Written by retj the 28 May 08 at 17:47.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #9192 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 #9192 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 imneuromancer the 29 Feb 08 at 01:23.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #387 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 #387 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 tommis the 7 Jan 10 at 02:02.

BURG is a program based-on Grub 2,BURG uses new menu list,screen layout and shortcut keys that all easily customized.

Also see - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burg

BURG is a program based-on Grub 2,BURG uses new menu list,screen layout and shortcut keys that all easily customized. <img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4537/screenshot300x221.png" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/> Also see - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burg

Written by puzzler995 the 18 Jan 10 at 20:27.

In installation have an option of using either BURG or GRUB with GRUB the Default Option

In installation have an option of using either BURG or GRUB with GRUB the Default Option

Written by lokster the 3 Feb 10 at 14:13.

The developers must make grub2 better. Why use another new and in early development bootloader, while there is already a good one?
Just make the good one even better.

The developers must make grub2 better. Why use another new and in early development bootloader, while there is already a good one? Just make the good one even better.

Written by rmconard the 7 May 09 at 15:04.

I think a great solution for this is to include multiple desktop environments to simulate other operating systems.

So when a user installs Ubuntu for the first time they should be able to install from 3 major "look and feels."

1) Ubuntu Themed
2) Windows XP Themed
3) Mac OS Themed

This would be a godsend for a lot of new users trying to come over to Linux and want something familiar. That way if they choose the Windows XP theme then Ubuntu will be set up with a Windows style start button and task bar at the bottom.

This should also be separate from Compiz. That way, regardless how you theme your desktop you can still have the option to set up Compiz as you like.

Just an idea, hope you like it.

I think a great solution for this is to include multiple desktop environments to simulate other operating systems. So when a user installs Ubuntu for the first time they should be able to install from 3 major "look and feels." 1) Ubuntu Themed 2) Windows XP Themed 3) Mac OS Themed This would be a godsend for a lot of new users trying to come over to Linux and want something familiar. That way if they choose the Windows XP theme then Ubuntu will be set up with a Windows style start button and task bar at the bottom. This should also be separate from Compiz. That way, regardless how you theme your desktop you can still have the option to set up Compiz as you like. Just an idea, hope you like it.

Written by rmconard the 7 May 09 at 15:09.

If setting it up so users can choose a desktop style from the installation is out of the question, then the next step would be to have DEB packages as optional downloads that can instantly change the look and feel of the desktop to either Windows XP or Mac OS style.

If setting it up so users can choose a desktop style from the installation is out of the question, then the next step would be to have DEB packages as optional downloads that can instantly change the look and feel of the desktop to either Windows XP or Mac OS style.

Written by aadityabhatia the 8 May 09 at 21:49.

Ubuntu is not Windows. Ubuntu is not even "like Windows". Then why make it look cheap by copying Windows' look and feel?

I'd suggest keeping Ubuntu unique the way it is. Use other means to promote Ubuntu so that people get used to it and don't find it complicated anymore.

Check this out for means of helping the mankind understanding the Ubuntu gift: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarketingTeam

Ubuntu is not Windows. Ubuntu is not even "like Windows". Then why make it look cheap by copying Windows' look and feel? I'd suggest keeping Ubuntu unique the way it is. Use other means to promote Ubuntu so that people get used to it and don't find it complicated anymore. Check this out for means of helping the mankind understanding the Ubuntu gift: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarketingTeam

Written by choad the 10 May 09 at 13:13.

there are lots of things wrong with all the interfaces around, and ubuntu's is *far* from the best, but that doesn't mean we should copy other people's only half successful attempts. We need to keep evolving our own interface, and make it better than anything else.

there are lots of things wrong with all the interfaces around, and ubuntu's is *far* from the best, but that doesn't mean we should copy other people's only half successful attempts. We need to keep evolving our own interface, and make it better than anything else.

Written by Apiman the 10 May 09 at 19:35.

Although Ubuntu does a remarkable job supporting hardware and configuring the system, it's not unusual to face bugs that we wouldn't accept on a commercial OS. For example, on jaunty, I have to tap on brightness key about 50 times if I want to go from less to most brightness level. Intel graphic driver issues are not acceptable, my X hangs several times during a work day. I think polishing all these issues before releases and hardening support for devices such as HSDPA modems or printers are the things that makes Ubuntu being seeing as an easy desktop environment. In fact, when things work, Ubuntu gives you the best Plug and Play experience. In my opinion better than any other OS.

Although Ubuntu does a remarkable job supporting hardware and configuring the system, it's not unusual to face bugs that we wouldn't accept on a commercial OS. For example, on jaunty, I have to tap on brightness key about 50 times if I want to go from less to most brightness level. Intel graphic driver issues are not acceptable, my X hangs several times during a work day. I think polishing all these issues before releases and hardening support for devices such as HSDPA modems or printers are the things that makes Ubuntu being seeing as an easy desktop environment. In fact, when things work, Ubuntu gives you the best Plug and Play experience. In my opinion better than any other OS.

Written by Claymater the 14 May 09 at 02:17.

If ubuntu (linux) is all about "make it what you want" then why not give them 2 options like...

-Defult (how it is now)
-Single Layout (a mint like menu)

And let it be a option when they right click :)

If ubuntu (linux) is all about "make it what you want" then why not give them 2 options like... -Defult (how it is now) -Single Layout (a mint like menu) And let it be a option when they right click :)

Written by Alpha Uma the 17 May 09 at 12:36.

The default interface (with 2 panels) takes extra screen space: when you use a wide screen (quite common on modern laptops) you end up with a reduced vertical space. So:

1. Gnome panel should be optimized for vertical use
2. Be friendlier to users who wish to set a single panel instead of two
More about point #2: "Gnome Menu Bar" is too wide for a single panel. The alternative, "Gnome Main Menu", would be good, but it is buggy as it takes some seconds to open up.

So my idea is to keep the 3 menus of the main bar, but to do some tweaks too.

- The app menu is already better than Windows: everything is well catalogued, sorted, neat and clean, so I can easily find what I need. Window menus are rather messy to me.

- The "Places" menu text should be changed to just a folder icon or a separated applet: you will save space and make things cleaner.
Items order in this menu should be inverted if the panel is on the bottom, so you can quickly get your home folder (actually you have to move the cursor an half screen)

- The "System" menu text should be replaced as well, maybe by a tools/config icon.

This solution will save more space, while keeping the 3 menus idea, and the icons should be OK alongside of quicklaunch icons.

The default interface (with 2 panels) takes extra screen space: when you use a wide screen (quite common on modern laptops) you end up with a reduced vertical space. So: 1. Gnome panel should be optimized for vertical use 2. Be friendlier to users who wish to set a single panel instead of two More about point #2: "Gnome Menu Bar" is too wide for a single panel. The alternative, "Gnome Main Menu", would be good, but it is buggy as it takes some seconds to open up. So my idea is to keep the 3 menus of the main bar, but to do some tweaks too. - The app menu is already better than Windows: everything is well catalogued, sorted, neat and clean, so I can easily find what I need. Window menus are rather messy to me. - The "Places" menu text should be changed to just a folder icon or a separated applet: you will save space and make things cleaner. Items order in this menu should be inverted if the panel is on the bottom, so you can quickly get your home folder (actually you have to move the cursor an half screen) - The "System" menu text should be replaced as well, maybe by a tools/config icon. This solution will save more space, while keeping the 3 menus idea, and the icons should be OK alongside of quicklaunch icons.

Written by Abstaubaer the 24 May 09 at 10:45.

Only with time I started to accept ubuntu is the way it is and especially with the new releases I learned to love its own way. I support Solution #4 and #5 but I think we should still welcome windows or mac users in a better way and I remember the "desktop tour" that Windows asks you to make when you newly installed the system. Create an interactive tour introducing Ubuntu to new users, regarding the OS they come from.

Only with time I started to accept ubuntu is the way it is and especially with the new releases I learned to love its own way. I support Solution #4 and #5 but I think we should still welcome windows or mac users in a better way and I remember the "desktop tour" that Windows asks you to make when you newly installed the system. Create an interactive tour introducing Ubuntu to new users, regarding the OS they come from.

Written by CaptainLINUX the 26 May 09 at 18:24.

When I first installed ubuntu on my computer, it was a kinfof "shock" Like "What the heck am i supposed to do with this?" But after a day or two i was used to it.

What I think would work best, is that you could set different tool tips.(i think thats what they're called)
But the litte boxes that appear when hover over something.

Like when you hovered over Computer in places it would say
This works like "My Computer" in windows

Or when you hovered over Applications it would say
This is like the start button in windows

Or when you hovered over the system monitor it again would say

This is like the Task-Manager in windows.

This would probably be the best way, mixed with solution 9 to get the windows users ready for ubuntu. You could even do this for The Mac OS only with different tool-tips

When I first installed ubuntu on my computer, it was a kinfof "shock" Like "What the heck am i supposed to do with this?" But after a day or two i was used to it. What I think would work best, is that you could set different tool tips.(i think thats what they're called) But the litte boxes that appear when hover over something. Like when you hovered over Computer in places it would say This works like "My Computer" in windows Or when you hovered over Applications it would say This is like the start button in windows Or when you hovered over the system monitor it again would say This is like the Task-Manager in windows. This would probably be the best way, mixed with solution 9 to get the windows users ready for ubuntu. You could even do this for The Mac OS only with different tool-tips

Written by stepstools the 26 May 09 at 21:57.

I got to test Ubuntu on my grandpa's computer. I think if someone is not able to handle the different environment, when they ran the .ISO CD, they should have first ran the "Try Ubuntu" option first!

I got to test Ubuntu on my grandpa's computer. I think if someone is not able to handle the different environment, when they ran the .ISO CD, they should have first ran the "Try Ubuntu" option first!

Written by weblordpepe the 28 May 09 at 11:48.

Right click the toolbar, click 'Add to panel' and select 'Main Gnome Menu'.

That provides everything under the same button.
You should be able to implement a gnome-toolbar applet which is like a start menu quite easily by copying this applet.

Right click the toolbar, click 'Add to panel' and select 'Main Gnome Menu'. That provides everything under the same button. You should be able to implement a gnome-toolbar applet which is like a start menu quite easily by copying this applet.

Written by cdmdotnet the 31 May 09 at 08:25.

It might need a little further work but there is already a "start menu" look-a-like.
Personally I don't like it - I love gnome as it is - but my wife and mother both found http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Vista+Start+Menu+for+Gnome+Panel?con tent=71425 to be of great help to them in learning ubuntu.
Adding it to the repo is one thing, make it easily found is another thing.
A package that install the gnome panel applet and adds it to the current panel.

It might need a little further work but there is already a "start menu" look-a-like. Personally I don't like it - I love gnome as it is - but my wife and mother both found http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Vista+Start+Menu+for+Gnome+Panel?content=71425 to be of great help to them in learning ubuntu. Adding it to the repo is one thing, make it easily found is another thing. A package that install the gnome panel applet and adds it to the current panel.

Written by vincenzodentamaro the 3 Jun 09 at 07:22.

It's a solution for make portable programs and improve Linux software sharing.
The idea is 1 Program = 1 executable file.
No installation !
The goal is to allow easy exchange of software between people, which is now impossible on any Linux distros.

See here the main idea:
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20108/

It's a solution for make portable programs and improve Linux software sharing. The idea is 1 Program = 1 executable file. No installation ! The goal is to allow easy exchange of software between people, which is now impossible on any Linux distros. See here the main idea: http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/20108/

Written by azhar the 31 Oct 09 at 15:37.

Truth be told, for the majority of people, Linux distros is equal to CLI.
Now, we all know that's false... But, yet, the majority of people do think so...

You know, in my opinion.... I think when someone has a look at a Linux Distro(in that case Ubuntu), he should feel like he wants to embrace the free community at once. What I mean to say, is, that he should be soooo impressed by the background, the Toolbars' design, and the feel in general, that he wishes to go OpenSource almost instantly, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, this discriminate view against Linux Distros should disappear immediately in his mind.

Now, how do we achieve this??
Its all about the UI.
We should have glassy, and glossy toolbars. And, it should be in very vibrant and lively, and cool colours. It shouldn't be some dull, dark black, or I don't know what colour. It should appeal to the user. It should feel fresh! :)

Moreover, the icons should be stylishly designed. Very beautifully designed. Very trendy, and cool. Again, something that appeals to the user. And not some 2-D clunky and dull-looking icons.

The time has come to show people that the open-communtiy has great resources and talents! Its time to show people that we have taste, not only for stability, or security, even though these are essential components of an OS, but that we also have exquisite taste when it comes to the UI.

Truth be told, for the majority of people, Linux distros is equal to CLI. Now, we all know that's false... But, yet, the majority of people do think so... You know, in my opinion.... I think when someone has a look at a Linux Distro(in that case Ubuntu), he should feel like he wants to embrace the free community at once. What I mean to say, is, that he should be soooo impressed by the background, the Toolbars' design, and the feel in general, that he wishes to go OpenSource almost instantly, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, this discriminate view against Linux Distros should disappear immediately in his mind. Now, how do we achieve this?? Its all about the UI. We should have glassy, and glossy toolbars. And, it should be in very vibrant and lively, and cool colours. It shouldn't be some dull, dark black, or I don't know what colour. It should appeal to the user. It should feel fresh! :) Moreover, the icons should be stylishly designed. Very beautifully designed. Very trendy, and cool. Again, something that appeals to the user. And not some 2-D clunky and dull-looking icons. The time has come to show people that the open-communtiy has great resources and talents! Its time to show people that we have taste, not only for stability, or security, even though these are essential components of an OS, but that we also have exquisite taste when it comes to the UI. From the moment the user log into his account, to the moment he logs out, he should feel he is in the best OS. He should be excited to explain to his other friends how cool and beautifully designed his OS is. Even the logon tone should be classy. In my opinion, of the best tones is the BOREALIS set. Come'on guys! Lets show to teh world that the OpenSource community has some great talents!! And has exquisite taste!

Written by Mirek2 the 19 Nov 09 at 18:16.

This may be a rewording of sorts to Solution 4, but what the heck.
Ubuntu needs a more well-thought-out UI. I use Xubuntu now, and, even though I tried having the top bar there, I customized it to (kind of) what it's like in Windows -- one bar on the bottom. And when you think about it, it makes a lot more sense: most screens are now very wide, so a lot can fit into a horizontal bar, especially when it can span several rows, when there's just one bar on the bottom, the Fitts law applies to the close button and tabs in Chrome (under Mac OS X, it applies to the menu bar, which is also a clever application of the law), quick access to files and applications really makes most sense as a search in one spot, ...
I'm not saying that the way Ubuntu does things is wrong and other OS's do it right, I'm saying that we need to examine the OS carefully and implement the cleverest and most comfortable solution.

This may be a rewording of sorts to Solution 4, but what the heck. Ubuntu needs a more well-thought-out UI. I use Xubuntu now, and, even though I tried having the top bar there, I customized it to (kind of) what it's like in Windows -- one bar on the bottom. And when you think about it, it makes a lot more sense: most screens are now very wide, so a lot can fit into a horizontal bar, especially when it can span several rows, when there's just one bar on the bottom, the Fitts law applies to the close button and tabs in Chrome (under Mac OS X, it applies to the menu bar, which is also a clever application of the law), quick access to files and applications really makes most sense as a search in one spot, ... I'm not saying that the way Ubuntu does things is wrong and other OS's do it right, I'm saying that we need to examine the OS carefully and implement the cleverest and most comfortable solution.

Written by Murrquan the 28 Feb 08 at 14:42.

Create an attractive boot loader with grubgfx that requires minimal user input and does not scare away new users. If that doesn't work then use Fedora's Plymouth

Create an attractive boot loader with grubgfx that requires minimal user input and does not scare away new users. If that doesn't work then use Fedora's Plymouth

Written by vs8 the 14 Jan 09 at 15:59.

openSUSE and Fedora 10 feature more elaborate art than Ubuntu, I'm not talking about the colors they choose, because I like the Ubuntu colors, it's the art style.

One thing they got right is the boot up. Those distros boot very smooth and they look professional, Ubuntu looks rushed, plain and ugly.

I've seen Fedora boot, and the new plymouth thing rocks, Ubuntu should use it too. It's way better than the actual ugly usplash.

The other thing is the GDM, Ubuntu uses a very old GDM, which is slow. At least on my PC (AMD Phenon 9600 Quad Core, 4gb RAM). The new GDM is smoother, faster and it works fine.

In short, Ubuntu needs eye candy, from boot up to shut down it will attract more people, I guarantee it.

What is Plymouth?

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=fedora_plymouth&num=1

openSUSE and Fedora 10 feature more elaborate art than Ubuntu, I'm not talking about the colors they choose, because I like the Ubuntu colors, it's the art style. One thing they got right is the boot up. Those distros boot very smooth and they look professional, Ubuntu looks rushed, plain and ugly. I've seen Fedora boot, and the new plymouth thing rocks, Ubuntu should use it too. It's way better than the actual ugly usplash. The other thing is the GDM, Ubuntu uses a very old GDM, which is slow. At least on my PC (AMD Phenon 9600 Quad Core, 4gb RAM). The new GDM is smoother, faster and it works fine. In short, Ubuntu needs eye candy, from boot up to shut down it will attract more people, I guarantee it. What is Plymouth? http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=fedora_plymouth&num=1 Screen: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Image:Tours_Fedora10_012_Plymouth_Boot.png openSUSE art: http://www.opensuse.org/screenshots.php New GDM login screen: https://fedoraproject.org/w/uploads/9/94/Tours_Fedora10_018_Login_Screen.png Thank you.

Written by Felix-Valentine the 12 Jul 09 at 17:26.

to better the user experience, ubuntu should have an animated Splash Screen. a (mini Video) playing, showing the Ubuntu Logo and then a smooth overpass from the splash screen to the loging screen.

to better the user experience, ubuntu should have an animated Splash Screen. a (mini Video) playing, showing the Ubuntu Logo and then a smooth overpass from the splash screen to the loging screen.

Written by MattFinck21 the 21 Jun 09 at 07:18.

i was thinking that ubuntu team should design an default ubuntu grub backround for future releases..or atleast add them to the current ones. after all it would go nice after seeing the linux mint did that.

i was thinking that ubuntu team should design an default ubuntu grub backround for future releases..or atleast add them to the current ones. after all it would go nice after seeing the linux mint did that.

Written by Rodrigo the 12 Jul 09 at 15:31.

Let's stay with the black screen or maybe a screen, but just one to begin with, then with the use of a GUI (the user can download it from the servers) be able to change it without needing to go to the console.
Everybody likes to customize his machine sooner or later.

Let's stay with the black screen or maybe a screen, but just one to begin with, then with the use of a GUI (the user can download it from the servers) be able to change it without needing to go to the console. Everybody likes to customize his machine sooner or later.

Written by tommis the 7 Jan 10 at 02:02.

BURG is a program based-on Grub 2,BURG uses new menu list,screen layout and shortcut keys that all easily customized.

Also see - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burg

BURG is a program based-on Grub 2,BURG uses new menu list,screen layout and shortcut keys that all easily customized. <img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4537/screenshot300x221.png" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/> Also see - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burg

Written by puzzler995 the 18 Jan 10 at 20:27.

In installation have an option of using either BURG or GRUB with GRUB the Default Option

In installation have an option of using either BURG or GRUB with GRUB the Default Option

Written by lokster the 3 Feb 10 at 14:13.

The developers must make grub2 better. Why use another new and in early development bootloader, while there is already a good one?
Just make the good one even better.

The developers must make grub2 better. Why use another new and in early development bootloader, while there is already a good one? Just make the good one even better.

Written by Eldmannen the 2 Apr 08 at 14:27.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #6280 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 #6280 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 natureflow the 16 Mar 08 at 10:51.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4785 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 #4785 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 vyana the 16 Mar 08 at 00:43.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #4763 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 #4763 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!