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Idea #21362: SoftwareStore should be renamed

bug This idea was marked as implemented the 30 October 09. Available starting Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala.
Written by orlox the 8 Sep 09 at 13:19. Related project: Add/Remove program dialog. Status: Implemented
Rationale
The name SoftwareStore has received a lot of criticism, and I'm yet to find someone who agrees with it (although, someone must agree since they changed the name).

I think the word "store" will immediately associate the application to commercial software, but the application itself will be centred on free software.

Also, the name seems to hurt user feedback, since most of them just start a discussion on how bad the name is, and alternatives to it, instead of doing some constructive discussion on the features,scope and importance of the project.

83
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Return to the old name: AppCenter
Written by orlox the 8 Sep 09 at 13:19.
The old name, AppCenter, seemed to be widely accepted. It's a short, yet informative name, that expresses the idea of the application in a very good way (a frontend that integrates all other software management frontends in a consistent way)

Perhaps this name should be restored, leave the package and executable named as appcenter, and list it in the administration menu as "Application Center" or "Ubuntu Application Center".
126
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Use a name with the word software (but not store)
Written by orlox the 9 Sep 09 at 02:54.
An "app" is not something widely recognized, so it might be better to choose a name for this application that uses the word "software", but not the name store. Besides, this interface will serve to install many things that qualify as software, but not as an application (like codecs and fonts).

Pehaps, a contraction of the word like "soft" or "sw" could also be used for the application name (i.e. package name, executable, launchpad entry, etc...), while menu entries describe it using the whole word to keep clarity for unexperienced users.

Even more, the word software is correctly recognized by many non-english speakers, including some that are relatively computer-illiterate.

Since there's an infinite amount of alternative names that can be used here, perhaps this solution can be kept open to various alternatives (for now).
523
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#4): Use "Software Center"
Written by orlox the 9 Sep 09 at 23:40.
This name would cover the technical aspect of using "software" over "application", and also take the advantage of the unifying concept of "center".

This solution complies with solution #3 as a particular case of it.
-279
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#5): Just call it Add/Remove
Written by Gaz Davidson the 10 Sep 09 at 12:58.
It adds and removes software, it will be in the menu next to all the applications.
Having an internal name is fine but there's no reason for it to have a fancy marketing name for users to see, simply call it what it does.
-278
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#6): Let it be - Software Store sounds great
Written by CVL the 12 Sep 09 at 07:21.
This idea is really a waste of time for everyone.

Software Store sounds great and I hope it would atract interest from lots of commercial developers to Ubuntu.
-232
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#7): Ubuntu Central
Written by horusofoz the 13 Sep 09 at 10:15.
As the plan is to incorporate Add/Remove, Synaptic, Update Manager and other bits, I think Ubuntu Central or something similar (in concept not sound) that has a broader sense than software/app store/center would be more suitable.

Alternatively, Taking into consideration Ubuntu's humanistic feel I think it would be fitting if they gave the application a name in that vein. Ubuntu Nexus?
-238
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#8): UbuntuStores
Written by kazuya00 the 14 Sep 09 at 12:51.
UbuntuStore wesh a
-117
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#9): Ubuntu AppCenter
Written by happy-word the 14 Sep 09 at 15:41.
Ubuntu AppCenter. I think this sound great...
-182
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#10): Software Market
Written by rrnwexec the 14 Sep 09 at 16:53.
"Market" is a friendlier and potential less commercial term than Store. Think of a farmer's market, or a community market, or a flea market as examples that exist in the real world and have a spirit of exchange, with or without commerce.
-184
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#11): Ubuntu SoftCenter
Written by mfeliz the 14 Sep 09 at 18:35.
It Sounds good!
78
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#12): Software Manager
Written by daas88 the 14 Sep 09 at 20:34.
Because the word "manager" has a wider meaning than store, and it will have more uses than just installing software.
-165
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#13): Software Basket OR Application Basket
Written by Riky the 16 Sep 09 at 06:50.
I think Software Basket or Application Basket sound good, it can be recognized straight away.
-107
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#14): (Ubuntu) Software Gallery / Application Gallery
Written by insanelyapple the 17 Sep 09 at 09:58.
I think its simple and intuitive.
-125
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#15): Install Central
Written by Sashin the 17 Sep 09 at 11:45.
I like this name 'cause it implies its the place to install anything, fonts, updates, applications and the lot.

The word central should be easier to translate that centre/center.

And the absence of the word store takes away the potentially commercial element of it.

Most importantly, it looks and sounds cool.
-57
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#16): Software Central
Written by Robin Nixon the 17 Sep 09 at 16:28.
This resolves the UK/US spelling issues of the word Center.
-96
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#17): Software Box
Written by baldurpet the 17 Sep 09 at 20:01.
I didn't know whether I should add to the already long list of suggestions, but I wanted to approach this from a 'tad' different perspective.

I'm trying to think of a name that people can use with a sense of endearment like most of Apple's products. "Software Box" was the best thing I could come up with (as in "I need some software for X and Y"- "just look in the box").

I don't expect users to choose my idea for a name but I still want contributors to stop thinking about words that sound mechanical, dead and literal ("Software Center") and think about something more colloquial and friendly instead. Could you imagine your dad or mom saying it?
-110
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#18): UbuDepo
Written by litokraz the 18 Sep 09 at 14:55.
In my opinion this name would simply connect the name of the operating system to what it really is: a depo of software. UbuDepo is a inuque name which can also be easily understood and pronounced almost anywhere in the world.
-106
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#19): The Canonical
Written by Vampireboi the 18 Sep 09 at 21:55.
Just call it this!! it makes sense because this is what every piece of software calls to and this is where you will go when you need something! i really like it! :)
-82
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#20): Software OpenMarket
Written by adamarmistead the 18 Sep 09 at 22:58.
This keeps the term software people seem to prefer and the "friendly" market term while expressing that the software available is free and open source.
-77
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#21): How about Software Depot or Software Warehouse/Storehouse.
Written by wolterh the 19 Sep 09 at 19:37.
I think the solution title says it all.

I like the Software Depot because it reminds me of Starcraft's Supply Depots. They always intrigued me.

Anyway, my other proposal is to call it Software Warehouse, but I understand that it may be highly criticized for phonetically it sounds repetitive as of softWARE WAREhouse, but that could be solved by changing Warehouse for Storehouse. Storehouse because it embeds the concept of storage (which is from where store comes from) but it gets rid of the commercial idea. Storehouse makes us think about a Warehouse, without having the phonetic problem described above.
-68
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#22): Software Kiosk
Written by slashdotaccount the 20 Sep 09 at 17:42.
A compromise.
-41
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#23): Installation Manager
Written by kyrandesa the 21 Sep 09 at 07:49.
isn't that what it basically is doing?
-56
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#24): Ubu soft store / Ubu softbox/ Ubu soft pot
Written by rutvikgohil the 22 Sep 09 at 10:13.
in my opinion this may be quite simple name
because many new user like me finding bit difficult to get the name of this things
so if any 1 can suggest a simple name than is ll be a great thing..
thanks

and about last name "Ubu soft-pot"
it may mean like "container/vessel containing free software"
pot=jug,box,container,vessel in african
-29
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#25): Software BIN
Written by mahajanudit the 23 Sep 09 at 19:00.
Bin is synonymous to warehouse, which means a storage place without implicitly implying commercialism.
But I think it's better than warehouse, cz somehow the name 'warehouse' just doesn't go...
-11
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#26): Ubuntu S/W EpiCentre
Written by gaara87 the 25 Sep 09 at 16:14.
Ubuntu's heart is the kernel, but the softwares and applications are responsible for making the difference between two personalised Ubuntus. Much like saying, what differentiates you from me is the way we think!

Ubuntu:Humanism is a free form of thinking where its inception lies in the difference in thinking, hence the EpiCentre of Ubuntu,much like the Mind being the EpiCentre of a Human!:-)
-3
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#27): SoftwareTank
Written by Frederic.Hardy the 26 Sep 09 at 00:38.
like think tank
-2
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#28): one of these:
Written by anystupidname the 26 Sep 09 at 02:45.
app treasury
software vault
app nest
software bank
app locker
software armory
app depot
software dump
app hopper
software supply
app stockpile
software barn
app arsenal
software conservatory
app boutique
software emporium
app safe
software mine
app stash
software silo

Attachments


Duplicates


Comments
coldReactive wrote on the 8 Sep 09 at 16:11
I say use AppCenter. SoftwareStore makes it sound like we're going to have to pay for some non-free packages (flash, anyone?) In the future.

orlox wrote on the 8 Sep 09 at 21:14
If anyone has a comment on the rationale of the idea, or the justification of the solutions, please share it and I'll see if I add it to the description.

I'm pretty sure solution #2 could have a better justification, because there should be an appealing reason to decline the name AppCenter in favour of SoftwareStore

andruk (Idea reviewer) wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 02:35
At least in the US, store is generally used to indicate a marketplace, not a place to get free stuff. But your average user barely knows what an "app" is anyway, and only from the iPod commercials, so I don't like "AppCenter" either.

I would be in favor of something like "Software Center" or something like that.

Aielyn wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 04:52
What about going for a bit of a pun, with something like "SoftCenter"? Most people recognise "Soft" when it comes to computers as meaning "software", and the name evokes the idea of sweets (at least, it does for me). Oh, and it has to correct itself for Non-US spelling - SoftCentre.

orlox wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 05:32
Alelyn, perhaps the idea of using Soft could be appropiate. However, I also considered the localization issue with the word center, and think that in the end, the executable itself must be named one way or the other, and translations would only apply to language packs that affect the GUI.

Ill add the use of "Soft" to the solution where software is used. Spreding the solution in using software instead of soft, or by specifying the large amount of variants these names could have wouldn't be so useful (I think...)

orlox wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 05:46
Discussion on the ubuntu-devel mailing list about software store:

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2009-August/028811.html

There, they give what I think is an important argument against the use of the word "application". This thing will allow you to install codecs, fonts and many things that fall under the software category, and not under applications.

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 20:31
Deleted Solution #2 (do nothing). Historically, 'do nothing' solutions have been misused by Brainstormers seeking to improve their ranking, and do not help refine the idea.

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 20:34
The concept of 'store' is broader than merely purchasing. The word evokes browsing, selection, comparison, and other desirable elements of the experience. Are there any good -and easily translatable- synonyms that evoke these elements?

orlox wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 21:26
I didn't knew "do nothing" solutions were misused here, that's a shame.

It's true that a store refers to much more than simply paying, and I guess that most direct translations of the word carry on the same meaning of a place where one also compares and selects products.

However, the word itself is more easily associated to purchasing something. Due to this, it might be preferable to sacrifice the additional meaning the word store brings and choose something less broad.

McIvor wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 21:31
-Center makes more sense than -Store, since the concept involves handling updates, browsing/searching, and package management on all levels. Also, the package manager is effectively the 'center' of the operating system - everything is a package, even the kernel and the shell.
I don't see much* wrong with App-, given the popularity of the iPhone App Store. In fact, when introducing newbies to Ubuntu, I always draw a parallel between Add/Remove and the App Store.

*The only potential problem is that, as orlox mentioned, codecs and fonts are not apps. SoftCenter might be a good idea, but the average user probably wouldn't make the connection between codecs and 'software' any more than they would with 'applications'. PackageCenter would be more accurate, but it seems kind of technical and could cause confusion with PackageKit. Whatever we call it, Center has to be in it.

Paqman wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 22:05
"Store" is fine IMO. Android has an "App Market" and the iPhone has an "App Store", both filled with plenty of freebie software. The idea that users won't be able to grasp the concept of downloading for free from something named store is just a bit silly.

t4ggs wrote on the 9 Sep 09 at 22:19
it sounds like an apple idea...i said lets just call it Software Manager or Add/Remove why not borrowing that name?

leighman wrote on the 10 Sep 09 at 08:35
I like 'centre/er' personally

Gaz Davidson wrote on the 10 Sep 09 at 12:55
I don't like SoftwareStore because it sounds like Apple and a shop.
I don't like AppCenter because it sounds like Apple and is American English.

I agree with t4ggs, it doesn't need a name as far as users are concerned. Just call it Add/Remove

aliam13_2 wrote on the 10 Sep 09 at 13:13
it will eventually do more than adding and removing software. You will be able to keep track of history, undo modifications, updates will go through this software and you may even be able to purchase non-free software using it too. We need to pick a name now, that can build up a reputation, changing the name later will reduce the reputation and confuse people who have gotten used to the name.

Thus as it will do more than add/remove it should not be called "Add/Remove".

yzarc wrote on the 10 Sep 09 at 13:51
I'm for sol #4 since is easy to translate to others language.

Akerbos wrote on the 10 Sep 09 at 16:20
Has this thing any advantages compared to manual package management? Never used it yet.

ushimitsudoki wrote on the 11 Sep 09 at 03:10
I actually think "app" is the way to go because it sounds "inside" and a growing number of casual users are familiar with it - due in large part to the Apple iPhone commercials.

People like it when they can spout off a little jargon and sound like they know what they are talking about.

I think "AppCenter" works well on a promotional level, where "Software Store" is full of fail. It sounds souless and generic. Anti-cool.

Clorox wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 03:48
The main reason it should not be called "Add/Remove" is that that name is usually only associated with removing software, due to the people transferring from Windows.

Laibcoms wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 10:50
Continuing on the suggestion "Softcenter"...
"Macrosoft"
"Ubusoft" (

coolen wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 11:18
OMG! Apps!


Seriously though, Software Centre is a good choice. It's not specifically tied to apps, and it reflects the central nature of the application.

I get the whole store thing, in that we want to be able to sell software through it, but it's too commercial. It will always have a lot more free software than not.

Mykal wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 12:58
I'm also for "Software Store." This gives developers who enjoy GNU/Linux to actually make a living if donations are not enough. There is a difference between people who want software to remain free for philosophical reasons and people who just don't want to pay for anything because they are cheap. I think if a developer wants to put a non-free app in the store it puts a lot of pressure on them to make something amazing because there are other amazing free apps in the store. Competition is always a good thing. I'm hoping that with a "store", Windows/Mac developers will take Ubuntu more seriously and there will be many more software choices, free or not.

balaknair wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 13:03
Of the solutions outlined above, I'd go for #4- Software Centre, since 'Store' has a connotation of 'buying' stuff, like a 'grocery store', 'drug store' or 'convenience store'.
Especially when translated into most Indian languages I know, it would read 'shop', or 'market', and down here shops, stores and markets are associated with paying for what you get.

Software Centre has the advantage of 'bringing everything under one roof', and even translated, I think it would mean the same.

Does it have to be like a location, like 'Store' or 'Centre'?
How about something like 'Software Manager', since 'software management' is what the new app is supposed to do? The new UI tool is intended to bring elements like the 'Synaptic Package Manager' and the 'Update Manager' all under one UI, in addition to 'software sources' and gdebi. Basically something that helps you manage all software installed on the computer, like Synaptic with a more Noob friendly UI.

Something like this:
Executable name= swman
Application name= Software Manager
Comment/Description= Find and install new software, and upgrade or remove installed software on this computer.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Mykal wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 13:12
To further my comment above, I'd also like to say that "Software Center" is not a bad idea either. If there are non-free apps, there should be some type of control. I really like the iPhone app store in that you pay for an app once and all updates/upgrades thereafter are free.

rugolini wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 14:07
Hi guys,

And what about "Software Bazaar" ?

Remember Erick Raimond "The Catedral and the Bazaar"?

I think "Software Bazaar", resembles the colaborative spirit of Ubuntu and also the place where things can be exchanged and acquired (bought), but with more emphasys on the openess and free.

Regards,
Rodolpho


cos wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 17:04
I like the original "App Center". Alternatively, how about "App Manager"?

cos wrote on the 13 Sep 09 at 17:09
Don't particularly like Bazaar. It's too weird a word.
"Market" or "Marketplace" are better alternatives with a similar connotation.

insanelyapple wrote on the 14 Sep 09 at 10:55
i just created account for this; how about "Software Gallery", "App Gallery"?

anyway, while searching for new name dont forget that it should sound good in other languages.

AmEv wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 02:15
Sooo.... Bazaar is to bizarre for you, eh, cos?

I like the sound of Software Center. Sounds like the main thing.
Would you place it right above/below the add/remove button?

cos wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 08:46
Indeed, AmEv :)

I believe it would replace add/remove.

ben2talk wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 14:20
CENTER

ben2talk wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 14:25
CONTROL CENTRE
SOFTWARE CENTRE

would look fine...

CENTER is an Americanised spelling of CENTRE - will it be localised?

I feel that in my menu (currently headed by control centre)

:( STORE

actually means to keep things, but was adopted by American English to mean 'Best Buy'. To non-Americans, I feel that American style selling is too hard. I'd avoid going to a store, but I wouldn't mind going shopping when I'm intending to buy things.

Aielyn wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 14:26
Hey, what about going with a synonym for bazaar?

Ubuntu Emporium sounds pretty good to me.

yoman82 wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 19:35
If commercial software will be sold in it, as is intended, then it's a store...

cos wrote on the 15 Sep 09 at 22:53
Let's face it, Software Store isn't so bad. I'm sure the devs had this same discussion before making the decision.

Tuxoid wrote on the 16 Sep 09 at 04:22
I think in general, don't use a metaphorical like "Software Store", or "Software Market". However, don't go with a name that assumes that the users know what an 'app' is.

metaphors can be misunderstood, as has been already communicated.

what about something like 'Software Listings'? It's not a perfect idea, but it doesn't depend on arcane metaphors or techy know-how, so it could be a start.

umonkey wrote on the 16 Sep 09 at 10:51
There's a store and a market already, let's have a software mall. ;)

Sashin wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 11:42
I like the name "Install Central". To me it makes sense and doesn't sound too computer savvy. Basically it means the place to install anything, fonts, updates, software, applications.

And Software sounds boring

cos wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 14:20
I know! Let's call it Charlie! :D

germclown wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 22:16
I'd seriously question whether "app" is automatically worse than "software". Google, Myspace, Facebook, iTouch/Phone, et al. are popularizing the term. More than that, they give it a connotation of "one program, one task" (a Unix/Linux mantra from way back), while the "software" umbrella still covers firmware, viruses, and OSs (not that anyone would expect a virus from Add/Remove).

IMO, "App" is likely to be more recognized by techie and novice alike, and is as likely to become even more well known over time.

DouglasCaixeta wrote on the 18 Sep 09 at 19:05
Ubuntu Software Store is pretty nice. But sounds commercial, which is a good idea. Ubuntu, could, in the future, sell software by this application, like Nero 4 Linux. Ubuntu can have a commission for selling by this application.

huroliu wrote on the 20 Sep 09 at 13:29
Software Manager is the best as all kind of software packages ([free] documentation, language packs, fonts and not only the full applications) should be managed by it, while store suggests to ONLY BUY applications.

jeypeyy wrote on the 20 Sep 09 at 20:23
I don't think this can be fixed for karmic since featureFreeze is passed, although I'm not sure if an application's name is a "feature".

But I hope it eventually will be called Software Center/Centre, Software Central, or Software Manager.

RichardLinx wrote on the 21 Sep 09 at 07:12
FOSS Center?

jeypeyy wrote on the 22 Sep 09 at 09:23
RichardLinx:
FOSS Center wouldn't be good. First of all it won't only be free and open source software in it. Secondly it doesn't say much to new people who doesn't know what FOSS is.

wolterh wrote on the 22 Sep 09 at 23:44
Well, I have just experienced myself that it is a total risk for one's reputation in this website to suggest a name. There are no liked suggestions, it seems. I wish I could remove mine...

Anyway, since I don't want to get another -40 on my account, I will ask here to obtain some initial feedback on whether my new suggestion is liked or not.

How do you like Software Supply? or Ubuntu Software Supply for long version. Think about it. I am really getting tired of this negativity shown by the community towards the solutions.

boombox1387 wrote on the 23 Sep 09 at 12:55
@wolterh

Personally I don't think that Software Supply is a bad name, but I don't know how good its chances are at this point. At most, only one of the suggested names can be chosen, and peer pressure is overwhelmingly in favor of Software Center. I don't think people have much interest in more suggestions at this point. Look at the last 12 suggestions; they all got voted down, regardless of how good the suggestion is.

That aside, this website is about making Ubuntu better, not racking up points for your account. If you think your idea would improve Ubuntu, you shouldn't hold it back.

mdke wrote on the 25 Sep 09 at 22:52
I had an email discussion with Mark Shuttleworth about this and he has decided to change the name to Software Center.

It has been very helpful to have a community discussion about this, and the views of the community have had a good effect on the outcome.

You can track progress on the name change here:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-store/+bug/436648

orlox wrote on the 25 Sep 09 at 23:44
That's great!

shouldn't this idea be promoted to "in progress"??

RainCT (Ubuntu developer) wrote on the 26 Sep 09 at 10:29
Yeah, done.

wolterh wrote on the 27 Sep 09 at 02:50
Yeah I guess I got pretty dramatic about my reputation, but the fact that I have almost never been voted against made me treasure the almost impeccable reputation I had. And a -77 in one single solution proposal just seemed nuts to me.

Yes indeed, I still post any idea that I think will make ubuntu better, I just don't want the ubuntu brainstorm community to be just like that of a town who bases their decision on which candidate to elect based on who's winning and whose loosing and not on their own developed criterium.

xeniac wrote on the 25 Oct 09 at 18:47
Karmic Beta is out there and the Software Store has been renamed to Software Center.

Someone should close this Idea as Implemented. This Idea is always on the start page and takes a lot of precious space for other ideas.


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