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Unify system tray behaviour (drop-down menus)
Written by vectart the 25 Oct 09 at 09:52.
Related project: Gnome .
New
In new Ubuntu Karmic release, system tray has a new type of buttons in tray.
So I found 3 different types of behavoiur after clicking on tray applets.
Here is illustration:
Solution #2:
Notification area
Some can think this is silly, but i think it would be a good solution, that Ubuntu make a new notification area fully costumisable and it should be very intuitive, like you could pass all the icons with one click only.
Some can think this is silly, but i think it would be a good solution, that Ubuntu make a new notification area fully costumisable and it should be very intuitive, like you could pass all the icons with one click only.
Solution #3:
Let's live up to our motto: Linux For Human Beings!
Written by
azhar the 31 Oct 09 at 21:33.
I know its a bit long, but, plzzzz do read what I wrote.... i think it's worth....
Well, first of all, kudos for the guy who noticed what I call to be inconsistencies. You see, we should have a standard way to display notifications. i read the comments, and, I can see some explained why the behaviour is such.
Anyway... What I wanted to point out, is, well.... Why is that toolbar sooooo dull??? Why??? Just look at the first illustration/screenshot that Vectart provided....
It's not that I'm saying that brown is ugly, but, truth be told, its not appealing at all. Why can't we use vibrant, cool, fresh, and very lively colours. I know all too well that Ubuntu is somewhat more centered on what I call 'brown themes'. But hey! Who said we cant use brown in an elegant way.
What I'm trying to say is that we must just marry the colours. Like, when having a default brown background, that does not necessarily mean that the notification or button should be brown in colour. Ubuntu's identity isn't limited to the colour brown. Ubuntu is not known for being the most-brown-centric OS! Come'on guys! I'm pretty sure we can replace all this unappealing and dull brown notification/button by cool blue, or green. Moreover, we should consider a glassy or glossy look and feel.
Now! Plz! Don't think I'm one of those who wished Ubuntu resembles a Mac or whatever... What I'm trying to say is that I'm pretty convinced that we have great talents in the Open Community. And, I'm also pretty sure that we could do a much much much better job when it comes to the look and feel of Ubuntu..
Now, maybe some of you will argue that Ubuntu is more concerned with being free, open source, and a stable OS with less bugs that Windows lets say. And, that if some novice users don't know how to use Ubuntu, they just have to learn, and if, even after that, they can't get it, then, well.... just too bad....
But! Hey!
REMEMBER UBUNTU'S MOTTO: Linux For Human beings!!
Let's live up to that! Let's work to achieve that! Let's work together to show to the world that Ubuntu is really a user friendly OS. That linux is not a niche market, as many at Redmond would have us believe! That linux can be great!! That linux is THE WAY softwares should have been! That the open community nurtures great artistic talents! And who knows?? That could encourage mopre people to join in, and bring much more talent!
BTW, why not have Compiz-Fusion integrated into Ubuntu by default, just like in MINT LINUX?? Many people never heard of Compiz because it's just too messy and difficult to setup. I myself, required the help of a linux genius. That said, all my thanks goes to him, for, he was the one who introduced me to Ubuntu....
I hope I was able to convey my thoughts on this issue... And thanks for reading :)
I know its a bit long, but, plzzzz do read what I wrote.... i think it's worth....
Well, first of all, kudos for the guy who noticed what I call to be inconsistencies. You see, we should have a standard way to display notifications. i read the comments, and, I can see some explained why the behaviour is such.
Anyway... What I wanted to point out, is, well.... Why is that toolbar sooooo dull??? Why??? Just look at the first illustration/screenshot that Vectart provided....
It's not that I'm saying that brown is ugly, but, truth be told, its not appealing at all. Why can't we use vibrant, cool, fresh, and very lively colours. I know all too well that Ubuntu is somewhat more centered on what I call 'brown themes'. But hey! Who said we cant use brown in an elegant way.
What I'm trying to say is that we must just marry the colours. Like, when having a default brown background, that does not necessarily mean that the notification or button should be brown in colour. Ubuntu's identity isn't limited to the colour brown. Ubuntu is not known for being the most-brown-centric OS! Come'on guys! I'm pretty sure we can replace all this unappealing and dull brown notification/button by cool blue, or green. Moreover, we should consider a glassy or glossy look and feel.
Now! Plz! Don't think I'm one of those who wished Ubuntu resembles a Mac or whatever... What I'm trying to say is that I'm pretty convinced that we have great talents in the Open Community. And, I'm also pretty sure that we could do a much much much better job when it comes to the look and feel of Ubuntu..
Now, maybe some of you will argue that Ubuntu is more concerned with being free, open source, and a stable OS with less bugs that Windows lets say. And, that if some novice users don't know how to use Ubuntu, they just have to learn, and if, even after that, they can't get it, then, well.... just too bad....
But! Hey!
REMEMBER UBUNTU'S MOTTO: Linux For Human beings!!
Let's live up to that! Let's work to achieve that! Let's work together to show to the world that Ubuntu is really a user friendly OS. That linux is not a niche market, as many at Redmond would have us believe! That linux can be great!! That linux is THE WAY softwares should have been! That the open community nurtures great artistic talents! And who knows?? That could encourage mopre people to join in, and bring much more talent!
BTW, why not have Compiz-Fusion integrated into Ubuntu by default, just like in MINT LINUX?? Many people never heard of Compiz because it's just too messy and difficult to setup. I myself, required the help of a linux genius. That said, all my thanks goes to him, for, he was the one who introduced me to Ubuntu....
I hope I was able to convey my thoughts on this issue... And thanks for reading :)
Solution #4:
Leave Button Style
I like button style more than changing icon background. And it should require less testing for the icons.
I like button style more than changing icon background. And it should require less testing for the icons.
Solution #5:
Raise this issue to the Ayatana team
Written by
rrnwexec the 5 Nov 09 at 23:31.
The Ayatana project is an effort to make Ubuntu more "human". This thread is a perfect candidate for inclusion. Can someone from the team adopt/nominate it, or can someone here track down an Ayatana member and have them participate in the discussion?
The Ayatana project is an effort to make Ubuntu more "human". This thread is a perfect candidate for inclusion. Can someone from the team adopt/nominate it, or can someone here track down an Ayatana member and have them participate in the discussion?
Solution #6:
aw, come on!!!
Written by
alkx4444 the 7 Nov 09 at 02:37.
I know that we all have to nit pick a lot in order for the ubuntu operating system to be better than it is already but in my opinion this is just nit picking to the extreme., what the hell is really at fault with the ubuntu task-bar, it's okay as it is!!!, apart from a few small minor bugs of-course, and that's besides the point because bug reports is a domain for launchpad and bugzilla.
I know that we all have to nit pick a lot in order for the ubuntu operating system to be better than it is already but in my opinion this is just nit picking to the extreme., what the hell is really at fault with the ubuntu task-bar, it's okay as it is!!!, apart from a few small minor bugs of-course, and that's besides the point because bug reports is a domain for launchpad and bugzilla.
the Future nautilus
Written by Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 18:53.
Related project: Nautilus .
New
nautilus sucks and something needs to be done, and now let me point to the key points that make it suck.
1. slow startup, comparing windows with nautilus explorer opens faster than nautilus
2. cluttered, too many buttons that hurts the eye and wasted space
3. library, a library feature can be very important in the near future as i will explain in the solution.
4. no eye-candy, the user should impressed by Ubuntu and the current nautilus don't accomplish that.
5. ease of use, by making mass renaming easy, opening as an administrator, set as background ...etc
Solution #1:
Speedy Startup
Written by
Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 18:53.
there is nothing to explain here, just find what is making Nautilus slow and eliminate it
there is nothing to explain here, just find what is making Nautilus slow and eliminate it
Solution #2:
MySimplified Nautilus
Written by
Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:02.
this is my version of simplified Nautilus
this is my version of simplified Nautilus
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rl0PV1ZWJqDhEbW0XgOwTQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1Oj--fc3ui0/Sus2DBGNgOI/AAAAAAAAAQk/sHThsCbM7qs/s400/Untitled.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></td></tr></table>
Solution #3:
Libraries Feature
Written by
Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:15.
i think libraries exceed the idea that Microsoft done, its more powerful than that, so let me explain uses of library
Case (1): i use Dropbox for file sharing and ubuntuOne and Document are located under ~/Documents so what is the solution to make this? every one will say links links is good but at some point this becomes very bad, if you want to share some docs on UbuntuOne and the other on Dropbox also if you have some documents spread out on other places like external HDD it would be problematic to update links manually.
Case (2): better suited for the cloud, imagine if you could just open your Facebook or Picasa images from nautilus how this would be done, this should work the same way with the availability of the API (and there is a project dedicated for that called "DataPortability Project")
i think libraries exceed the idea that Microsoft done, its more powerful than that, so let me explain uses of library
Case (1): i use Dropbox for file sharing and ubuntuOne and Document are located under ~/Documents so what is the solution to make this? every one will say links links is good but at some point this becomes very bad, if you want to share some docs on UbuntuOne and the other on Dropbox also if you have some documents spread out on other places like external HDD it would be problematic to update links manually.
Case (2): better suited for the cloud, imagine if you could just open your Facebook or Picasa images from nautilus how this would be done, this should work the same way with the availability of the API (and there is a project dedicated for that called "DataPortability Project")
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_QO-9EBlNb6XD1cUtRA8oA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1Oj--fc3ui0/Sus2QXDUBZI/AAAAAAAAAQo/EnItdyFhlPc/s400/3635245986_f012f98854.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"></td></tr></table>
Solution #4:
Eye-Candy using Gloobus
Written by
Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:27.
gloobus is a pretty-good project and its progressing very well, so i think its the best candidate available.
gloobus project:
https://launchpad.net/gloobus
gloobus is a pretty-good project and its progressing very well, so i think its the best candidate available.
gloobus project: https://launchpad.net/gloobus
Solution #5:
Eye-Candy by Grabbing Movie Posters and Album Cover
Written by
Shady3D the 30 Oct 09 at 19:38.
this solution should be available but NOT enable by default, this can make Ubuntu looks very beautiful, by enabling this feature it will see if the folder is named Movies and then its grabs the poster, and if the folder is named Music it will change every folder with the album cover or if its a band it will be the band picture.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FJH0hYZmVtc/SsX9dlPsYiI/AAAAAAAADdg/lH-qnrRNjZU/s1600/screenshot_030.png
Solution #6:
We should impress the users.
Written by
azhar the 30 Oct 09 at 22:19.
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!
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!
Solution #7:
Add search button connected to console.
Written by
Lachu the 31 Oct 09 at 08:26.
Add search button on top of Nautilus window. It will search in man for commands operates on files. The main problem is that man is not fully readable by computer, but text style in man pages are very semantically.
People needs similar thinks to Ubiquity Mozilla's project on file management. It would be great if I can input backup, select "cp -b " command and check all files in checkbox. In next step I can save some settings of this dialog, set name and put generated button on the panel. When this button is clicked similar dialog will been displayed, but option all files could be checked(if I decided that on dialog creating process).
Second cases: Mathew needs to backup files from current directory onto CD. He only input burn and he got option like brasero or CLI commands to burning files. He only select some cli command and drag files to burn or select all files checkbox.
Add search button on top of Nautilus window. It will search in man for commands operates on files. The main problem is that man is not fully readable by computer, but text style in man pages are very semantically.
People needs similar thinks to Ubiquity Mozilla's project on file management. It would be great if I can input backup, select "cp -b " command and check all files in checkbox. In next step I can save some settings of this dialog, set name and put generated button on the panel. When this button is clicked similar dialog will been displayed, but option all files could be checked(if I decided that on dialog creating process).
Second cases: Mathew needs to backup files from current directory onto CD. He only input burn and he got option like brasero or CLI commands to burning files. He only select some cli command and drag files to burn or select all files checkbox.
Solution #8:
Ease of Use (Undo, Rename, Admin, Background)
Written by
Shady3D the 31 Oct 09 at 12:42.
ease of use include having options available like "open as admin", "set as background", and the most important one "UNDO"
another important feature is Mass Renaming without using extra applications, and one of the ways to do that is by
1. selecting the files/folders
2. right-click to rename the first element
3. rename like you are renaming a regular file BUT include special characters like # for numbering, ex: # >> 0, 1, 2 but ## >> 00, 01, 02
4. click enter and nautilus will rename the other files
extra commands like converting to uppercase just type UPPERCASE and it will automatically convert them without renaming them, lowercase, switch between space to underscore, and all this cane be can be done the same way.
ease of use include having options available like "open as admin", "set as background", and the most important one "UNDO"
another important feature is Mass Renaming without using extra applications, and one of the ways to do that is by
1. selecting the files/folders
2. right-click to rename the first element
3. rename like you are renaming a regular file BUT include special characters like # for numbering, ex: # >> 0, 1, 2 but ## >> 00, 01, 02
4. click enter and nautilus will rename the other files
extra commands like converting to uppercase just type UPPERCASE and it will automatically convert them without renaming them, lowercase, switch between space to underscore, and all this cane be can be done the same way.
Solution #9:
Uniform icon size
Uniform icon size would really improve the arrangement of icons on screen.
Say, you have 3 pdfs, 2 movies and 4 folders in a folder. The overall arrangement in Nautilus helps in identifying which is which, but at the cost of neatness.
I propose and upper limit for the icon size, that can be set through the options in shady3d's solution #2
Uniform icon size would really improve the arrangement of icons on screen.
Say, you have 3 pdfs, 2 movies and 4 folders in a folder. The overall arrangement in Nautilus helps in identifying which is which, but at the cost of neatness.
I propose and upper limit for the icon size, that can be set through the options in shady3d's solution #2
Solution #10:
Integrating Gnome Do with Ubuntu
Written by
foplat the 4 Nov 09 at 07:01.
I've read the solutions provided above and I also think that Nautilus's UI should be renewed, or creating a new way to browse through files and folders.
My solution includes solutions #1 and #6 but also this: how about also including Gnome Do (
http://do.davebsd.com/) program along with the Ubuntu and #1 and #6? It is a powerful tool that provides easy access not only to files and folders but also to search results, microblogging, e-mail etc. It is inspired by Quicksilver from Macs. Here is a presentation video of the Quicksilver, since Gnome Do is very, very similar program.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8493378861634507068#
I've read the solutions provided above and I also think that Nautilus's UI should be renewed, or creating a new way to browse through files and folders.
My solution includes solutions #1 and #6 but also this: how about also including Gnome Do (http://do.davebsd.com/) program along with the Ubuntu and #1 and #6? It is a powerful tool that provides easy access not only to files and folders but also to search results, microblogging, e-mail etc. It is inspired by Quicksilver from Macs. Here is a presentation video of the Quicksilver, since Gnome Do is very, very similar program. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8493378861634507068#
Solution #11:
Easier "paste into directory"
When i have files on the clipboard and i want to paste them into a folder that's too full (so that there's no unused space between the last file and the window border) i have to move one folder upwards and then right-click and click "paste into folder".
It's way more intuitive to just right-click anywhere in the target folder (as long as you don't right-click a contained folder) and hit "paste". (Windows does it that way).
I love linux, but i always thought this is a disadvantage compared to Windows.
When i have files on the clipboard and i want to paste them into a folder that's too full (so that there's no unused space between the last file and the window border) i have to move one folder upwards and then right-click and click "paste into folder".
It's way more intuitive to just right-click anywhere in the target folder (as long as you don't right-click a contained folder) and hit "paste". (Windows does it that way).
I love linux, but i always thought this is a disadvantage compared to Windows.
Solution #12:
Navigation more similar to the Windows explorer
I know, nautilus is not the windows explorer, but even this bit of software has some nice features, i'm referring to the feature in the "path-bar" in which you can change the directory of any element in the path with a drop-down list.
I know, nautilus is not the windows explorer, but even this bit of software has some nice features, i'm referring to the feature in the "path-bar" in which you can change the directory of any element in the path with a drop-down list.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UG2a06217_FtdHH9OCYQWg?feat=embedwebsite">
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FHqRKaCTPBI/SvKJ8LqA0nI/AAAAAAAAABc/XwwyI7c5_QI/s144/Bildschirmfoto-jvm%20-%20Datei-Browser.png"/>
</a>
Solution #13:
Specific "Explorer" features
There is a lot of functionality buried in Windows Explorer, in particular in the area of Shell Extensions. I happen to have done some development in this area and would be interested to know if it could be done (or has been done!) in Ubuntu. I might suggest the following specific features:
1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied.
2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself.
3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data.
4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer.
5) A namespace extension to allow one to add a panel to the files view in which file content or properties can be shown
6) Drag-Drop handler extensions to allow modification of the way files behave when dropped one on the other. Photoshop "Droplets" might be a good model - you can drop a batch of pictures on a little file and the operations it defines will be applied to the picture.
And a non-Explorer suggestion:
x) A reg-ex enabled filter to hide/show or select/unselect heterogeneous selections of files.
Excuse me if I'm re-inventing an old Ubuntu wheel. These are my first hours here!
This is a lot of work, but I think the various elements could be cleanly decoupled. The role of the XML file in applying extensions locally or conditionally might need some thought.
There is a lot of functionality buried in Windows Explorer, in particular in the area of Shell Extensions. I happen to have done some development in this area and would be interested to know if it could be done (or has been done!) in Ubuntu. I might suggest the following specific features:
1) Allow the customisation of a specific directory and/or its sub-directories by the inclusion of a format file. Explorer does this with an HTM file. We might prefer XML. At any rate, it would be a flexible way to specify a background image, fonts, icons, buttons to start actions and so forth. Just put a file with a specified name (e.g. "customise.xml") in the directory with some tags saying what colours, fonts and so on should be applied.
2) An extension type to modify the context menu on a file or directory on-the-fly. For instance, you could modify the behaviour of text files globally or in a directory by adding an option to the context menu which invokes a library function to XML-transform it then open it in Firefox. Or whatever. "Owner-draw" context menus would enable you to actually put pictures or formatted text in the menu itself.
3) Extensions to modify the pop-up tips on a file type - again, globally or by directory. (Perhaps in "customise.xml"...) A picture file could have a picture pop-up, for instance, or a summary of the EXIF data.
4) A namespace extension to allow one to drill down into files the way one can browse ZIP files in Explorer.
5) A namespace extension to allow one to add a panel to the files view in which file content or properties can be shown
6) Drag-Drop handler extensions to allow modification of the way files behave when dropped one on the other. Photoshop "Droplets" might be a good model - you can drop a batch of pictures on a little file and the operations it defines will be applied to the picture.
And a non-Explorer suggestion:
x) A reg-ex enabled filter to hide/show or select/unselect heterogeneous selections of files.
Excuse me if I'm re-inventing an old Ubuntu wheel. These are my first hours here!
This is a lot of work, but I think the various elements could be cleanly decoupled. The role of the XML file in applying extensions locally or conditionally might need some thought.
Solution #14:
Just sort out the bugs and issues
Written by
nlao the 5 Nov 09 at 14:10.
Here is my tuppence worth of ideas, but I think fixing missing simple user enhancements and soem bugs would go a long way to making it better.
Here are a couple that really annoy me, I expect there are others.
Adding in features like "view as thumbnails" per folder would go a long way to helping make it better.
Icon placement on Desktop, this really really needs sorting. There is not a structured grid for icons, some end up close to others whilst others are miles away and dragging them around come to nothing they still end up looking like a jumble. Further to this is the placement of removable media icons. These really should not be over other icons on the desktop.
Here is my tuppence worth of ideas, but I think fixing missing simple user enhancements and soem bugs would go a long way to making it better.
Here are a couple that really annoy me, I expect there are others.
Adding in features like "view as thumbnails" per folder would go a long way to helping make it better.
Icon placement on Desktop, this really really needs sorting. There is not a structured grid for icons, some end up close to others whilst others are miles away and dragging them around come to nothing they still end up looking like a jumble. Further to this is the placement of removable media icons. These really should not be over other icons on the desktop.
Solution #15:
Single window
Written by
biffen the 5 Nov 09 at 15:46.
Opening a directory from anywhere outside of nautilus should open it in a new tab in an existing nautilus window (if there is one, otherwise open a new one, of course).
Opening multiple windows should of course still be possible. (Think Firefox.)
This behaviour would of course be optional (but default?) by settings.
How this would work when there is already more than one window open, is an other question.
Opening a directory from anywhere outside of nautilus should open it in a new tab in an existing nautilus window (if there is one, otherwise open a new one, of course).
Opening multiple windows should of course still be possible. (Think Firefox.)
This behaviour would of course be optional (but default?) by settings.
How this would work when there is already more than one window open, is an other question.
Solution #16:
Switch to KDE and use real tools like Dolphin
Written by
young the 6 Nov 09 at 14:03.
The title says it all. Nautilus has no future. It's a mess.
The title says it all. Nautilus has no future. It's a mess.
Solution #17:
tabs
Written by
alkx4444 the 6 Nov 09 at 22:42.
there should be a new tab button ans-well as the right click open in new tab button, the new tab button (if added) should open the home folder as default. or, the home button could open in a new tab as default.
there should be a new tab button ans-well as the right click open in new tab button, the new tab button (if added) should open the home folder as default. or, the home button could open in a new tab as default.
Solution #18:
Improved address bar
Written by
Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 11:42.
The address bar has an enormous amount of potential, and while browsers are experimenting with ways to get the most use out of them as possible, file managers are lagging behind.
We could use the address bar for (just brainstorming):
1. Search (like Google Chrome's omnibar)
2. Getting to locations quickly (like in Firefox and Chrome: when you type "X11", for instance, a drop-down would suggest "/usr/bin/X11")
3. Terminal commands
4. Custom commands (for example, "Search web ", "E-mail ", or "New ")
The address bar has an enormous amount of potential, and while browsers are experimenting with ways to get the most use out of them as possible, file managers are lagging behind.
We could use the address bar for (just brainstorming):
1. Search (like Google Chrome's omnibar)
2. Getting to locations quickly (like in Firefox and Chrome: when you type "X11", for instance, a drop-down would suggest "/usr/bin/X11")
3. Terminal commands
4. Custom commands (for example, "Search web <search term>", "E-mail <e-mail address>", or "New <filename>")
Solution #19:
Solution 8 + a few more things
Written by
Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 12:12.
In addition to the mass rename in solution 8, there should be:
1. An unintrusive balloon showing the different special characters (# or %n for number, %m for month, 0d for day in two digits, %r(text to replace, text replaced with) for replace, etc.)
2. A more-clearly-explained dialog window (perhaps similar to Total Commander's, which has done a really good job with mass renaming)
In addition to the mass rename in solution 8, there should be:
1. An unintrusive balloon showing the different special characters (# or %n for number, %m for month, 0d for day in two digits, %r(text to replace, text replaced with) for replace, etc.)
2. A more-clearly-explained dialog window (perhaps similar to Total Commander's, which has done a really good job with mass renaming)
Solution #20:
Miller Columns
Written by
Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 12:23.
Simply implement a "Columns" view similar to that in KDE's Dolphin and Mac OS Finder.
Simply implement a "Columns" view similar to that in KDE's Dolphin and Mac OS Finder.
Solution #21:
A clipboard section in the sidebar
Written by
Mirek2 the 7 Nov 09 at 13:06.
All the files cut or copied from any application would appear in this section. It could hold multiple files, so if I dragged an image in, then a document, then an image, it would hold all of these.
(Paste would apply to only the last one cut/copied.)
Use cases:
1) Instead of cut/move, the user can drag-and-drop a file into the section.
2) Instead of paste, the user can drag-and-drop a file from the section to paste it to a folder.
3) To create a text file: I can copy text from anywhere, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place to create a text file.
4) Instead of save: I can copy an image from Firefox, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place I want to have it.
Kind of a variation on the Clipboard/Shelf, but maybe doesn't have too many advantages to require an implementation. If someone wants to brainstorm more on this, they're welcome.
Perhaps a better thing would be a system-wide revision of the Clipboard.
All the files cut or copied from any application would appear in this section. It could hold multiple files, so if I dragged an image in, then a document, then an image, it would hold all of these.
(Paste would apply to only the last one cut/copied.)
Use cases:
1) Instead of cut/move, the user can drag-and-drop a file into the section.
2) Instead of paste, the user can drag-and-drop a file from the section to paste it to a folder.
3) To create a text file: I can copy text from anywhere, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place to create a text file.
4) Instead of save: I can copy an image from Firefox, have that appear in this sidebar, and drag it to the place I want to have it.
Kind of a variation on the Clipboard/Shelf, but maybe doesn't have too many advantages to require an implementation. If someone wants to brainstorm more on this, they're welcome.
Perhaps a better thing would be a system-wide revision of the Clipboard.
Solution #1:
Gmail Template
Written by
Shady3D the 10 Oct 09 at 19:45.
the setup wizard will just take the username and password and thats it.
what will the wizard do is:
1. connect to Gmail using POP or IMAP
2. better address-book sync
3. auto connect with Google Calendar
4. auto connect with Google Tasks(i don't know if there is API available for that)
the setup wizard will just take the username and password and thats it.
what will the wizard do is:
1. connect to Gmail using POP or IMAP
2. better address-book sync
3. auto connect with Google Calendar
4. auto connect with Google Tasks(i don't know if there is API available for that)
Solution #2:
Import config settings like in Thunderbird.
Not too hard, could be a simple option on the initial startup screen.
Not too hard, could be a simple option on the initial startup screen.
Solution #3:
Solution #1 + Live Mail, AOL, etc
Written by
tmoc the 14 Oct 09 at 03:34.
Yes, I know this idea is about GMail, but we might as well add the same type of support for Live Mail and AOL, which both offer POP access as well.
Yes, I know this idea is about GMail, but we might as well add the same type of support for Live Mail and AOL, which both offer POP access as well.
Solution #4:
Replace Evolution With Thunderbird
Written by
snostorm the 17 Oct 09 at 15:35.
Thunderbird has much better webmail integration, and is much easier to set up than Evolution, particularly in the upcoming version 3.0. It's also got better add ons, and is part of the Mozilla suite. Calendar support can be provided through Lightning, a add-on developed by Mozilla that could be included in Thunderbird by default. (If it doesn't end up included in the official 3.0 anyway) Why not just have Thunderbird as the default? If someone wants Evolution, it's in the repository.
Thunderbird has much better webmail integration, and is much easier to set up than Evolution, particularly in the upcoming version 3.0. It's also got better add ons, and is part of the Mozilla suite. Calendar support can be provided through Lightning, a add-on developed by Mozilla that could be included in Thunderbird by default. (If it doesn't end up included in the official 3.0 anyway) Why not just have Thunderbird as the default? If someone wants Evolution, it's in the repository.
Solution #5:
Improve IMAP speed
Written by
Rodrigo the 19 Oct 09 at 21:04.
One of the things that anyones me the most is the slowness of Evolution when it comes to handling IMAP emails (like gmail) improving that speed will improve the user experience.
Here is a bug that relates to this problem:
https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=336076
lets fix those little things!
One of the things that anyones me the most is the slowness of Evolution when it comes to handling IMAP emails (like gmail) improving that speed will improve the user experience.
Here is a bug that relates to this problem:
https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=336076
lets fix those little things!
Solution #6:
Just a couple of other things
1) If Evolution is going to use the notification area ( which I like ) I should be able to hide it from the task-bar. Personally, I think they should add this EASY to add feature, but until that time Ubuntu should use alltray like they say -
http://www.go-evolution.org/FAQ#Can_I_minimize_the_Evolution_window_to_the_syst em_tray.3F
2) Also when I'm using IMAP with Gmail in Evolution is should hide the local account that's not being used. There is no need for extra clutter.
I like evolution but sometimes I feel they are not working with the community.
1) If Evolution is going to use the notification area ( which I like ) I should be able to hide it from the task-bar. Personally, I think they should add this EASY to add feature, but until that time Ubuntu should use alltray like they say - http://www.go-evolution.org/FAQ#Can_I_minimize_the_Evolution_window_to_the_system_tray.3F
2) Also when I'm using IMAP with Gmail in Evolution is should hide the local account that's not being used. There is no need for extra clutter.
I like evolution but sometimes I feel they are not working with the community.
Solution #7:
Integrate the whole "conversation" idea of Gmail
I love how in the browser Gmail the conversations are put into those handy little "Conversation threads"
I'm not sure about you guys, but I would even use evolution till the conversation threads are in.
I love how in the browser Gmail the conversations are put into those handy little "Conversation threads"
I'm not sure about you guys, but I would even use evolution till the conversation threads are in.
Solution #8:
Create new online account management application
Written by
optevo the 1 Nov 09 at 22:48.
Introduction:
An online account management application (OAMA) should be created. This application would have a simple interface and will store authentication information for various online accounts (google, hotmail, etc). In addition to basic account information, it could also store common preference associated with such accounts eg.
- IMAP vs POP
- which email account is the default
- whether to use a given account for any/all of email, chat, calendar
- whether to set the account up in the browser (eg. create bookmarks and save user/password information for the relevant site)
Whenever a Communications Application (ComApp) such as a email (eg Evolution, Thunderbird), chat (eg Empathy, Pidgin), calendar (eg Evolution, Sunbird), etc is launched for the first time it should either
1. Take existing settings that were set within the OAMA and auto-configure itself accordingly
2. If the OAMA has never been launched, the ComApp should invoke it first
ADVANTAGES:
- Once the OAMA has been run, any ComApp should be able to be launched with zero initial configuration and be usable
- Single point of configuration for all ComApps
- Easier configuration of all ComApps
- Easier to change between different ComApps
Additional suggestions:
If a preference that is managed by OAMA is changed within the ComApp, the preferences in the OAMA should be updated. In other words, there should be a 2 way sync between the OAMA and all ComApps
It might be worth considering having the OAMA run as part of the Ubuntu install process.
Introduction:
An online account management application (OAMA) should be created. This application would have a simple interface and will store authentication information for various online accounts (google, hotmail, etc). In addition to basic account information, it could also store common preference associated with such accounts eg.
- IMAP vs POP
- which email account is the default
- whether to use a given account for any/all of email, chat, calendar
- whether to set the account up in the browser (eg. create bookmarks and save user/password information for the relevant site)
Whenever a Communications Application (ComApp) such as a email (eg Evolution, Thunderbird), chat (eg Empathy, Pidgin), calendar (eg Evolution, Sunbird), etc is launched for the first time it should either
1. Take existing settings that were set within the OAMA and auto-configure itself accordingly
2. If the OAMA has never been launched, the ComApp should invoke it first
ADVANTAGES:
- Once the OAMA has been run, any ComApp should be able to be launched with zero initial configuration and be usable
- Single point of configuration for all ComApps
- Easier configuration of all ComApps
- Easier to change between different ComApps
Additional suggestions:
If a preference that is managed by OAMA is changed within the ComApp, the preferences in the OAMA should be updated. In other words, there should be a 2 way sync between the OAMA and all ComApps
It might be worth considering having the OAMA run as part of the Ubuntu install process.
Solution #9:
Use a certain Canonical-sponsored cloud service.
If you sync .gconf/apps/evolution, it keeps Evolution in sync across computers. On the U1 website, simply add a parser for the gconf file, and boom. Instant setup, and if U1 ever feels like giving us webmail... Like solution 8.
If you sync .gconf/apps/evolution, it keeps Evolution in sync across computers. On the U1 website, simply add a parser for the gconf file, and boom. Instant setup, and if U1 ever feels like giving us webmail... Like solution 8.
Manage the Grub menu is a bit complicated.
Written by Fabian Andres the 2 Nov 09 at 20:07.
Global category: System.
New
For novice users, the task to add a new system to the grub menu or customize it may be difficult. Even sometimes it's hard for experienced users. From GRUB 2 it has become even more difficult to modify.
Solution #1:
Startup Administration
This should be an application placed in
System > Administration > Startup Administration
Like this one:
KGRUBEditor
(KGRUBEditor unfortunately only works with the old Grub, not with GRUB2.)
Of course, the application would need Root permissions to start (The user should type his password). It would be nice if an application like this was natively installed.
This should be an application placed in
System > Administration > Startup Administration
Like this one:
<img src="http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7025/adminl.jpg" />
<a href="http://www.kde-apps.org/content/show.php?content=75442"> KGRUBEditor </a>
(KGRUBEditor unfortunately only works with the old Grub, not with GRUB2.)
Of course, the application would need Root permissions to start (The user should type his password). It would be nice if an application like this was natively installed.
Rethink dependency from Debian
Written by nillbug the 8 Oct 09 at 23:20.
Global category: System.
New
Debian developers claim Canonical use their work to make money without contributing back.
Linux kernel developers say the same.
Ubuntu has become too big to just relay upon any upstream distribution release cycle.
Solution #1:
Part company with Debian and become independent
Written by
nillbug the 8 Oct 09 at 23:20.
Create a new Linux distribution to act as Canonical's research, testing and development laboratory.
First (transitory) stage - using both Debian and Ubuntu Packages.
As programed: managing all Ubuntu packaging needs.
This new distribution would be the testing place and embryonic environment for the following Ubuntu stable releases.
It would be a similar model to that of Suse with Novel and Fedora with Red Hat.
Create a new Linux distribution to act as Canonical's research, testing and development laboratory.
First (transitory) stage - using both Debian and Ubuntu Packages.
As programed: managing all Ubuntu packaging needs.
This new distribution would be the testing place and embryonic environment for the following Ubuntu stable releases.
It would be a similar model to that of Suse with Novel and Fedora with Red Hat.
Solution #2:
Improve our relationship with upstream
Written by
McIvor the 11 Oct 09 at 03:41.
Mark Shuttleworth has reached out to Debian to foster more collaboration between the distributions. The community could also reach out to other developers, contribute more patches upstream and help with testing. Remember the definition of Ubuntu, humanity towards others. We can always try harder to strengthen our relationships with other people!
Mark Shuttleworth has reached out to Debian to foster more collaboration between the distributions. The community could also reach out to other developers, contribute more patches upstream and help with testing. Remember the definition of Ubuntu, humanity towards others. We can always try harder to strengthen our relationships with other people!
Solution #3:
Integrate the best software from all GNU/Linux distibutions
Written by
rrnwexec the 17 Oct 09 at 19:36.
In the spirit of humanity towards others, embrace all free and open software, regardless of distribution. Incorporate the best parts, and participate bidirectionally. There are likely many many packages from the Fedora world (to name one example) that would benefit from Ubuntu, and vice-versa.
In the spirit of humanity towards others, embrace all free and open software, regardless of distribution. Incorporate the best parts, and participate bidirectionally. There are likely many many packages from the Fedora world (to name one example) that would benefit from Ubuntu, and vice-versa.
Solution #4:
Improve relations with ALLstream
Ubuntu helping upstream would be nice, but its just not enough for a desktop.
A desktop oriented distro should collaborate through allstream, as in go between the lines and force bonds of collaboration between separate upstream projects.
A real thing a desktop needs is, complete well done, standards, with flexibility, that puts the user in charge, and additionally integration even in the face of flexibility.
Ubuntu is a desktop distro, bringing humanity to all, and should increase collaboration between projects no between itself and 'upstream'. Getting projects to collaborate, reuse each other code, design with what another project is designing, get bugs squashed that fall between the cracks of projects a,b and x.
Right now some companies/projects are causing a lot of reinventing of the wheel an example is ConnMan by Intel whom used the claim NetworkManager was a mess while it's framework was redone and that there were too many dependancies in NetworkManager. As a NetworkManager dev pointed out ConnMan is only about 1-2 dependancies short of being NetworkManager, and worse in the fact its having to reimplement glib (loss of shared lib = more overall desktop overhead), so in essence ConnMan is a waste and would be better off getting NetworkManager optimized or at least stripping it to a core/lite/full version.
Ubuntu is a community and as such should be pushing like a community bringing projects together pushing internal FUD out and worrying about ALLstream. As 'upstream' might not always be there 'ALLstream' will always exist.
Ubuntu helping upstream would be nice, but its just not enough for a desktop.
A desktop oriented distro should collaborate through allstream, as in go between the lines and force bonds of collaboration between separate upstream projects.
A real thing a desktop needs is, complete well done, standards, with flexibility, that puts the user in charge, and additionally integration even in the face of flexibility.
Ubuntu is a desktop distro, bringing humanity to all, and should increase collaboration between projects no between itself and 'upstream'. Getting projects to collaborate, reuse each other code, design with what another project is designing, get bugs squashed that fall between the cracks of projects a,b and x.
Right now some companies/projects are causing a lot of reinventing of the wheel an example is ConnMan by Intel whom used the claim NetworkManager was a mess while it's framework was redone and that there were too many dependancies in NetworkManager. As a NetworkManager dev pointed out ConnMan is only about 1-2 dependancies short of being NetworkManager, and worse in the fact its having to reimplement glib (loss of shared lib = more overall desktop overhead), so in essence ConnMan is a waste and would be better off getting NetworkManager optimized or at least stripping it to a core/lite/full version.
Ubuntu is a community and as such should be pushing like a community bringing projects together pushing internal FUD out and worrying about ALLstream. As 'upstream' might not always be there 'ALLstream' will always exist.
Solution #6:
form a neutral relaitionship with debian
Written by
alkx4444 the 7 Nov 09 at 01:29.
by forming a neutral relationship with debian can be very simple, even as simple as a little bit of html code., for example there could be a clearly visible link-back to debian and possibly some text recommending debian, but what I would recommend the most is creating a whole web-page on the ubuntu.com website containing content stating what debian do and how they help and have helped ubuntu and mentioning how related ubuntu is to debian and of-course a generously sized image link to the debian website.
by forming a neutral relationship with debian can be very simple, even as simple as a little bit of html code., for example there could be a clearly visible link-back to debian and possibly some text recommending debian, but what I would recommend the most is creating a whole web-page on the ubuntu.com website containing content stating what debian do and how they help and have helped ubuntu and mentioning how related ubuntu is to debian and of-course a generously sized image link to the debian website.
Solution #1:
Make It Social
The software center needs comments, a most popular application category, and an app of the day link.
It could also be integrated with a laconi.ca server where people could comment on favorite applications from within the software center.
This would greatly help new users find useful Open Source Software.
The software center needs comments, a most popular application category, and an app of the day link.
It could also be integrated with a laconi.ca server where people could comment on favorite applications from within the software center.
This would greatly help new users find useful Open Source Software.
Solution #2:
Warn about bugs
The Software Center should be integrated into launchpad and the Ubuntu Forums.
A program would have a list of known (confirmed) bugs attached to it.
The Software Center should be integrated into launchpad and the Ubuntu Forums.
A program would have a list of known (confirmed) bugs attached to it.
Solution #3:
Have a Star rating system
Written by
Rodrigo the 19 Oct 09 at 11:52.
It could be nice to have a "star rating system" like othere webs have. Either by popularity, or by user experience... of course this would take some time to get the data but in the long term it could help.
How many times have you look in forums and similar webs what is the "best" application for something, this way it would all be in the same app.
It could be nice to have a "star rating system" like othere webs have. Either by popularity, or by user experience... of course this would take some time to get the data but in the long term it could help.
How many times have you look in forums and similar webs what is the "best" application for something, this way it would all be in the same app.
Solution #4:
Profiles
Written by
Shady3D the 19 Oct 09 at 13:41.
allow users to have profile, so the system know what packages i installed and if i install my system from scratch for any reason, it can be easier to install my applications again.
but also allow multiple profiles for one user, so if i have a PC and a laptop, it won't mix both.
allow users to have profile, so the system know what packages i installed and if i install my system from scratch for any reason, it can be easier to install my applications again.
but also allow multiple profiles for one user, so if i have a PC and a laptop, it won't mix both.
Solution #5:
Give each program a wiki-like description page
Written by
snostorm the 23 Oct 09 at 21:48.
For each program, create a wiki-like page that describes the function of the program and any known major issues with it. Logged-in users could edit it right in the Software Center, or through a web browser.
For each program, create a wiki-like page that describes the function of the program and any known major issues with it. Logged-in users could edit it right in the Software Center, or through a web browser.
Solution #6:
Collections
Written by
snostorm the 23 Oct 09 at 22:36.
Allow people to create collections of useful programs. Entire collections could be installed with one click, or browsed and installed one-by-one. Display order could be determined by having users vote on the usefulness of collection.
Allow people to create collections of useful programs. Entire collections could be installed with one click, or browsed and installed one-by-one. Display order could be determined by having users vote on the usefulness of collection.
Solution #7:
Add application size
Written by
la_serpe the 25 Oct 09 at 10:27.
Add information about application size (in MB)
Add information about application size (in MB)
Solution #8:
#1 + #2 + #3 + #7 = Complete access to information.
Application size, Star-rating system, bug warnings & socialized environment. All of these would be great solutions, but if you integrate all of them in some way, it could make for a very informative way of choosing and installing applications, whilst being able to voice your opinion (rating system & comments).
Application size, Star-rating system, bug warnings & socialized environment. All of these would be great solutions, but if you integrate all of them in some way, it could make for a very informative way of choosing and installing applications, whilst being able to voice your opinion (rating system & comments).
Solution #9:
Give forum to each program.
Written by
Lachu the 29 Oct 09 at 18:21.
Just giving each program a forum, accessible via software center and application itselves.
Just giving each program a forum, accessible via software center and application itselves.
Solution #10:
#8 + option to select multiple software to install
Written by
thehosh the 2 Nov 09 at 02:04.
When wanting to install multiple applications, you have install that one, and then go back to install the next one.. sometimes you might want to install multiple ones with just one click, add a button "Add to basket" and then batch install them all..
When wanting to install multiple applications, you have install that one, and then go back to install the next one.. sometimes you might want to install multiple ones with just one click, add a button "Add to basket" and then batch install them all..
Solution #11:
Application Updates
Written by
la_serpe the 2 Nov 09 at 17:48.
Allow user to to choose which applications should be updated. My idea is to do it by adding a check-box to installed applications menu. Update Manager would then search only for updates of applications an user really wants to update.
Allow user to to choose which applications should be updated. My idea is to do it by adding a check-box to installed applications menu. Update Manager would then search only for updates of applications an user really wants to update.
Solution #12:
1,2,3,4,7 + hardware finder
Written by
ki4jgt the 5 Nov 09 at 17:26.
- Allow the user to have a central user name for all the services offered.
- When the program information pops up to allow the user to install, then also show the comment section.
- Include Launchpad bug reports, and what hardware, if any, is required
- Have a star rating system, and allow the user to sort the items by the most used/starred
- Allow the user to backup a profile of what software they have installed on their computer, for reinstallation later.
- Show the application size
- Integrate with an internet shopping service, to allow the user to find hardware that s/he may need to run the software. (start the search when the user clicks on the hardware's name)
- Allow the user to have a central user name for all the services offered.
- When the program information pops up to allow the user to install, then also show the comment section.
- Include Launchpad bug reports, and what hardware, if any, is required
- Have a star rating system, and allow the user to sort the items by the most used/starred
- Allow the user to backup a profile of what software they have installed on their computer, for reinstallation later.
- Show the application size
- Integrate with an internet shopping service, to allow the user to find hardware that s/he may need to run the software. (start the search when the user clicks on the hardware's name)
Solution #13:
Add a plugin system
Written by
snostorm the 5 Nov 09 at 18:46.
There's no way every single one of these solutions is going to make it into the future software center. By adding a plugin system, third-party developers will be able to implement solutions that don't make it into the standard software center.
There's no way every single one of these solutions is going to make it into the future software center. By adding a plugin system, third-party developers will be able to implement solutions that don't make it into the standard software center.
Solution #14:
Enable a check box to install more than one application at same time
A check box box near the program must be added to simplify installing more than one program at same time.
A check box box near the program must be added to simplify installing more than one program at same time.
Solution #15:
Avoid Application With Unavailable Plugin
Written by
heru.htl the 6 Nov 09 at 17:57.
Some applications like Quanta has unavailable plugin (in Quanta case, Gubed is very important plugin but it's unavailable), another example is Pitivi. Regarding this matter, users sometime think this is lack of development.
This is just a suggestion, avoid such application with unavailable plugin, especially if such unavailable plugin is something essential for current application function.
Some applications like Quanta has unavailable plugin (in Quanta case, Gubed is very important plugin but it's unavailable), another example is Pitivi. Regarding this matter, users sometime think this is lack of development.
This is just a suggestion, avoid such application with unavailable plugin, especially if such unavailable plugin is something essential for current application function.
Solution #16:
Recommended for new users
Create a strict, community-based, transparent system for determining application quality.
Create a application category "Recommended for new users" which is filtered based on that quality criteria. Make it clear that one is seeing a community-based selection. The full, unfiltered view should be not more than one click away.
Could use the proposed #3: Star rating system, plus reviews of description texts (which should be easy to read and to understand by people with a non-software-developer mindset) and availibilty of translated descriptions. Maybe popcon data (there are exceptions of course, but popular packages tend to be more stable) and metrics about bugs could be used as well.
Having a lot of free software is great, guiding new users to software that shines is great as well, such a system would bridge these two interests.
Also it would create an incentive for developers to polish applications.
Create a strict, community-based, transparent system for determining application quality.
Create a application category "Recommended for new users" which is filtered based on that quality criteria. Make it clear that one is seeing a community-based selection. The full, unfiltered view should be not more than one click away.
Could use the proposed #3: Star rating system, plus reviews of description texts (which should be easy to read and to understand by people with a non-software-developer mindset) and availibilty of translated descriptions. Maybe popcon data (there are exceptions of course, but popular packages tend to be more stable) and metrics about bugs could be used as well.
Having a lot of free software is great, guiding new users to software that shines is great as well, such a system would bridge these two interests.
Also it would create an incentive for developers to polish applications.
Solution #1:
Get the CD title and artwork from the internet
Written by
jared the 22 Oct 09 at 11:55.
Banshee and many other media players will find out the CDs' name and download artwork from the internet. This could be built into the desktop.
For example when an audio CD is inserted the title of the CD will be displayed and the artwork will appear instead of the icon, in the same manor that pictures thumbnails are displayed on the desktop, perhaps with a small audio CD icon in the corner so it is easy to distinguish.
Its not a huge change but just one of those little things that would make Ubuntu seem overall more polished.
Banshee and many other media players will find out the CDs' name and download artwork from the internet. This could be built into the desktop.
For example when an audio CD is inserted the title of the CD will be displayed and the artwork will appear instead of the icon, in the same manor that pictures thumbnails are displayed on the desktop, perhaps with a small audio CD icon in the corner so it is easy to distinguish.
Its not a huge change but just one of those little things that would make Ubuntu seem overall more polished.
Solution #2:
MusicBrainz Disc ID Lookup
This is the same as the previous solution, but it goes into more detail on how it should actually be implemented. Here's how I think it should be done:
1) When a CD is inserted, it should be determined whether or not it is an Audio CD.
2) If it is an Audio CD, the Disc ID Should then be calculated according to
http://musicbrainz.org/doc/Disc_ID_Calculation
3) If an internet connection is active, the open-source MusicBrainz database should be checked for a matching Disc ID.
4) If no matching disc ID is found, display the default "Audio CD" icon and text.
5) If a matching Disc ID is found, title the icon "Artist Name - CD Title". Then if possible, grab the album art and re-size it to fit the current size of the desktop icon.
6) This feature MUST be made optional, because some users obviously do NOT want it using their bandwidth, or they prefer it to be turned off for other reasons. There would be a right click option to "Disable CD Identification" or a similar option in the system preferences.
This is the same as the previous solution, but it goes into more detail on how it should actually be implemented. Here's how I think it should be done:
1) When a CD is inserted, it should be determined whether or not it is an Audio CD.
2) If it is an Audio CD, the Disc ID Should then be calculated according to http://musicbrainz.org/doc/Disc_ID_Calculation
3) If an internet connection is active, the open-source MusicBrainz database should be checked for a matching Disc ID.
4) If no matching disc ID is found, display the default "Audio CD" icon and text.
5) If a matching Disc ID is found, title the icon "Artist Name - CD Title". Then if possible, grab the album art and re-size it to fit the current size of the desktop icon.
6) This feature MUST be made optional, because some users obviously do NOT want it using their bandwidth, or they prefer it to be turned off for other reasons. There would be a right click option to "Disable CD Identification" or a similar option in the system preferences.
Solution #3:
Adjust info automatically based on bandwidth
Ubuntu should download different amounts of information based on how good your network connection is.
Fast connections: Download artwork and title
Slow connections, idle: Download title only
Slow connections, in use: Don't download anything
This way, people on dialup don't waste that much bandwidth, *and* we don't have to clutter a right-click menu with an extra option. The computer just does the right thing, all by itself.
A minority of people will still want to turn it off altogether, so maybe we should put such an option in the system preferences, as aliendude5300 suggested. But it should be out of the way, so it doesn't confuse the majority of users.
Ubuntu should download different amounts of information based on how good your network connection is.
Fast connections: Download artwork and title
Slow connections, idle: Download title only
Slow connections, in use: Don't download anything
This way, people on dialup don't waste that much bandwidth, *and* we don't have to clutter a right-click menu with an extra option. The computer just does the right thing, all by itself.
A minority of people will still want to turn it off altogether, so maybe we should put such an option in the system preferences, as aliendude5300 suggested. But it should be out of the way, so it doesn't confuse the majority of users.
show download rate and add pause option in software center
Written by sirish.gauni the 1 Nov 09 at 18:00.
Related project: Add/Remove program dialog .
New
With slow download rates and not so good internet network in developing countries like india, its would be very useful to have a pause option in software center so that we can pause the download when there is too much of traffic congestion. Also same reason to have the software center show download rates while downloading the software.
Solution #1:
Show download rate and add pause option
You could just add a pause option to the software center and also show the download rates. Further more if the software center can be made such a way that when the network/internet goes off the download doesn't stop completely and starts from where it left of when the internet is back.
This idea can also be applied to Update manager.
You could just add a pause option to the software center and also show the download rates. Further more if the software center can be made such a way that when the network/internet goes off the download doesn't stop completely and starts from where it left of when the internet is back.
This idea can also be applied to Update manager.
Solution #2:
Showing the Download Rate will surely help...
Written by
azhar the 3 Nov 09 at 00:32.
I'd propose more or less the same solution as SIRISH.GAUNI. In fact, in the Updater, we have the download rate being displayed. So, why not extend it to the Software Centre too. And, BTW, the implementation of a download manager, capable of resuming downloads would surely help.
Besides, it would be great if we had to enter our password only once when we start using the Software Centre, for it's really very annoying to have to enter the password several times when downloading several items. Or else, we could be asked to enter the password just before all the downloads start.
I'd propose more or less the same solution as SIRISH.GAUNI. In fact, in the Updater, we have the download rate being displayed. So, why not extend it to the Software Centre too. And, BTW, the implementation of a download manager, capable of resuming downloads would surely help.
Besides, it would be great if we had to enter our password only once when we start using the Software Centre, for it's really very annoying to have to enter the password several times when downloading several items. Or else, we could be asked to enter the password just before all the downloads start.
Solution #3:
#1 + an option to limit the download rate
While downloading software, mostly system uses whole bandwidth. This may create some issues if you are sharing your connection with other over network. While downloading, its difficult for others to even surf regular sites.
Keeping a torrent like option to limit bandwidth will surely help apart from download rates and pause option. Moreover if system goes down by any change (power failure for desktops), downloading should start from the same point (I don't know if it is already there).
While downloading software, mostly system uses whole bandwidth. This may create some issues if you are sharing your connection with other over network. While downloading, its difficult for others to even surf regular sites.
Keeping a torrent like option to limit bandwidth will surely help apart from download rates and pause option. Moreover if system goes down by any change (power failure for desktops), downloading should start from the same point (I don't know if it is already there).
Solution #4:
Suggestion for solution No3
Written by
azhar the 5 Nov 09 at 14:31.
There could be an option where we tell the Software Centre to download the applications only when our connection is idle.
I'm not sure.... But I think Adobe lets you do this during an update, whereby you can check a box to specify that the download should take place only when the connection is idle.
Anyway, it would be great to have such an option...
There could be an option where we tell the Software Centre to download the applications only when our connection is idle.
I'm not sure.... But I think Adobe lets you do this during an update, whereby you can check a box to specify that the download should take place only when the connection is idle.
Anyway, it would be great to have such an option...
Solution #5:
Allow multiple Downloads
Allow multiple downloads to take place using all of the bandwidth Or limit usage. Sometimes some files have very low speed. So simultaneous downloads would be helpfull
Allow multiple downloads to take place using all of the bandwidth Or limit usage. Sometimes some files have very low speed. So simultaneous downloads would be helpfull
Make it easier to restart the network
Written by audunmb the 20 Oct 09 at 12:34.
Related project: Network Manager .
New
Sometimes, for some reason or the other there's something wrong with the network. The easiest way to fix it is usually to restart the network with "sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart". Though, if you're not familiar with the underlaying structure of networking in Ubuntu, you won't know this. Only more experienced users have this option, newbies and people uncomfortable with CLI will have to restart their computer to restart the network.
Solution #1:
Make restart network a GUI option
Written by
audunmb the 20 Oct 09 at 12:34.
Add an option when you left-click network-manager that says "restart network" which does "sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart". Windows has a similar option, so users coming from Windows will expect it.
It is also quicker than opening a terminal, typing in the command, or copy-paste it from wherever you left the howto-note.
Add an option when you left-click network-manager that says "restart network" which does "sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart". Windows has a similar option, so users coming from Windows will expect it.
It is also quicker than opening a terminal, typing in the command, or copy-paste it from wherever you left the howto-note.
Solution #2:
Restart automatically--No GUI
Network failure is either 1) a bug, or 2) caused by unreliable hardware in the system.
If individual bugs are fixed, then I feel it would be simpler to deal with unreliable hardware with automatic restarts, rather than manually, which only clutters the UI.
Network failure is either 1) a bug, or 2) caused by unreliable hardware in the system.
If individual bugs are fixed, then I feel it would be simpler to deal with unreliable hardware with automatic restarts, rather than manually, which only clutters the UI.
Multitouch and gestures on touchpads
Written by evefavretto the 25 Oct 09 at 21:00.
Global category: Hardware support.
New
After I used the Karmic beta, I liked the two-fingers scrolling and I'm still thinking if it can be implemented another gestures
Solution #1:
Implement gestures on notebooks' touchpads
It's a simple idea, implement gestures on these touchpads. I know that can be hard to implement, I'm only suggesting.
It's a simple idea, implement gestures on these touchpads. I know that can be hard to implement, I'm only suggesting.
Solution #2:
Gesture creation program
Create a program to create custom gestures for anything!
Create a program to create custom gestures for anything!
Solution #3:
Unlock computer with mouse gesture on touchpad
Written by
HigH5 the 26 Oct 09 at 11:28.
One could instead unlocking the computer with their password unlock it with a secret mouse gesture.
One could instead unlocking the computer with their password unlock it with a secret mouse gesture.
Solution #4:
two fingers tap for RIGHT CLICK
Written by
Lex the 30 Oct 09 at 18:56.
Left button click is already simulate by tapping, so I want to propose something similar for RIGHT button as well.
two finger tapping - right button click
I think that this could be very simple and effective way. (We can possibly take this to extend and use 3 finger tap for middle button, but I'm not sure about it...)
Left button click is already simulate by tapping, so I want to propose something similar for RIGHT button as well.
two finger tapping - right button click
I think that this could be very simple and effective way. (We can possibly take this to extend and use 3 finger tap for middle button, but I'm not sure about it...)
Solution #5:
Allow two-finger gestures with edge scrolling
The two-finger scrolling feature is good, but when turned on, horizontal and vertical scrolling with the edge of the touchpad stops working. It should be possible to use either option with the same settings.
The two-finger scrolling feature is good, but when turned on, horizontal and vertical scrolling with the edge of the touchpad stops working. It should be possible to use either option with the same settings.
Solution #6:
Make a New Ubuntu Distro' With 10/GUI in Mind
Start moving towards the 10/GUI idea, perhaps create a new Ubuntu version that is designed with touchpads in mind (see concept video). The new distribution should still have basic support mice, but should work on simplifying the desktop using multi-touch technology at the same time.
10/GUI
Concept Video
Start moving towards the 10/GUI idea, perhaps create a new Ubuntu version that is designed with touchpads in mind (see concept video). The new distribution should still have basic support mice, but should work on simplifying the desktop using multi-touch technology at the same time.
<a href="http://10gui.com/">10/GUI</a>
<a href="http://10gui.com/video/">Concept Video</a>