http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com en-us Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:55:47 +0000 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:55:47 +0000 QAPoll module http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22302/
(An example could be to view 2 instances of nautilus side by side emulating the missing twin panel view.)

[7 votes] Solution #1: "Snap to dual view with..." entry in the right click menu of title bars
2 menu entries should be added to the right click menu of program titlebars:

"Snap to dual view horizontally with..."
"Snap to dual view vertically with..."

The user would click on this entry, than click on the other program window or taskbar element to be used.

The 2 programs would appear on the screen maximized to 50% of the space horizontally or vertically. They would also be grouped, so if minimize is clicked on one, the other would minimize to - and of course they would both reappear on clicking on either one on the taskbar. There would be a release entry in the right click menu now to ungroup them.

Program windows that have a fixed size (audacious for example) would not be resized but put into the center of their 50% side of the screen.

[9 votes] Solution #2: "Snap to left 50%" and such entries...
The right click menu of program titlebars should contain the following entries:

"Snap to top 50%"
"Snap to bottom 50%"
"Snap to left 50%"
"Snap to right 50%"

No other effect besides resizing and snapping to the respective screen border...

[14 votes] Solution #3: Enable the grid compiz plugin by default
I checked the grid plugin, it's cool. Just enable it in a default install...

]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:36:51 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22302/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22301/
[5 votes] Solution #1: Shift-Enter and RegEx replacement
When the user types in text such as the following into an edit box and then hits Shift-Return (for instance) an automatic conversion should take place:

20 cm in inches
3 feet in metres
25'3" per second in furlongs per fortnight
"Bunions" in German

Et cetera, ad nauseam.

A regular expression can do most of the heavy lifting. The following, for instance, would match the first two examples and return the number, first and second units in the three tagged expressions. (MS Visual Studio RegEx language):

[0-9]*\.*[0-9] *[A-Za-z\"]+ +in +[A-Za-z\"]+

The code would then merely have to look up the units and apply a conversion.

A further consideration is scalar calculations. These might be solved in-place by a method similar to that used by a well-known proprietary spreadsheet - preceding the specification with an "=":

=3*4-1

Issues that would need to be resolved:

1) Language. C++/Boost has a RegEx library with which I could do the coding myself, if C++ fits.

2) Integration and sharing. It would be nice if this could just be installed as a component and then functional wherever an Edit Box is found. I don't know how to do that.

]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:05:16 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22301/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22297/
[62 votes] Solution #1: Add .xcf support to Image Viewer
Add support for previewing GIMPs .xcf files in Image Viewer.

[8 votes] Solution #2: use gloobus
Gloobus can preview xcf files in less than a second. Its really fast and without having to open gimp

]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:16:51 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22297/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22288/
the one yet to be done is my Windows Home Server.

What it does is the following;

1. Central location for storage of data files that can be shared on a users internal LAN, and also with the option for Remote access.

2. Easy configuration of folders and user accounts on the Home server

3. Automated backup of client machines to the server

4. Runs headless (ie once installed, no keyboard, mouse or monitor required as most administrative tasks can be done either via the 'console' one any of the client machines, or via RDP

5. Instalation of a 'connector' onto each client, where you can access the console, set backups.

6. Installs a 'shared folders' icon where you automatically have access to the folders you have rights to

I'm fully aware this IS possible using Ubuntu, but I'm also aware that it involves a LOT of configuration of the different services on both the Server machine as well as EACH client.

Windows Home Server is based on Server 2003, and as part of the installation, disables certain parts which are not required (such as domain controller - is this required within the home ?), and sets the remaining configuration to the Home Server.

The main thing with it, is that it really does just work. Install via the cd/dvd, install the connector software, and thats it.

Ideal for the average home user.

With the advent of multiple machines per home, wouldnt it be a good idea to have something similar available built on ubuntu ? Home Server for the stoarage of files of various types, automatic mapping of the server each time you log into you local machine (via the connector), automated backups, remote access possible ? Just install Ubuntu Home Server and associated connector type software, and you're done. Just transfer your files into the relevant folders from each client pc, for access of those files from any client pc.

Be good to hear what other people think ?

If any other info is required, please let me know, I'd be happy to help.

[29 votes] Solution #1: Ubuntu Home Server
With the advent of multiple machines per home, wouldn't it be a good idea to have something similar available built on Ubuntu ?

Home Server for the storage of files of various types, automatic mapping of the server each time you log into you local machine (via the connector), automated backups, remote access possible ?

Just install Ubuntu Home Server and associated connector type software, and you're done.

Transfer your files into the relevant folders from each client pc, for access of those files from any client pc.

Be good to hear what other people think ?

[24 votes] Solution #2: Amend Ubuntu Server Install
Another possibility would be to have the Ubuntu Server install ask a series of questions to establish the kind of server to install.

This could then install and configure the relevant services for home use. File Sharing, User Accounts, Remote Access, Backup Configuration, Printing, with other optional services such as mail, wamp etc

Configuration of Ubuntu Server is too complicated for the average home user, so a dedicated Home Server would undoubtedly win over new users

[9 votes] Solution #3: Ubuntu SOHO Server with Webadmin
I also like the Idea of a specialiced Small-Server Distribution, but Windows is the wrong inspiration for this Task.

For starters, a "Home" and a "Small Office" Server have much in common, so we should make an SOHO (Small Office, Home Office) Server, to broaden the Audience.

2nd: At least the most common tasks for such an Server should be easy accessible with an unique webinterface. And i don't talk about the different Webinterfaces for CUPS, Samba, and so on...

[9 votes] Solution #4: Add "Server Tasks" to the Software-Center
It would make it easier for the Home-Admin to install new Server functionality on his Machine if he could install "Server-Tasks" with the Ubuntu Software-Center. The basic foundation for this feature is already installed on every Debian and Ubuntu machine, it is called "tasksel".

Such a "tasksel" Task will install the needed Software and also does additional initial configuration, but many people are'nt aware of this great feature. Add a new Submenu in the Software-Center called "get new Server Functionality" or something like that and present the "tasksel" Packages in there.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:16:09 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22288/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22284/
I already know that a LOT of Ubuntu users use it instead of the standard GNOME panel.

I know it requires a compositing manager enabled, but surely there is a way around this?

I think this would make an absolutely great addition to a fresh Ubuntu install.

(Sorry for the spelling in the title, my hands were cold and I slipped on the wrong key)

[-10 votes] Solution #1: Allow choice to enable the bar when creating user account?
When creating a new user (whether it be after installation, or at other time), there should be a choice to enable AWN.

[-23 votes] Solution #2: Enable by default?
Enable AWN by default and rid a fresh install of the bottom GNOME panel.

[14 votes] Solution #3: Don't do it so people with unsupported video hardware can use their computers
The problem with composite is that it requires a supported video hardware or extra CPU ressources... maybe this is not the right choice on netbooks.

[3 votes] Solution #4: Option to enable it
Have an option, like as for Compiz Fusion, that enables a user to switch to using AWN instead of the GNOME Panel.

[6 votes] Solution #5: Include an option for Docky
Gnome Do's Docky interface is much more useful than AWN. And with Docky now being developed as a standalone application I'm sure a lot of new features will be included soon.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:02:31 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22284/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22278/
[8 votes] Solution #1: limit the tray size
If the tray size exceeds a certain value, or if more than X applications are in the tray, display a "more" (notification area) button which allows users to click them to view their additional apps. Devs can make it relatively smart, to push the least used apps to this "more" area. This would solve the growing tray problem once and for all.

This does not mean to "get rid of the apps" it simply hides the less used apps OR apps that are inactive and rare used, in favor of conserving space on the panel for other more important tasks. KDE and Windows have this feature, why not Gnome?

[-5 votes] Solution #2: put the tray icons in its own "notification area"
Like in Windows 7:
http://helpdeskgeek.com/wp-content/pictures/2009/06/image12.png

[10 votes] Solution #3: Resize Notification Area In Both Directions
In 9.04, the notification area increases in size if icons are added, but it does not shrink when some are removed. Bad call since the area itself is glued with its right edge but the icons are aligned left inside the area, so you get a gap.

Put more cleverness into resizing and glueing the notification area.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:13:58 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22278/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22275/
In Karmic 9.10, the default scroll functionality is set to NO SCROLL and must be enabled via the touchpad options menu. Even then, the two features are now separated and it not possible to enable both. As a user who has grown use the "feature" of using both, I am frustrated at this feature regression.

[28 votes] Solution #1: hybrid option that allows both & protect against feature regression
My proposal is two fold:

1) Add a third option that allows a user to use both side scroll AND two finger scroll.

2) Prevent future examples of feature regression. When confronted with a similar situation in which features are to be separated, always include the default current option (what is used at the time of this decision). I understand rationale that this was a "feature bug", but the fact is- users may have grown used to this functionality and the bug is now a legitimate feature within itself.

EDIT:

3) Implement all relevant solutions below this one that are similar to point 1 (like circular scrolling), that do not explicitly contradict any of the forementioned solutions.

[15 votes] Solution #2: Also allow circular scrolling
When running archlinux, I am also given "circular scrolling" as an option. This feature can be used alongside regular scrolling and makes scrolling through long texts and webpages A LOT easier.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:12:51 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22275/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22244/ Mark Shuttleworth, creator of Ubuntu want to go head to head with Microsoft, but with this interface, Ubuntu wouldn't be much of an challenge with the current Windows 7.
This interface practically screams to get an update.

[0 votes] Solution #1: New start menu
For starters, what i have in mind, is a sleek, good looking menu that pops up in the middle of the screen in front of any program, running with, or without animation by choice, and that with just a tap on the start menu button you can find on any laptops & keyboards today.
Basically it's just a menu with animation wich is intended to slide in the direction you leading the mouse, this means the closer you take the mouse to the left end or the right, the faster it'll slide

There will be one main menu, hosting numerous sub menus.
All with sliding animation by direction.
It should be easy to customize in many different ways.

I did manage to make a screener of what i think would be appealing, but have no place in here to post it.
This is to bad, i can't post a picture here:(
I tried to upload somewhere else, but no god.

But this is basically my idea in a nutshell, so let me know how it sounds, if this is something we like to see in the next update!

Btw, attachment for pictures would be nice in here, to get a better picture of the idea.

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:16:17 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22244/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22243/ Mark Shuttleworth, creator of Ubuntu want to go head to head with Microsoft, but with this interface, Ubuntu wouldn't be much of an challenge with the current Windows 7.
This interface practically screams to get an update.

[0 votes] Solution #1: New start menu
For starters, what i have in mind, is a sleek, good looking menu that pops up in the middle of the screen in front of any program, running with, or without animation by choice, and that with just a tap on the start menu button you can find on any laptops & keyboards today.
Basically it's just a menu with animation wich is intended to slide in the direction you leading the mouse, this means the closer you take the mouse to the left end or the right, the faster it'll slide

There will be one main menu, hosting numerous sub menus.
All with sliding animation by direction.
It should be easy to customize in many different ways.

I did manage to make a screener of what i think would be appealing, but have no place in here to post it.
This is to bad, i can't post a picture here:(
But no problem anyway, i uploaded my picture on some web sharing media, and here is where you can se my idea.

http://www.4shared.com/file/145858618/e7a6753d/Lysbilde1.html

Let me know if this is something we like to see in the next update!

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:09:46 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22243/ http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22241/
I would love to have a GUI that can tell me what daemons i have installed on my system what theor status is and then a button to STOP, START, RESTART, and maybe anything else pertinent.

[0 votes] Solution #1: Active daemon GUI
Create a GUI to actively list the running daemons, and an interface to control them.

I'm thinking like a process manager for daemons.

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:27:24 +0000 http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/22241/