Written by quidpro the 15 May 08 at 23:08.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #8648 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 #8648 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 Endolith the 23 Jan 09 at 20:41.

Some of the files in the Examples folder are actual examples, but others are an introduction to Ubuntu (like the cryptically named "oo-welcome.odt").

The main folder should actually be an Introduction/Welcome folder, with a few documents explaining to new users the basics of Ubuntu ("we install packages from Ubuntu servers, not .exe or .dmg files", "you can use Firefox instead of IE or Safari, and OpenOffice instead of MS Office", "here's some ways to check your mail", etc.)

The Welcome folder should be linked from the Desktop, not the Home directory, so that first-timers see it immediately.

Then the additional examples can be in subfolders, like the "Case" files could be in a folder of their own, with a more descriptive name like "Ubuntu adoption - case studies".

Some of the files in the Examples folder are actual examples, but others are an introduction to Ubuntu (like the cryptically named "oo-welcome.odt"). The main folder should actually be an Introduction/Welcome folder, with a few documents explaining to new users the basics of Ubuntu ("we install packages from Ubuntu servers, not .exe or .dmg files", "you can use Firefox instead of IE or Safari, and OpenOffice instead of MS Office", "here's some ways to check your mail", etc.) The Welcome folder should be linked from the Desktop, not the Home directory, so that first-timers see it immediately. Then the additional examples can be in subfolders, like the "Case" files could be in a folder of their own, with a more descriptive name like "Ubuntu adoption - case studies".

Written by Michael Safyan the 9 Jul 09 at 07:17.

The examples folder serves no purpose, it wastes space, and is the first thing I delete when creating a new user folder. Change /etc/skel to contain the following folders:

Desktop - The contents of the desktop.
Documents - Actual documents (.pdf, .odt, etc.).
Projects - Non-document projects (e.g. code).
Movies - Video files.
Music - Audio files.
Pictures - Image files..
Downloads - Default location for saving downloaded files.
Public - Readable by other users.
|- Drop Box - Writeable but not readable by other users.
|- Sites - Per user web directory.

The examples folder serves no purpose, it wastes space, and is the first thing I delete when creating a new user folder. Change /etc/skel to contain the following folders: Desktop - The contents of the desktop. Documents - Actual documents (.pdf, .odt, etc.). Projects - Non-document projects (e.g. code). Movies - Video files. Music - Audio files. Pictures - Image files.. Downloads - Default location for saving downloaded files. Public - Readable by other users. |- Drop Box - Writeable but not readable by other users. |- Sites - Per user web directory.

Written by steve196 the 19 Jun 08 at 10:23.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #10037 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 #10037 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 diegoj the 22 Nov 08 at 00:40.

List in a web page what companies have released their drivers to the open-source community.

It can be done by external colaborators (using a wiki) or copying the information from FSF/Wikipedia/Linux Foundation sources.

List in a web page what companies have released their drivers to the open-source community. It can be done by external colaborators (using a wiki) or copying the information from FSF/Wikipedia/Linux Foundation sources.

Written by leo.sutton the 23 Aug 10 at 13:26.

The ubuntu manual should be already included as a pdf on the desktop in the default install. This would mean that new users would be likely to read it, and for users who didn't want it, it would only be the work of a moment to delete it.

The ubuntu manual should be already included as a pdf on the desktop in the default install. This would mean that new users would be likely to read it, and for users who didn't want it, it would only be the work of a moment to delete it.

Written by Oxwivi the 24 Aug 10 at 07:54.

Include the manual in the Ubuntu help launcher icon at desktop with link to manual on the introduction page.

Include the manual in the Ubuntu help launcher icon at desktop with link to manual on the introduction page.

Written by aliam13_2 the 24 Aug 10 at 08:41.

Ubuntu.com (or the support pages) should have a link to the manual. Possibly with some text explaining this manual is not maintained by Canonical.

Ubuntu.com (or the support pages) should have a link to the manual. Possibly with some text explaining this manual is not maintained by Canonical.

Written by schlederer the 27 Aug 10 at 23:13.

Make the manual website a default bookmark on the bookmark toolbar in Firefox.

Make the manual website a default bookmark on the bookmark toolbar in Firefox.

Written by ikke666 the 16 Sep 10 at 18:08.

Ubuntu should be so natural to use, a manual shouldn't be necessary. all things you can do should be visual (not command prompt) with a lot of tooltips and a good helpfile

ex. adobe flashplayer, brl cad,... are a known free tools, but you can only install it via command prompt, why not include them in ubuntu software centre?

playing bought dvd's is only possible thru synaptic why not ubuntu software centre with a warning?

Ubuntu should be so natural to use, a manual shouldn't be necessary. all things you can do should be visual (not command prompt) with a lot of tooltips and a good helpfile ex. adobe flashplayer, brl cad,... are a known free tools, but you can only install it via command prompt, why not include them in ubuntu software centre? playing bought dvd's is only possible thru synaptic why not ubuntu software centre with a warning?

Written by morion the 11 Feb 11 at 07:31.

This is just a thought a manual is nice and unreplacable.
But people tend to go for a visual approach on things like video tutorials which give a brief explanation about the features of a program you are going to use just to get you started.
For example:

pitivi video editor
There are people who never used this before but would like to quickly use this for a project for school or whatever.
What most people do is just open google type "pitivi tutorial" and search for the best tutorial to get them started.

on Installation of a program there could play a tutorial in Ubuntu Software Center about that program with the basics and a link to the manual or even more tutorials for those who would like more info.

A nice feature would be a fast key for help on the window you are currently working with cause not al program’s support F1 as help.

I know it is time consuming to create these tutorials but if every app maker or program create his own tutorials it would save allot of time in the process of creating these things I guess.

This is just a thought a manual is nice and unreplacable. But people tend to go for a visual approach on things like video tutorials which give a brief explanation about the features of a program you are going to use just to get you started. For example: pitivi video editor There are people who never used this before but would like to quickly use this for a project for school or whatever. What most people do is just open google type "pitivi tutorial" and search for the best tutorial to get them started. on Installation of a program there could play a tutorial in Ubuntu Software Center about that program with the basics and a link to the manual or even more tutorials for those who would like more info. A nice feature would be a fast key for help on the window you are currently working with cause not al program’s support F1 as help. I know it is time consuming to create these tutorials but if every app maker or program create his own tutorials it would save allot of time in the process of creating these things I guess. For those who do not like these tutorials to pop up there should be a check box on the start up of whatever it is you are launching to never show this tutorial again. This would be nice for first timers and novices and it would save a lot of people time searching on Google and sometimes not even finding the right answers for there problems.

Written by markz the 5 Jul 09 at 19:36.

Provide a description of functional and technical differences between suspend and hibernate.

Provide a description of functional and technical differences between suspend and hibernate.

Written by aw@kreawit.se the 7 Dec 10 at 08:31.

Display the applications real name under help-menu and about dialog. This can be done by the Gnome-widget without altering the application.

Use a key-code or a mouse right-click to obtain the real name of labels and menunames.

Display the applications real name under help-menu and about dialog. This can be done by the Gnome-widget without altering the application. Use a key-code or a mouse right-click to obtain the real name of labels and menunames.

Written by hakermania the 11 Dec 10 at 13:45.

The executable name of the application can be easily seen on the "Launcher Properties" of the panel. if you drag and drop a Program from the ubuntu menu then you can see the real command in the "Command:" field. This could be a solution, if you want to speak about a program and you don't know its name. If you prefer a more user-friendly solution, I would choose Solution #1
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9972/screenshot1fj.png

The executable name of the application can be easily seen on the "Launcher Properties" of the panel. if you drag and drop a Program from the ubuntu menu then you can see the real command in the "Command:" field. This could be a solution, if you want to speak about a program and you don't know its name. If you prefer a more user-friendly solution, I would choose Solution #1 http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9972/screenshot1fj.png

Written by siddhartha the 18 Dec 10 at 10:52.

When the user searches for a program in a list (menu, "open with..." dialog, ...), he does it alphabetically.
Using long names in lists, difficults the search.

For example, in spanish, GIMP is named as "Editor de imagenes GIMP", so the user doesn't find GIMP at letter G.

When the user searches for a program in a list (menu, "open with..." dialog, ...), he does it alphabetically. Using long names in lists, difficults the search. For example, in spanish, GIMP is named as "Editor de imagenes GIMP", so the user doesn't find GIMP at letter G.

Written by FabriceV the 20 Dec 10 at 11:29.

Use the real name (ex: GIMP) and avoid long name either at English or even worse, translated (see Answer 4).
-> Do not translate international native name. Users need to know the real name to find info and inform others.
-> Users need to search easily the application, and don't want to deal with erratic translations.
-> Do not try to comply with irrelevant names. They are just irrelevant and have to change.

In general, the menu entries are named accordingly:

Disk Brasero
Music Rhythmbox
Video Totem
Video Pitivi
Webcam Cheese

-> The direct, simple, alphabetically sorted.
-> Users find all its (i.e. photo) applications side by side.
-> Simple menu, it is faster to look at entry.
-> Users have memory and brain. They know Firefox is not a sea navigator thus named it just "Navigator Firefox", and so on.
-> Do not need to specify that Pitivi is not Totem... Different name, different function. The tooltip gives further detailed indication. It is its job. And users just need to read reader or editor, not a whole bunch of poor redundant literature.

Use the real name (ex: GIMP) and avoid long name either at English or even worse, translated (see Answer 4). -> Do not translate international native name. Users need to know the real name to find info and inform others. -> Users need to search easily the application, and don't want to deal with erratic translations. -> Do not try to comply with irrelevant names. They are just irrelevant and have to change. In general, the menu entries are named accordingly: Disk Brasero Music Rhythmbox Video Totem Video Pitivi Webcam Cheese -> The direct, simple, alphabetically sorted. -> Users find all its (i.e. photo) applications side by side. -> Simple menu, it is faster to look at entry. -> Users have memory and brain. They know Firefox is not a sea navigator thus named it just "Navigator Firefox", and so on. -> Do not need to specify that Pitivi is not Totem... Different name, different function. The tooltip gives further detailed indication. It is its job. And users just need to read reader or editor, not a whole bunch of poor redundant literature.

Written by thrillseeker the 27 Dec 10 at 15:54.

The title pretty much says it.

There should be an option, so that when selected, instead of, for example:

Firefox Web Browser
Web Browser

in the menu, I'd see:

Firefox Web Browser
firefox %u

or

Firefox Web Browser
/usr/bin/firefox %u

Also, it should show the command line (/usr/bin/firefox %u) in the tooltip.

The title pretty much says it. There should be an option, so that when selected, instead of, for example: Firefox Web Browser Web Browser in the menu, I'd see: Firefox Web Browser firefox %u or Firefox Web Browser /usr/bin/firefox %u Also, it should show the command line (/usr/bin/firefox %u) in the tooltip.

Written by pydsigner the 30 Dec 10 at 19:36.

Make it so that when a user puts his mouse over an item on the application menu, the standard name is shown as a tooltip.

Make it so that when a user puts his mouse over an item on the application menu, the standard name is shown as a tooltip.

Written by acreman the 27 Jun 08 at 18:09.

I think something like a video series (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert) about the CLI and the commands would help.

The new user can go to Applications -> Accesories -> Terminal Video Series and be taken to a website that will show them how to use commands and what the command does (For beginner some commands like ls, man, ps, cd, rm, etc.; Intermediate: ifconfig, grep, kill, mounting; Advanced: piping, IO redirection, vi, scripts; Expert: Crons, At Jobs, format, fcsk, etc.). Afterwards it would refer them to the Ubuntu Forums for more help and to check the man pages for any of their questions.

I think something like a video series (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert) about the CLI and the commands would help. The new user can go to Applications -> Accesories -> Terminal Video Series and be taken to a website that will show them how to use commands and what the command does (For beginner some commands like ls, man, ps, cd, rm, etc.; Intermediate: ifconfig, grep, kill, mounting; Advanced: piping, IO redirection, vi, scripts; Expert: Crons, At Jobs, format, fcsk, etc.). Afterwards it would refer them to the Ubuntu Forums for more help and to check the man pages for any of their questions.

Written by aiyh the 4 May 09 at 10:20.

A game that requires knowledge of commands. Quizzes and puzzles that require the correct commands to be typed. Win points and gain levels like an rpg.

A game that requires knowledge of commands. Quizzes and puzzles that require the correct commands to be typed. Win points and gain levels like an rpg.

Written by eierdieb the 4 May 09 at 13:34.

Community pages (just like ubuntuusers.de) may provide novice and advanced command-line reference webpages for people with different skill levels.

Community pages (just like ubuntuusers.de) may provide novice and advanced command-line reference webpages for people with different skill levels.

Written by aadityabhatia the 4 May 09 at 23:21.

New users feel uncomfortable using the command line because it is an alien language to them. There are not aware of the man pages, which is a great, readily-available resource.

Show them the way to access the "man pages" and "info pages", for example, when a user open the terminal for the first time.

New users feel uncomfortable using the command line because it is an alien language to them. There are not aware of the man pages, which is a great, readily-available resource. Show them the way to access the "man pages" and "info pages", for example, when a user open the terminal for the first time.

Written by Akerbos the 5 May 09 at 08:52.

Tell users (in any way) the most important ~10 commands, including of course man, and point them so more verbose references.

Learning to use your shell is like studies: You have to want it, you have to do it.

Tell users (in any way) the most important ~10 commands, including of course man, and point them so more verbose references. Learning to use your shell is like studies: You have to want it, you have to do it.

Written by aadityabhatia the 5 May 09 at 21:03.

Make it easier for new users to reach the official IRC channel of Ubuntu, where volunteers are always willing to help newbies with all the issues, including Command-line usage.

Moreover, new users are usually unable to find the syntax errors while the IRC people can easily spot such things and make it easier for newbies to learn.

Make it easier for new users to reach the official IRC channel of Ubuntu, where volunteers are always willing to help newbies with all the issues, including Command-line usage. Moreover, new users are usually unable to find the syntax errors while the IRC people can easily spot such things and make it easier for newbies to learn.

Written by vexorian the 12 May 09 at 16:14.

In openoffice/ms excel, there are these formulas that are a little hard to remember of , the issue is solved by having a window that will help you browse through commands and set parameters etc, yesterday I dreamed of something like that, but in the terminal...

In openoffice/ms excel, there are these formulas that are a little hard to remember of , the issue is solved by having a window that will help you browse through commands and set parameters etc, yesterday I dreamed of something like that, but in the terminal...

Written by cellarroot the 14 May 09 at 02:46.

Create a program like A/UX's(Apple Unix[early 90's]) Commado. It allows users to open /bin and click a command executable and be presented with a window of check boxes and radio buttons corresponding to options(see second URL).

This article is an excellent overview of A/UX's user interface. http://www.applefritter.com/ui/aux/index.html

and for a screen shot of Commando go to http://www.applefritter.com/ui/aux/images/cmdo-ls.gif

Create a program like A/UX's(Apple Unix[early 90's]) Commado. It allows users to open /bin and click a command executable and be presented with a window of check boxes and radio buttons corresponding to options(see second URL). This article is an excellent overview of A/UX's user interface. http://www.applefritter.com/ui/aux/index.html and for a screen shot of Commando go to http://www.applefritter.com/ui/aux/images/cmdo-ls.gif

Written by ilikeubuntu the 26 May 09 at 19:17.

an offline graphical(so that I don't need a pagenation filter to read it) tutorial that gives examples and provides an understanding of the input output logic used by the terminal.
no news is good news, wysiwyg ect..

an offline graphical(so that I don't need a pagenation filter to read it) tutorial that gives examples and provides an understanding of the input output logic used by the terminal. no news is good news, wysiwyg ect..

Written by Clorox the 30 May 09 at 02:47.

INX is not X is an Ubuntu-based experimental Linux distribution where everything is text-driven. It has some very good tutorials about general bash and CLI, and also about specific programs such as the apt suite. And for those who don't want to reboot their computer every time they want to use it, it is also available as a qemu or VirtualBox image.

INX is not X is an Ubuntu-based experimental Linux distribution where everything is text-driven. It has some very good tutorials about general bash and CLI, and also about specific programs such as the apt suite. And for those who don't want to reboot their computer every time they want to use it, it is also available as a qemu or VirtualBox image.

Written by Penguin Guy the 26 Apr 09 at 11:56.

Inspired by #6: Create a tutorial that will give you a few basic commands and then ask you to complete a task like navigating to a directory and finding out what files are there with ls.

Inspired by #6: Create a tutorial that will give you a few basic commands and then ask you to complete a task like navigating to a directory and finding out what files are there with ls.

Written by nillbug the 5 Oct 09 at 23:50.

There are many user's common tasks that can be made in a easy and fast way at CLI, but not in the GUI.

The idea is to create a rich training application embedding a CLI, specific tools as video, voice, pics, a dedicated folder like "CLI-training", etc. The embedded CLI could be a striped down or a fake one only working for this purpose.

The training would be done through exercises, using all those pieces interactively with the user.

The exercises should only teach the user to perform CLI true useful tasks witch cannot be done in GUI with the same ease, like: "resize all pics in a file to the same dimension and save them".

The objective is to provide users a better computing experience with the best of two worlds: the usefulness of GUI and the power of CLI.

There are many user's common tasks that can be made in a easy and fast way at CLI, but not in the GUI. The idea is to create a rich training application embedding a CLI, specific tools as video, voice, pics, a dedicated folder like "CLI-training", etc. The embedded CLI could be a striped down or a fake one only working for this purpose. The training would be done through exercises, using all those pieces interactively with the user. The exercises should only teach the user to perform CLI true useful tasks witch cannot be done in GUI with the same ease, like: "resize all pics in a file to the same dimension and save them". The objective is to provide users a better computing experience with the best of two worlds: the usefulness of GUI and the power of CLI.

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.

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.

Written by TorK the 24 Oct 09 at 21:22.

Add an explanation about what Ubuntu One is that opens when clicking the icon, perhaps in the webpage before asking to log in.

Add an explanation about what Ubuntu One is that opens when clicking the icon, perhaps in the webpage before asking to log in.

Written by snostorm the 27 Oct 09 at 13:16.

Have a first launch wizard that explains what Ubuntu One is, then gets your login credentials or creates an account for you. This would solve the problem and eliminate the need for the webpage.

Have a first launch wizard that explains what Ubuntu One is, then gets your login credentials or creates an account for you. This would solve the problem and eliminate the need for the webpage.

Written by turbolad the 22 Nov 10 at 14:28.

On the Ubuntu website, it should explain the basic security to desktop users and the existing security measures in Ubuntu e.g. root account is locked by default.

How many times have users asked if Ubuntu needs anti-virus software and a firewall?

With ufw installed, can we find out what the Log File Viewer is showing us about "UFW BLOCK" etc. Does it mean people can break into the computer when it's online directly through a modem without a built-in firewall?

On the Ubuntu website, it should explain the basic security to desktop users and the existing security measures in Ubuntu e.g. root account is locked by default. How many times have users asked if Ubuntu needs anti-virus software and a firewall? With ufw installed, can we find out what the Log File Viewer is showing us about "UFW BLOCK" etc. Does it mean people can break into the computer when it's online directly through a modem without a built-in firewall?

Written by czr114 the 24 Nov 10 at 22:45.

Security is vital, and as Ubuntu gains a greater install base, we can't keep relying on Windows as the sacrificial petri dish while GNU/Linux desktops remain too obscure to trouble most computer criminals.

A information campaign in the installer and a first run OOBE welcome screen will help direct new or novice users to the Ubuntu website, where frequently asked questions can be addressed, and practical solutions offered.

Many new users will be too excited to install, gravitate to the download button, and miss the website offering. We can correct that awareness deficit by calling attention to security while they're watching an installation, and prompt them on first run.

Security is vital, and as Ubuntu gains a greater install base, we can't keep relying on Windows as the sacrificial petri dish while GNU/Linux desktops remain too obscure to trouble most computer criminals. A information campaign in the installer and a first run OOBE welcome screen will help direct new or novice users to the Ubuntu website, where frequently asked questions can be addressed, and practical solutions offered. Many new users will be too excited to install, gravitate to the download button, and miss the website offering. We can correct that awareness deficit by calling attention to security while they're watching an installation, and prompt them on first run.