Written by strattonbrazil the 14 Jul 08 at 22:28.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #11133 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 #11133 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 jarko_ the 22 Feb 09 at 12:46.

Like in some other systems, associate key combination to bring up 'recovery screen' or similary named one.

This window doesn't have to be normal GTK-window, but something from the upper level, like GDM (or xorg if going for extreme) created 'recovery screen/task manager'. This should ensure that no window or full screen application could hide or block the 'recovery screen'.

This recovery screen could have options to kill programs, log out, shutdown and lock computer etc.

Like in some other systems, associate key combination to bring up 'recovery screen' or similary named one. This window doesn't have to be normal GTK-window, but something from the upper level, like GDM (or xorg if going for extreme) created 'recovery screen/task manager'. This should ensure that no window or full screen application could hide or block the 'recovery screen'. This recovery screen could have options to kill programs, log out, shutdown and lock computer etc.

Written by Magnes the 23 Feb 09 at 07:46.

If there is an application that uses all the resources allow closing it (if it uses all the memory) or make it nicer (if it uses all the CPU) by one click in System Monitor.

If there is an application that uses all the resources allow closing it (if it uses all the memory) or make it nicer (if it uses all the CPU) by one click in System Monitor.

Written by jamessnell the 26 Feb 09 at 20:37.

== Graphical ==
If a separate X session configured entirely to show a System Monitor could be very well insulated from buggy applications.

In those cases where a game causes you to change video modes and then screws up, you'll still have a graceful way to touch the System Monitor.

== Command-Line ==
An ncurses interface (like that of "aptitude") for the command line would also be awesome for those cases when the entire Xorg system ignores you. This would help when the keyboard is being ignored as it'd be fast to pull up over ssh.


Yes this is could basically be a wrapper interface to ps.

== Graphical == If a separate X session configured entirely to show a System Monitor could be very well insulated from buggy applications. In those cases where a game causes you to change video modes and then screws up, you'll still have a graceful way to touch the System Monitor. == Command-Line == An ncurses interface (like that of "aptitude") for the command line would also be awesome for those cases when the entire Xorg system ignores you. This would help when the keyboard is being ignored as it'd be fast to pull up over ssh. Yes this is could basically be a wrapper interface to ps.

Written by zooounds the 3 Mar 09 at 11:15.

It rest in a tty until needed and can be used to kill application even if X is totaly broken.

It rest in a tty until needed and can be used to kill application even if X is totaly broken.

Written by cousteau the 5 Mar 09 at 17:27.

Ctrl+Alt+Del opens the Logout dialog (at least on Hardy). So it would be nice to add an "Open System Monitor" option to it.

Ctrl+Alt+Del opens the Logout dialog (at least on Hardy). So it would be nice to add an "Open System Monitor" option to it.

Written by jackmcslay the 7 Mar 09 at 14:57.

This is a continuation of #2. We should get xkill and gnome-system-monitor among the available action options on
System>Preferences>Keyboard shortcuts

so, even if Ctrl+Alt+Del remains as "logout" shortcut, the option of binding it to Ctrl+Alt+Del remains available

This is a continuation of #2. We should get xkill and gnome-system-monitor among the available action options on System>Preferences>Keyboard shortcuts so, even if Ctrl+Alt+Del remains as "logout" shortcut, the option of binding it to Ctrl+Alt+Del remains available

Written by Tom Mann the 12 Mar 09 at 20:47.

In KDE and XFCE, if you hit CTRL-ALT-ESC, your cursor turns into an X (or a skull and crossbones) and clicking any app (it doesn't have to be stuck) kills it.

I still don't get why it disappeared from Ubuntu's Gnome Desktop (I'm not sure if this happens on any other distros Gnome desktop)

In KDE and XFCE, if you hit CTRL-ALT-ESC, your cursor turns into an X (or a skull and crossbones) and clicking any app (it doesn't have to be stuck) kills it. I still don't get why it disappeared from Ubuntu's Gnome Desktop (I'm not sure if this happens on any other distros Gnome desktop)

Written by quartz the 20 Mar 09 at 17:12.

The system monitor window needs to be responsive, not just there.

Just bringing up system monitor (or a new manager if necessary) is not enough is the CPU is totally taken, if it comes up, any process(es) that might be hogging resources should be reniced to a slightly lower priority and the system monitor process should be started fairly high.

(A good question is what to do if the problem is with X itself, since renicing it might slow down the system monitor too)

The system monitor window needs to be responsive, not just there. Just bringing up system monitor (or a new manager if necessary) is not enough is the CPU is totally taken, if it comes up, any process(es) that might be hogging resources should be reniced to a slightly lower priority and the system monitor process should be started fairly high. (A good question is what to do if the problem is with X itself, since renicing it might slow down the system monitor too)

Written by Craig73 the 21 Mar 09 at 14:28.

Capture CTRL+ALT+DEL (or perhaps the second CTRL+ALT+DEL for just "frozen systems") at the kernel level, which opens a graphical task manager (logoff / process manager / whatever) which draws directly to the screen (bypassing X which may be frozen)

To implement this - it would write to the framebuffer, and would likely require KMS and DRI2. [Ideally it would capture the current screen in the framebuffer, and draw the dialog on top, for a integrated feeling].

Then have it fall back to VGA text only if it can't grab a graphical framebuffer (things are really hurting)

My intent is to handle cases such as X being frozen, or in a full screen game, etc.

Capture CTRL+ALT+DEL (or perhaps the second CTRL+ALT+DEL for just "frozen systems") at the kernel level, which opens a graphical task manager (logoff / process manager / whatever) which draws directly to the screen (bypassing X which may be frozen) To implement this - it would write to the framebuffer, and would likely require KMS and DRI2. [Ideally it would capture the current screen in the framebuffer, and draw the dialog on top, for a integrated feeling]. Then have it fall back to VGA text only if it can't grab a graphical framebuffer (things are really hurting) My intent is to handle cases such as X being frozen, or in a full screen game, etc.

Written by qwerty800 the 11 Jun 09 at 21:17.

It would be really nice to have a shortcut like Alt+SysRq+X, that automatically kill the focused application. Using a such shortcut would avoid the inconvenience of passing trough the task manager, nor restart the whole X server and to work with the full screen programs! Having a 16:10 monitor often causes me to get stuck with unsupported resolutions. When that happens, I have to restart my whole X server and THAT'S annoying!

Plus, "X" is easy to remember, because:
*It's not currently used.
*It can refer to Xkill
*It can refer to Xorg
*It can refer to the Window decoration (X=Close)!

It would be really nice to have a shortcut like Alt+SysRq+X, that automatically kill the focused application. Using a such shortcut would avoid the inconvenience of passing trough the task manager, nor restart the whole X server and to work with the full screen programs! Having a 16:10 monitor often causes me to get stuck with unsupported resolutions. When that happens, I have to restart my whole X server and THAT'S annoying! Plus, "X" is easy to remember, because: *It's not currently used. *It can refer to Xkill *It can refer to Xorg *It can refer to the Window decoration (X=Close)!

Written by Shnatsel the 25 Jul 09 at 10:09.

Xfce did so, and if something hangs, it's easy to kill it. GNOME has a panel applet for such purposes, but if a fullscreen game hangs, it's useless.

Xfce did so, and if something hangs, it's easy to kill it. GNOME has a panel applet for such purposes, but if a fullscreen game hangs, it's useless.

Written by viva.amego the 5 Mar 10 at 03:37.

its good idea and there is an easy solution for now


right click (system > administration > system monitor)
select (add this launcher to panel)
right click (system monitor "in panel")
select (properties )
copy ( command )

run (system > preference > keyboard shortcuts)
click ( add)

name -> system monitor
command -> right click( paste)

click (apply)

and you had shourtcut

its good idea and there is an easy solution for now right click (system > administration > system monitor) select (add this launcher to panel) right click (system monitor "in panel") select (properties ) copy ( command ) run (system > preference > keyboard shortcuts) click ( add) name -> system monitor command -> right click( paste) click (apply) and you had shourtcut

Written by Lachu the 28 Mar 10 at 17:06.

Simply start a new X Session for every application using fullscreen mode.

Simply start a new X Session for every application using fullscreen mode.

Written by trezker the 28 Mar 10 at 05:57.

Simply put, whenever an app makes a call to set a fullscreen mode the system refuses to do it.

Simply put, whenever an app makes a call to set a fullscreen mode the system refuses to do it.

Written by dottornik the 27 Apr 10 at 14:51.

Gizmod intercepts ctrl-alt-del (even when fullscreen application have focus) and execute:
wmctrl -k on (minimize all windows)
gnome-system-monitor

tested in Lucid & Karmic and work with:
-XBMC fullscreen crashed by youtube plugin
-fullscreen crashed gmameui
-fullscreen crashed flash player
-lot of crashed stuff

Instructions:

-install wmctrl
sudo apt-get install wmctrl

-disable default ctrl-alt-del shortcut from System>Preferences>Keyboard shortcuts

-install gizmod
http://gizmod.sourceforge.net/
install and set group permissions (see HOWTO - Setting Input Device Permissions - Creating a udev Rule)

Gizmod intercepts ctrl-alt-del (even when fullscreen application have focus) and execute: wmctrl -k on (minimize all windows) gnome-system-monitor tested in Lucid & Karmic and work with: -XBMC fullscreen crashed by youtube plugin -fullscreen crashed gmameui -fullscreen crashed flash player -lot of crashed stuff Instructions: -install wmctrl sudo apt-get install wmctrl -disable default ctrl-alt-del shortcut from System>Preferences>Keyboard shortcuts -install gizmod http://gizmod.sourceforge.net/ install and set group permissions (see HOWTO - Setting Input Device Permissions - Creating a udev Rule) -edit 199-Keyboard-Default.py in ~/.gizmod/gizmod/modules.d/ add this: elif Gizmo.getKeyState(GizmoKey.KEY_DELETE) >= 1 and Gizmo.getKeyState(GizmoKey.KEY_LEFTCTRL) >= 1 and Gizmo.getKeyState(GizmoKey.KEY_LEFTALT) >= 1: subprocess.Popen(["wmctrl", "-k", "on"]) subprocess.Popen(["gnome-system-monitor"]) return True This is a python script, please respect document indentation! Excuse me for my bad english... coming soon: automatic install and config script....

Written by Darwin Survivor the 19 May 09 at 17:16.

This is a very simple fix, just make them both use the same key. It is the same context menu, so why do they use different hotkeys?

This is a very simple fix, just make them both use the same key. It is the same context menu, so why do they use different hotkeys?

Written by Darwin Survivor the 29 Mar 09 at 00:31.

Most people with vertical panels use moderately wide ones (similar to Vista's panel thing).

By making the following changes to the following applets, vertical panels would become MUCH more usable:
-clock: allow multi-line clock (time above date)
-switch user: simply allow the name to be horizontal when in a vertical panel
-Applications/Places/System menu: rename "Applications" to "Apps" when in a vertical panel, then put one above the other.
-notification area: Implement columns (rows would also be nice in thick horizontal panels)

Most people with vertical panels use moderately wide ones (similar to Vista's panel thing). By making the following changes to the following applets, vertical panels would become MUCH more usable: -clock: allow multi-line clock (time above date) -switch user: simply allow the name to be horizontal when in a vertical panel -Applications/Places/System menu: rename "Applications" to "Apps" when in a vertical panel, then put one above the other. -notification area: Implement columns (rows would also be nice in thick horizontal panels)

Written by Shady3D the 29 Mar 09 at 18:18.

it can be like Amarok u can add places and when u click it expands with a folders view and u can drag what u want or open it and after u finish u click on the left panel button it shrinks again

it can be like Amarok u can add places and when u click it expands with a folders view and u can drag what u want or open it and after u finish u click on the left panel button it shrinks again

Written by kazagistar the 30 Mar 09 at 16:54.

A dock is a very logical way to achieve a vertical interface...

A dock is a very logical way to achieve a vertical interface...

Written by tchalvakspam the 9 Apr 09 at 21:58.

The "Applications", "Places", and "System" menu take up a -lot- of space, which could be more efficiently used if those menus could just be squashed down into their icons when horizontal space is limited, such as on a vertical panel. If an icon was made available for the clock, that would also fit better on a vertical panel.

The "Applications", "Places", and "System" menu take up a -lot- of space, which could be more efficiently used if those menus could just be squashed down into their icons when horizontal space is limited, such as on a vertical panel. If an icon was made available for the clock, that would also fit better on a vertical panel.

Written by tchalvakspam the 9 Apr 09 at 22:22.

Part of the problem is that sometimes panels could benefit from being hidden, but the "this whole side triggers a panel sliding out" method is too easily triggered and not precise enough. Being able to slide out panels from the corners of the screen would allow a lot more space and usage to be made available.

Part of the problem is that sometimes panels could benefit from being hidden, but the "this whole side triggers a panel sliding out" method is too easily triggered and not precise enough. Being able to slide out panels from the corners of the screen would allow a lot more space and usage to be made available.

Written by Ian Burnet the 14 Apr 09 at 08:49.

When you switch panel orientation, icons get moved to make it conform to the size. That is fine so long as you stay in that orientation, but when you switch back your original orientation, the icons will be completely messed up, even if they were originally "locked" to the panel. Instead, when changing panel orientation:

If icons are locked, do not move them. Put them such that the original ordering and spacing is maintained- basically as if the panel were only rotated, even if that puts some icons out of view. For the vertical orientation, icons should be descending (from below Apps/Places/System) to match the standard horizontal appearance. If there is room, enlarge icons to reduce empty space due to a wider vertical bar, but still maintain proportional spacing. When switching from vertical to horizontal, locked icons that were in rows should be grouped together.
Note: If icons are big, they should decrease in size when new icons are added if there isn't room.

The same should generally be done if possible when icons are not locked. If icons would go off the bar, however, they should be moved- for the vertical bar, they would go in rows. Also, when switching to vertical if icons were grouped together before, they should be put in corresponding rows (only one group per row, even if another icon will fit).

Finally, there should be an option (enabled by default) to save the current layout before switching, so that when going back to a previously-used orientation, the layout is the same as it was before, even if icons were unlocked or had to be moved. Obviously, only horizontal and vertical layouts would be saved, so there wouldn't be weird effects when going between top and bottom or left and right. Also obviously but notably, if an icon is removed, it would be removed from the saved layout as well.

When you switch panel orientation, icons get moved to make it conform to the size. That is fine so long as you stay in that orientation, but when you switch back your original orientation, the icons will be completely messed up, even if they were originally "locked" to the panel. Instead, when changing panel orientation: If icons are locked, do not move them. Put them such that the original ordering and spacing is maintained- basically as if the panel were only rotated, even if that puts some icons out of view. For the vertical orientation, icons should be descending (from below Apps/Places/System) to match the standard horizontal appearance. If there is room, enlarge icons to reduce empty space due to a wider vertical bar, but still maintain proportional spacing. When switching from vertical to horizontal, locked icons that were in rows should be grouped together. Note: If icons are big, they should decrease in size when new icons are added if there isn't room. The same should generally be done if possible when icons are not locked. If icons would go off the bar, however, they should be moved- for the vertical bar, they would go in rows. Also, when switching to vertical if icons were grouped together before, they should be put in corresponding rows (only one group per row, even if another icon will fit). Finally, there should be an option (enabled by default) to save the current layout before switching, so that when going back to a previously-used orientation, the layout is the same as it was before, even if icons were unlocked or had to be moved. Obviously, only horizontal and vertical layouts would be saved, so there wouldn't be weird effects when going between top and bottom or left and right. Also obviously but notably, if an icon is removed, it would be removed from the saved layout as well. All of this together should make trying out another panel orientation a more pleasant experience, especially if you are attached to the way your icons look already or if you want to switch back.

Written by zelrikriando the 27 Apr 09 at 02:18.

They have a very nice menu

They have a very nice menu <3

Written by ending.theme the 1 Dec 09 at 17:00.

Rather than having a huge icon as taskbar size expands, with a vertical taskbar, it would be nice if widgets could use that extra space to display text. For example, the battery monitor widget would display a small battery icon on the far left of the screen and then to the right of it display info about the batteries, such as time remaining. If you check out the way kubuntu already displays running programs in a vertical taskbar, you'll get a better idea of what i'm saying. Just replace the program icon with the widget icon and the text with relevant text from the widget. Check http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7620/taskbarsnapshot.png for a screenshot.

Rather than having a huge icon as taskbar size expands, with a vertical taskbar, it would be nice if widgets could use that extra space to display text. For example, the battery monitor widget would display a small battery icon on the far left of the screen and then to the right of it display info about the batteries, such as time remaining. If you check out the way kubuntu already displays running programs in a vertical taskbar, you'll get a better idea of what i'm saying. Just replace the program icon with the widget icon and the text with relevant text from the widget. Check http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7620/taskbarsnapshot.png for a screenshot.

Written by wenex the 17 Feb 10 at 12:01.

i only see the icons for example:
shut down - mouse over it expands and show the name, i click on it or the name it expand the whole menu like it is now.

clock: i see the clock, mouse-over it expands the date and when i click on it I get the calendar

tray: 2 columns if i deside the trayicon bigness is 50% of the panel, 3 columns at 33% and four (very small on thin panels!?!) if i choose 25 %.

tasks like win7 tasks, only icon with max first letter

start menu: I should be able to choose icons instead of the names (application, places, system) and put one above the other

when i choose a icon i should be able to define the bigness in percent of the panel thickness.

i only see the icons for example: shut down - mouse over it expands and show the name, i click on it or the name it expand the whole menu like it is now. clock: i see the clock, mouse-over it expands the date and when i click on it I get the calendar tray: 2 columns if i deside the trayicon bigness is 50% of the panel, 3 columns at 33% and four (very small on thin panels!?!) if i choose 25 %. tasks like win7 tasks, only icon with max first letter start menu: I should be able to choose icons instead of the names (application, places, system) and put one above the other when i choose a icon i should be able to define the bigness in percent of the panel thickness.

Written by harun3d the 1 Jun 12 at 13:29.

If the panel is vertical, the text should also go in that direction to be visible. Now they made the text horizontal and you see only the icon of the window and not the name of it, however there is a lot of space in the vertical direction.

If the panel is vertical, the text should also go in that direction to be visible. Now they made the text horizontal and you see only the icon of the window and not the name of it, however there is a lot of space in the vertical direction.

Written by nelson.blaha the 17 Sep 08 at 06:32.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #13327 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 #13327 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 piotrekp the 19 Oct 08 at 20:48.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #14587 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 #14587 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 nikos the 17 Oct 10 at 21:49.

I notice that we only have two options on Rhytmbox: listen all musics and repeat them at the end of the cd, or listen them in a aleatory mode. WE CAN'T LISTEN ONLY ONE MUSIC THE TIMES WE WANT...

I think that we should have the possibility to choose the musics we want to listen, and repeat them or listen only one music.

I notice that we only have two options on Rhytmbox: listen all musics and repeat them at the end of the cd, or listen them in a aleatory mode. WE CAN'T LISTEN ONLY ONE MUSIC THE TIMES WE WANT... I think that we should have the possibility to choose the musics we want to listen, and repeat them or listen only one music.

Written by nikos the 17 Oct 10 at 22:07.

the copy process is very slow, and we can't listen music while Rhytmbox is copying...

the copy process is very slow, and we can't listen music while Rhytmbox is copying...

Written by mac9416 the 30 Jun 09 at 23:17.

Place (semi-transparent?) numerical stats over the corresponding graphs.
For example, if CPU usage is at 40%, "40%" will be pasted over the CPU usage graph on the panel.

I threw together a few concept images:

Place (semi-transparent?) numerical stats over the corresponding graphs. For example, if CPU usage is at 40%, "40%" will be pasted over the CPU usage graph on the panel. I threw together a few concept images: <a href="http://imgur.com/eJ2Lkl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/eJ2Lkl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a> <hr /> <a href="http://imgur.com/oKZNRl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/oKZNRl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a><br /> <hr /> <a href="http://imgur.com/wfFeIl.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com"><img style="margin: 5px;" width="400" src="http://imgur.com/wfFeIl.png" alt="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

Written by andruk the 3 Jul 09 at 20:08.

To avoid occluding the numbers or the graphs, show the numbers to the side of the graphs, and color them the same as the graph colors.

To avoid occluding the numbers or the graphs, show the numbers to the side of the graphs, and color them the same as the graph colors.

Written by fernandoc1 the 13 Jul 09 at 17:58.

There should be four options for the user:
Show the graphs only.
Show the graphs and numbers over the graphs.
Show the graphs and numbers beside the graphs.
Show the numbers only.

There should be four options for the user: Show the graphs only. Show the graphs and numbers over the graphs. Show the graphs and numbers beside the graphs. Show the numbers only.

Written by isaacthulhu the 15 Jul 09 at 13:50.

Why not reclaim all the wasted desktop real-estate which is used to display the useless desktop picture? I have never understood the need for a desktop picture. As an option I can see the end user wanting the feature but as the default condition for the desktop it makes no sense at all, takes up literally the entire screen and it does nothing. Why is there no standard system information display for the desktop when everywhere else in the OS the emphasis is on functionality first?

I think you should be able not only to constantly and without effort discern everything about your CPU usage, but you should also be able to track everything else with nothing more than a glance at your desktop.

maybe something like the ring chart in Baobab would suffice?
if individual aesthetics are an issue make it theme-able.

Why not reclaim all the wasted desktop real-estate which is used to display the useless desktop picture? I have never understood the need for a desktop picture. As an option I can see the end user wanting the feature but as the default condition for the desktop it makes no sense at all, takes up literally the entire screen and it does nothing. Why is there no standard system information display for the desktop when everywhere else in the OS the emphasis is on functionality first? I think you should be able not only to constantly and without effort discern everything about your CPU usage, but you should also be able to track everything else with nothing more than a glance at your desktop. maybe something like the ring chart in Baobab would suffice? if individual aesthetics are an issue make it theme-able.

Written by azachar the 25 Oct 09 at 10:18.

Add into Rhythmbox playlist table new column "description"

Add into Rhythmbox playlist table new column "description"

Written by christophski the 3 Jun 09 at 10:51.

We could use the new Ubuntu notifications to do provide this alert. Just something simple like "USB Webcam detected" with an icon of a webcam.

We could use the new Ubuntu notifications to do provide this alert. Just something simple like "USB Webcam detected" with an icon of a webcam.

Written by cheesehead the 3 Jun 09 at 15:50.

Since I already have hotplug scripts that execute when a new device is detected, I don't need these notifications. In this case, detection notifications would be a nuisance.

Since I already have hotplug scripts that execute when a new device is detected, I don't need these notifications. In this case, detection notifications would be a nuisance.

Written by DnaX the 6 Jun 09 at 00:11.

An implementation of solution #1: There is this python script that notify new devices discovered by HAL. Work fine.

https://code.launchpad.net/~dnax88/+junk/hal-notify

Some examples:

An implementation of solution #1: There is this python script that notify new devices discovered by HAL. Work fine. https://code.launchpad.net/~dnax88/+junk/hal-notify Some examples: <img src="http://dnax.netsons.org/storage/hal-notify.png" /> <img src="http://dnax.netsons.org/storage/hal-notify2.png" />

Written by jamespgray the 7 Jun 09 at 18:47.

I expect when I plug in a new device it will be detected and configured and ready for my use within 10 seconds or so. A notification can be displayed if the device is NOT usable for some reason or isn't ready within the 10 seconds. (2 different notification messages).

The old equation: silence = success

I expect when I plug in a new device it will be detected and configured and ready for my use within 10 seconds or so. A notification can be displayed if the device is NOT usable for some reason or isn't ready within the 10 seconds. (2 different notification messages). The old equation: silence = success

Written by walterav the 7 Jun 09 at 22:37.

It might give a "false assumption" that the hardware is also supported and directly working with ubuntu.

My suggestion would be that it gives a notification that is green/if the hardware directly works, it might fade away!

Other wise make the notification "red" with a extra dialog box that say's this hardware is not supported, or needs the following procedure, or something with cancel.

This idea can be combined with solution 1 / 3

It might give a "false assumption" that the hardware is also supported and directly working with ubuntu. My suggestion would be that it gives a notification that is green/if the hardware directly works, it might fade away! Other wise make the notification "red" with a extra dialog box that say's this hardware is not supported, or needs the following procedure, or something with cancel. This idea can be combined with solution 1 / 3

Written by Mentalikryst the 14 Jun 09 at 22:05.

Give a menu that gives some information such as:

*Status
*Compatibility
*Type of Device
*Programs which use the device (So give Nautilus/Dolphin for a USB Flash Drive, Network Manager for a WiFi adapter, etc.)

The menu would fade away and would not be obtrusive, but would give the user information about the device and give options on what to do.

Give a menu that gives some information such as: *Status *Compatibility *Type of Device *Programs which use the device (So give Nautilus/Dolphin for a USB Flash Drive, Network Manager for a WiFi adapter, etc.) The menu would fade away and would not be obtrusive, but would give the user information about the device and give options on what to do.

Written by DaVince the 15 Jun 09 at 22:25.

It would probably be a good idea to have an icon pop up while a notification is shown, so that accessibility to configuration of this little tool is available. Anyone who doesn't like the notifications or wants to disable them for certain hardware will be able to do so by clicking this icon (a special configuration window will pop up).

The icon will automatically disappear shortly after the notification was shown.

It would probably be a good idea to have an icon pop up while a notification is shown, so that accessibility to configuration of this little tool is available. Anyone who doesn't like the notifications or wants to disable them for certain hardware will be able to do so by clicking this icon (a special configuration window will pop up). The icon will automatically disappear shortly after the notification was shown.

Written by lokster the 6 May 11 at 22:08.

I have developed an application for this purpose. It shows notifications for many devices (not just Flash Drives and WebCams), and works on Ubuntu 10.10, 11.04 (and derivatives). Maybe on 10.04 too, but I haven't tested it yet. Its name is udev-notify and you can find more info and packages here: http://udev-notify.learnfree.eu/

I have developed an application for this purpose. It shows notifications for many devices (not just Flash Drives and WebCams), and works on Ubuntu 10.10, 11.04 (and derivatives). Maybe on 10.04 too, but I haven't tested it yet. Its name is udev-notify and you can find more info and packages here: http://udev-notify.learnfree.eu/

Written by Endolith the 10 Nov 08 at 03:10.

There should be a one-line field at the bottom for "From:" to encourage the person to type in a name. If they do, the pop-up will indicate who left the note, as well.

Here are some mock-ups.

There should be a one-line field at the bottom for "From:" to encourage the person to type in a name. If they do, the pop-up will indicate who left the note, as well. <a href="http://www.endolith.com/wordpress/2008/11/18/add-a-from-field-to-gnome-screensaver-locked-screen/">Here are some mock-ups.</a> <img src="http://www.endolith.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/leave-message-with-from.png" width="450"> <img src="http://www.endolith.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/popup-parens.png">

Written by kareeser the 27 Apr 09 at 16:15.

This could be easily accomplished and greatly increases the general look and feel of the desktop.

Instead of displaying the message content as a pop-up, notify-osd could output a notification saying "You received %n messages while you were gone", and create a new message notification in the indicator-applet in the notification area.

Upon clicking the indicator applet (or some such function), a helper application would open and display the left messages in a professional manner.

As stated in notify-osd docs, the notification itself would be short and to the point, and disappear after a second or two, since by design, it is to be unobtrusive.

The existing notification for a new email works for this purpose as well. You can view it here:
http://www.kareeser.com/media/new%20message.png

This could be easily accomplished and greatly increases the general look and feel of the desktop. Instead of displaying the message content as a pop-up, notify-osd could output a notification saying "You received %n messages while you were gone", and create a new message notification in the indicator-applet in the notification area. Upon clicking the indicator applet (or some such function), a helper application would open and display the left messages in a professional manner. As stated in notify-osd docs, the notification itself would be short and to the point, and disappear after a second or two, since by design, it is to be unobtrusive. The existing notification for a new email works for this purpose as well. You can view it here: http://www.kareeser.com/media/new%20message.png

Written by daddo the 7 May 09 at 10:23.

Add button "Save message". May be saved as Tomboy note.

Add button "Save message". May be saved as Tomboy note.

Written by daddo the 7 May 09 at 10:29.

Add an optional feature: when leaving a message, automatically take with webcam picture of the person, who leaves the message. Leaving a message shold not be an anonymus thing. These feature should be optional, so somewhere could it turn ON/OFF.

Add an optional feature: when leaving a message, automatically take with webcam picture of the person, who leaves the message. Leaving a message shold not be an anonymus thing. These feature should be optional, so somewhere could it turn ON/OFF.

Written by falkTX the 13 May 09 at 10:57.

When a user clicks "Leave Message", show a combo-box so user can select how to leave that message

When a user clicks "Leave Message", show a combo-box so user can select how to leave that message

Written by sabosch the 22 May 09 at 05:35.

When the computer is locked, it should be more obvious the possibility to leave a message. Maybe an already opened text-box with a title for that purpose.

When the computer is locked, it should be more obvious the possibility to leave a message. Maybe an already opened text-box with a title for that purpose.

Written by wolterh the 11 Mar 09 at 02:40.

I propose to give every item, on it's properties, an option to gravitate to one of either extremes of the panel. This way, when you remove an item the items will maintain their organization making your panels look clean without an effort.

I propose to give every item, on it's properties, an option to gravitate to one of either extremes of the panel. This way, when you remove an item the items will maintain their organization making your panels look clean without an effort.

Written by stevemot the 11 Mar 09 at 14:26.

The main reason that re-organizing the Panel is such a pain is that the user has to unlock each of the items on the Panel individually before they can be moved. This solution proposes to add a right-click context menu item to the Panel to unlock all of the objects in the Panel, allowing them to be dragged about at will. When finished, the user just selects a corresponding "Lock all" option. The advantage with this solution is that it should not require any changes to the many objects that can be added to the Panel, only to the Panel itself (it just needs to walk through its list of objects calling "unlock" on each one).

The main reason that re-organizing the Panel is such a pain is that the user has to unlock each of the items on the Panel individually before they can be moved. This solution proposes to add a right-click context menu item to the Panel to unlock all of the objects in the Panel, allowing them to be dragged about at will. When finished, the user just selects a corresponding "Lock all" option. The advantage with this solution is that it should not require any changes to the many objects that can be added to the Panel, only to the Panel itself (it just needs to walk through its list of objects calling "unlock" on each one).

Written by kenden the 17 Mar 09 at 23:46.

What is the use of the "Lock To Panel" feature?

Locking a icon into place in the panel? To avoid it moving around?

But why would it move around?

Only because the user would move it!

And if the user wants to move it, why would she unlock it, move it and lock it back?

What's the point of having it locked?
The icons are not going to move by themselves!

What is the use of the "Lock To Panel" feature? Locking a icon into place in the panel? To avoid it moving around? But why would it move around? Only because the user would move it! And if the user wants to move it, why would she unlock it, move it and lock it back? What's the point of having it locked? The icons are not going to move by themselves!

Written by axayg the 18 Mar 09 at 02:25.

Solution#2 is definitely great. However, this is the simplest to implement and is, at the face of it, a simple copy-paste from M$ Windows. We should do something better than that. eg.
Graviate to one of the sides or make the icon panel slightly sticky. That way when you want to move icons in/out, drag/drop anywhere else on the panel, it does not come off just like that. It makes some sound like "pluck" and is clearly shows that its coming out of a sticky panel. That way, a firm lock is not necessarily needed - a firm lock could be an add-on to enable/disable moving around of icons.

Solution#2 is definitely great. However, this is the simplest to implement and is, at the face of it, a simple copy-paste from M$ Windows. We should do something better than that. eg. Graviate to one of the sides or make the icon panel slightly sticky. That way when you want to move icons in/out, drag/drop anywhere else on the panel, it does not come off just like that. It makes some sound like "pluck" and is clearly shows that its coming out of a sticky panel. That way, a firm lock is not necessarily needed - a firm lock could be an add-on to enable/disable moving around of icons.

Written by tchalvakspam the 19 Mar 09 at 16:16.

The problem is that the panel is a line, and it's hard to keep stuff organized on that line.

So: Allow the panel to be "broken" visually, whether by separators that are transparent or the converse, by allowing grouping the elements on the panel in groups and then letting the space in-between groups become transparent.

So instead of 1 long panel, you could visually split the panel into left and right, or left middle right, or other user-specified organizations.

The key here is that instead of looking like one long worm panel, it should essentially look like multiple sections, each appearing as an independent part of the user interface, even while the underlying system remains intact.

The problem is that the panel is a line, and it's hard to keep stuff organized on that line. So: Allow the panel to be "broken" visually, whether by separators that are transparent or the converse, by allowing grouping the elements on the panel in groups and then letting the space in-between groups become transparent. So instead of 1 long panel, you could visually split the panel into left and right, or left middle right, or other user-specified organizations. The key here is that instead of looking like one long worm panel, it should essentially look like multiple sections, each appearing as an independent part of the user interface, even while the underlying system remains intact.

Written by tchalvakspam the 19 Mar 09 at 16:28.

Another approach to allow better organization of the panel is to provide slide-out sections of panel that can contain multiple icons within them. Like a more robust version of the "Drawer" panel applet that integrates with the panel better. In essence, different sections of the panel could be clicked to slide out a larger section of panel space which would contain more icons, or could just slide out with a stack of the icons it contains themselves. So if you wanted to add links to a number of websites, you could add the drawer-stack and stick all the icons inside it, then when you wanted to launch one site or another, you would click the part of the drawer-stack, it would slide open to show all the icons inside it, and then you would launch the one you wanted.

One ideal implementation of this can be seen in the "stacks" of the dock in OSX Leopard and the "stack" applet of the Cairo-dock app for ubuntu.

Another approach to allow better organization of the panel is to provide slide-out sections of panel that can contain multiple icons within them. Like a more robust version of the "Drawer" panel applet that integrates with the panel better. In essence, different sections of the panel could be clicked to slide out a larger section of panel space which would contain more icons, or could just slide out with a stack of the icons it contains themselves. So if you wanted to add links to a number of websites, you could add the drawer-stack and stick all the icons inside it, then when you wanted to launch one site or another, you would click the part of the drawer-stack, it would slide open to show all the icons inside it, and then you would launch the one you wanted. One ideal implementation of this can be seen in the "stacks" of the dock in OSX Leopard and the "stack" applet of the Cairo-dock app for ubuntu.

Written by jyaan the 21 Mar 09 at 19:20.

One of the most basic elements of organization on computers is the frame. We use it in GTK+, and of course it has been used on web pages.

I propose that icons can be placed (at the user's option) in a rectangular area. This will not affect the visible appearance of the panel; it is only for organization. It should also allow empty space between icons.

This would allow groups of icons to be treated as a whole (although still movable within the frame, and able to be dragged in and out of the frame), and therefore each frame's contents will never end up mixed with each other.

Typically, I keep certain types of icons/applets together, and being able to drag several at the same time, and not losing their order (on screen resize, for example) would be great.

The user should be able to move the frame from the left edge just as we already do with the notification area and window list.

The problem with most of the solutions is that you'll still need to micro-manage your icons and move them one at a time. If I want to move my launcher icons from one side to the other, I'd like to just drag them as a group. Won't be a problem with Multi-monitor setups, either.

One of the most basic elements of organization on computers is the frame. We use it in GTK+, and of course it has been used on web pages. I propose that icons can be placed (at the user's option) in a rectangular area. This will not affect the visible appearance of the panel; it is only for organization. It should also allow empty space between icons. This would allow groups of icons to be treated as a whole (although still movable within the frame, and able to be dragged in and out of the frame), and therefore each frame's contents will never end up mixed with each other. Typically, I keep certain types of icons/applets together, and being able to drag several at the same time, and not losing their order (on screen resize, for example) would be great. The user should be able to move the frame from the left edge just as we already do with the notification area and window list. The problem with most of the solutions is that you'll still need to micro-manage your icons and move them one at a time. If I want to move my launcher icons from one side to the other, I'd like to just drag them as a group. Won't be a problem with Multi-monitor setups, either.

Written by kiersie the 31 Mar 09 at 22:10.

Just like the panels dont move without holding alt-button down since gnome 2.26 do also withe applet/icons

Just like the panels dont move without holding alt-button down since gnome 2.26 do also withe applet/icons

Written by MestreLion the 11 Jun 09 at 23:42.

This brainstorm has so many ideas because we are trying to address several issues in 1 solution: avoid icon micro-management, ordering icons, grouping icons, avoid accidental changes. A consistent, coherent way would be the "Bookshelf Approach":

- Special separators (SPLITERS) would now divide panel in SECTIONS

- Each section would have its own "gravity" or "orientation" - either left, right, center, or none (=just like today). Like Solution #1, but should be applied to a SECTION, not individual icons, so no need set individual icon properties (no micromanagement).

- Every icon within a section would automatically stack according to its section orientation. So if you delete an icon in the middle of a "left-oriented" section, all icons to the right of it would shift left. In a section with no orientation, icons wouldnt shift.

- To arrange the icons, solution #9 is perfect. No need of lock / unlock. A key combination like the proposed ALT+mouse drag would prevent accidental moving while clicking. You could drag icons to different sections as well.

- Besides ALT+drag for 1-item movement, CTRL+ALT+drag could be used to move all icons in a section (useful for re-arranging groups, as #18 suggests).*

This brainstorm has so many ideas because we are trying to address several issues in 1 solution: avoid icon micro-management, ordering icons, grouping icons, avoid accidental changes. A consistent, coherent way would be the "Bookshelf Approach": - Special separators (SPLITERS) would now divide panel in SECTIONS - Each section would have its own "gravity" or "orientation" - either left, right, center, or none (=just like today). Like Solution #1, but should be applied to a SECTION, not individual icons, so no need set individual icon properties (no micromanagement). - Every icon within a section would automatically stack according to its section orientation. So if you delete an icon in the middle of a "left-oriented" section, all icons to the right of it would shift left. In a section with no orientation, icons wouldnt shift. - To arrange the icons, solution #9 is perfect. No need of lock / unlock. A key combination like the proposed ALT+mouse drag would prevent accidental moving while clicking. You could drag icons to different sections as well. - Besides ALT+drag for 1-item movement, CTRL+ALT+drag could be used to move all icons in a section (useful for re-arranging groups, as #18 suggests).* - The Splitters could be moved this way too, to set the width of each section - Right clicking ANY icon would allow to set its panel and section settings: simply add a "Panel > " and "Section > " item to their context menus. No need to hunt down a blank area of the panel anymore, no need to increase section width just to have a blank area to set its properties. - Splitters would have 3 context menus added: "Panel >", "Left Section > ", "Right Section >". - Besides the separators we have today, we could also have "SPACERS" to create invisible spaces between icons we want (like suggested in #8). If the user presses ALT while the mouse is over the panel, the spacers become visible (otherwise would be difficult to find and move them) - If you delete a splitter, a popup would ask if the newly merged section would inherit the properties of the right or of the left section. * The ALT and CTRL+ALT is just a suggestion, actual keys would be what gnome developers find most consistent with current interface. Summing it up, no need of lock/unlock, no need to micromanage icons, no need to hunt blank areas to set up options. And, IMHO, highly friendly and intuitive while still fully customizable.

Written by panta1978 the 22 Jun 09 at 21:30.

Allow multiple icons selection, simply by clicking with the mouse's left button and selecting the desired area.

Allow multiple icons selection, simply by clicking with the mouse's left button and selecting the desired area.

Written by xubaj the 26 Aug 09 at 22:31.

just like #11 but with an [Alt] key which prevents accidental rearrangment. by right-clicking the selected icons you can apply multiple preferences (lock/unlock/remove etc.) at once.

just like #11 but with an [Alt] key which prevents accidental rearrangment. by right-clicking the selected icons you can apply multiple preferences (lock/unlock/remove etc.) at once.

Written by bliss the 20 Oct 10 at 06:54.

A new option in the (right click) panel menu to auto-arrange icons like the Mac OSX dock or the Windows quickstart.

A new option in the (right click) panel menu to auto-arrange icons like the Mac OSX dock or the Windows quickstart.

Written by James Haigh the 26 Oct 10 at 17:15.

In KDE items in panels are all next to each other, a spacer can be used to push them apart.

The spacer expands to use all space. So you can have some items on the left, spacer in the middle, and some items on the right.

In KDE items in panels are all next to each other, a spacer can be used to push them apart. The spacer expands to use all space. So you can have some items on the left, spacer in the middle, and some items on the right. <a href="http://www.notmart.org/index.php/Software/Make_some_space"> <img src="http://www.notmart.org/images/panelspacer2.png" alt="Panel spacer"> <\a>

Written by antiGatesGuy the 6 Apr 11 at 14:08.

In Window$ Vista and 7, All open windows of a certain category are grouped together and there are controls so you can do something to the whole group. (Close group, maximize all, cascade, etc.)

In Window$ Vista and 7, All open windows of a certain category are grouped together and there are controls so you can do something to the whole group. (Close group, maximize all, cascade, etc.)