what people need to get off the ground.

Do y'all think it's a bad idea/ I dunno, I'm just brainstorming out loud, so feel free to shout me down, or suggest something better. *shrugs*"

-darth_indy
53
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Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #13144
Written by buu700 the 13 Sep 08 at 16:58.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #13144 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!
4
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Solution #2: informative + attractive welcome screen on boot up
Written by mirnander the 18 Jun 09 at 04:20.
Solution? very simple. Upon first boot, and in the live CD too, a welcome splash screen with links to relevant info for new users would be very helpful, and more importantly welcoming. I think it should be simple, graphically pleasing, and concise.

I don't know for sure, but I am guessing that a lot of people who decide to check out Ubuntu for the first time are going to be relativity young people. Generally speaking multimedia is pretty important to young people. Because of this, I think that on the top of the list of things to include on an Ubuntu "welcome screen" is a brief explanation on the difference between proprietary codecs and open codecs, and how that may affect the user's experience. This should include a link to info on apps that play movies, music, dvds, etc, and info on how to get the codecs they need. It should also explain why Ubuntu does not include these codecs. (I actually don't fully understand that last part myself.) It's a good opportunity to introduce a new user to the Ubuntu way of installing apps, codecs, etc.

I don't know anything about Mac, but I know as a windows user, I would have also appreciated a link on a welcome screen that directed me to a page about "what's different for windows users." The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, control+alt+delete. I strongly feel that Ubuntu should not change it's current usage of this particular key combo, but it should mention that difference to a new user and show them how they can change the key combos if they want to. I would really appreciate some feedback from visitors on this one, especially from former (or current, if you're a dual booter,) Mac users. What difference was difficult for you to adapt to when first using Ubuntu? What would you have liked to have known right off the bat?

I also feel that the welcome screen should emphasise using the forums and include links. The forum topics that pertain to new users should be mentioned here or directly linked.

The welcome screen should also include links to info on setting up hardware. For instance - a printer icon links to a page that walks a new user through setting up a printer. I realize that doing such a thing is ridiculously easy on Ubuntu, but I am talking about increasing new user comfort level here.

Last, but not least.... again with the philosophy... The fact that rhythmbox and pulse audio was all messy was not a huge deal to me, but I can see how it would be a deal breaker for some people. I think the way to remedy this is to just openly explain to new users right when they boot up for the first time that computers are complicated and it's difficult to make things work on every conceivable system out there. At the same time the welcome screen should emphasise that 9 times out of 10 there is a fix for whatever kind of problem you might have, and that the pros of using Ubuntu outweigh the problems (ie a highly configurable system, a speedy system, a virus free system, amazing free software that's only a click away, etc.)

Just for kicks and giggles - maybe the welsome screen should include links to things like "ubuntu for musicians and artists," Ubuntu for web designers" "Ubuntu for home office use," etc.

I know there have been some similar suggestions on this topic and I have read them, but I am really looking for feedback here on the things I have specifically mentioned. I also would appreciate your ideas on what should be included in a welcome screen. I have been studying design and am willing to do some mock ups, but I need your help on what you would like to see.

PS- users should obviously be able to turn this off when they no longer need the help
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Solution #3: A few things to add
Written by mirnander the 18 Jun 09 at 04:35.
I forgot to mention:

The welcome screen should also introduce new users to common Ubuntu tasks like using the packaging manager, changing themes, configuring the desktop, etc,.

In the sixth paragraph, I should have stated that a link to a page that lists commonly known bugs/errors should be included on the welcome screen. The common bugs list should link to fixes, or at least provide some helpful search hints for people who may not be so creative with google. Ubuntu does include some terminology that new users will not be familiar with, which can make it difficult to search for answers to problems.

Also helpful would be a brief introduction to reporting bugs, to brainstorm, to launchpad, and any other site that should be known by an Ubuntu user.

Again, each of these points are an opportunity to emphasise the idea of open source and how every user has a hand in making the project even better, just by using it and providing feedback if nothing else.

Cheers :)
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Solution #4: Helping hand icon in tray
Written by Lachu the 18 Jun 09 at 14:17.
Add new notification type called "Tips" ;-) . When some application add tip to user it can behave as user prefer. Once user select show any tips option any tips will be presents when added to list. On hide any tips(default) option only special icon will be presents in the tray and sound information will be made. User can click helping hand and select topic of information.

User can also define him's knowledge about computer. I can be beginner or advanced user. Tips can be filtering based on this category. Also new installed application will show more tips than older.

When it can be used. Once first login and since we start package manager. Some application can uses tips instead of message with reason of disagree to do some tasks. For example I can rename file to reserved name(in this directory is file on the same name). File manager should only go to this file, highlight it and send tip to list. It can change window border too.

Tips will be:
- Depending on user personality(more advanced have less tips)
- System oriented(user can do a lot of thinks like turn it off or filter it - adding some to black list; newest application will shows more tips)
- Very simple
- Don't disappoint user.

I think GDM can use this mechanism too.
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Solution #5: Video tour in welcome screen
Written by dpcat237 the 29 Apr 12 at 10:51.
This year Ubuntu with new markets (TV version and second OS with dock in Android mobiles) will have a big opportunity to captures new users. And for this opportunity Ubuntu really need very nice first presentation!

So my idea is video tour in welcome screen after installation of Ubuntu or when you try it. This tour should be like of new websites (Google's products presentation or other new start-ups) showing first steps in Ubuntu: top panel; launcher (with key shortcut); HUD (with key shortcut); my documents carpet; Ubuntu Software Center with some installation and payment system; Ubuntu One; example of installation of deb package from internet (Chrome, Skype); about updates; about askubuntu.com; etc. Would be better have several videos: first with quick tour and another with each stuff. It's very important that this/ese video/s would be easier and creative.

PS. Would be nice too if will appear some tips (shortcuts, short sentence about Ubuntu and Open Source, etc.) in Ubuntu notification after first actions (and possibility deactivate this).
If my ideas will be popular I'll be able write more details and help in make it.

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 4 Nov 09 at 22:10) >>

Whats happend after the updates?  
Written by TommyGee the 27 Feb 09 at 17:10. Related project: Update manager. New
I think it's not easy to know and discover all the benefits of the updates.
I like to know WHY my OS needs to upgrade something and the changes... fix, adds...
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Solution #1: A easy-to-read changelog after updates via Synaptic/Adept
Written by TommyGee the 27 Feb 09 at 17:10.
A easy-to-read changelog after updates via Synaptic/Adept maybe only with "new things" in standard message and "dev related changes" in an "advanced" message that you can choose by clicking on a "advanced" button.

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 27 Feb 09 at 18:21) >>