Contributor qwerty800 - Ubuntu brainstorm

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Contributor qwerty800 on Nautilus

File Sorting & Grouping in Nautilus

Written by XP1 the 17 May 09 at 19:26. Implemented

I always look for specific type of files based on the file type. For example, when I know I want to find a picture, I scroll down to the JPG group. I do not have to bother looking at all files when all unrelated files are sorted alphabetically. When sorted alphabetically, there may be a text file with the similar name to the JPG file; thus, I avoid the problem of time wasting and screen clutter when I do not want to look at text files.

312
votes

Selected solution (#1): Add file sort and group sort together as options in Nautilus

Written by XP1 the 17 May 09 at 19:26.

Add file sort and group sort together as options in Nautilus

The Windows Explorer file manager has this feature since Windows XP. It has been greatly improved in Windows Vista. In Vista, an entire group of files can be selected simultaneously once a file group is clicked on.

URI: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawpa2000/3478448103/sizes/o/

229
votes

Selected solution (#2): But don't change the current type detection method

Written by Ssdg the 18 May 09 at 14:45.

One of the big advantages I found in "Linux" was the "relative" absence of extensions on most files. We should sort by mime types instead of extensions.

Of course, we will "forget" parts of the mime type to get it user friendly. For example, you shouldn't care about your music encodings, so MP3(music/mp3) and flac (music/flac) files will be merged in a single category (music). For more "generic" primari types, we'll use the second part (application/*)

Example:
image/png => Image
application/xml => XML

To rely on extension is as far as I'm concerned the biggest Window's mistake and we should not follow them on that path.

12
votes

Selected solution (#3): No need to copy Vista! Click on type column to select all by type plugin.

Written by r0g the 19 May 09 at 21:46.

Clicking the header row of the type column ALREADY sorts folders into alphabetical groups based on mime-type so the only NEW feature that is being suggested above is the ability to select all files of the same type in a single click.

This is hardly a slog to accomplish in the first place (click, move mouse, shift-click) BUT... If the community thinks this is a useful and highly desirable feature we should definitely avoid the screen wasting approach Vista takes.

I suggest such functionality could be better implemented as a plugin that makes clicking on an item in its Type column select all items of that type in that folder.

This gives the people who want it the single click functionality with no loss of screen space. This also spares those who don't feel the need the extra clutter.

23
votes

Selected solution (#4): Borrow from the spreadsheet auto-filter paradigm

Written by gazilla the 20 May 09 at 12:14.

Add a small extra icon to the column heading of 'Type' in the list view. It should be visible at all times in list view, with an option in Preferences to disable the feature.

When clicked, it would work just like the auto-filter of both Excel (erk!) and OpenOffice Calc. It would present a drop-down of all the file types in the directory. Clicking on a single file type could either limit the view to just those files or select the files depending on whether a modifier key (Shift, Control, etc) is pressed. It should be possible to click on more than one file type. For example, the user should be able to use this mechanism to select JPEG and PNG files together. In this context, folders are just another "file type".

Other "groupable" columns in list view (e.g. Owner) should also have the new mini icon. So if the folder contains files from multiple owners I should be able to limit the view to just the files from a single owner. Etc, etc.

I won't comment on how Nautilus should determine the 'file type'. That is a different argument for a different day.

20
votes

See the 7 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 4 Mar 13 at 06:06) >>

Use the new Software Center breadcrumb bar in Nautilus

Written by mvalley the 8 Feb 10 at 22:12. Not an idea

After testing alpha-2 of Lucid Lynx I noticed that the Software Center has a new breadcrumb bar. I think it looks better than the one in Nautilus and is easier to use because the right-most crumb is always the current directory. I think that the new one should replace the one in Nautilus.

236
votes

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 Feb 13 at 14:19) >>

Redesign Nautilus: Remove Browser Buttons

Written by pubsbin the 31 May 09 at 03:04. Implemented

A File Manager isn't used, most of the time, as a browser.
I do know about network transparency which allows you to manage files in a remote computer. But the most of the users (as i understand) only use it with their personal and local files.

It is really and waste of space and user attention to have those buttons that are most of the time disabled or have no real effect.

-108
votes

Selected solution (#1): Remove browser buttons

Written by pubsbin the 31 May 09 at 03:04.

Quit the "Stop" and the "Reload" button from the first toolbar in Nautilus. Most people won't miss it.

I know the objection: some people sometimes use it. Very well: detect when are you going to need them and, in that case:
-make a progress-like line and mix it with the direction bar.
- when loading a remote directory (one that takes too long) put a "cancel" button in the direction bar.
- when not, put the "reload" button in there.

241
votes

37
votes

-5
votes

-8
votes

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 Feb 13 at 14:13) >>

It would be nice if in Nautilus ...

Written by l3on the 6 Sep 09 at 20:50. Not an idea

It would be nice in Nautilus ...

... when you select some files:

the info in the Properties window:

was also included in the sidebar:

563
votes

124
votes

151
votes

Solution #3: Make the Nautilus-code more general so anything can go into the sidebar

Written by vhindriksen the 7 Sep 09 at 17:29.

See for example the side-bar of browsers like Firefox. So just let any code run in the sidebar (in a separate thread, so it can crash on its own). Output can be html or some specific xml, as long as perl-scripts can spit it out.

One serious problem with this solution is security, since the script is auto-run for each file/directory.

476
votes

224
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255
votes

Solution #6: Make this optional and configurable via preferences

Written by LaMeR the 10 Sep 09 at 20:18.

1. Let the user set which information to show in the sidebar.

Example options:
For one selected file show in sidebar:
- General info - similar for most file types (thumbnail, type, size,...)
- File specific info - different for most file types (for example video files info: duration, resolution, bitrate, codec,...)
- All info = General info + File specific info

For multiple selected files show in sidebar:
- General info - number of files, size of files,...
- File specific info - number of files for each selected type (6 images, 13 videos,...), size of files for each selected type,...
- All info = General info + File specific info

2. Make it possible for user to completely turn this feature off, because some users may have slower computers or want to use the sidebar for bookmarks etc.

49
votes

Solution #7: sidebar should automatically change to "info" after selecting a file

Written by haran_elessar the 14 Sep 09 at 02:37.

I think that extra information is neat but it would be better if the left pane just changed automatically when I click on a file instead of having to choose "information" from the menu to see the details. the way I see it, most people like having the places view and they would have to change it to "information" each time to see the info just by left-clicking.

Now if nautilus would automatically change from places to information whenever you select a file then I think that would be very handy.

Optional extra idea: how about if that sidebar would show some other info automatically. For example, say I'm selecting many files from a folder, wouldn't it be neat if the sidebar would show me small thumbnails of all the items I have currently selected? (similar to Picasa's tray) That way it serves as a double check that I'm actually copying all the files I need. Then after pasting the sidebar would just go back to show the "places"option.

As it is right now, not many people are using that drop down menu. It's sad since now that I tried it I see it can be useful and even more if the feature you are requesting is implemented. Still, I don't think I would be using "information" as my default sidebar BUT if it was automatic as I mentioned above I think everyone will benefit from it.

what do you think? can that be done?

[...]

edit: As some users have suggested this feature should be configurable, allowing users to turn it off completely, showing only certain kind of information and generally behaving like users want it to behave.

-26
votes

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-59
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11
votes

Solution #11: Make sidebar more dynamic

Written by alx321 the 4 Oct 09 at 08:50.

Many ubuntu users don't even know that it is possible to change the content of the sidebar. The dropdown menu is very unhandy.
I propose to replace it by tabs with small icons and make it dynamic. That is, you can drag the tabs to another position, so that, for example, 'information' is shown beneath 'places' or in a second sidebar at the right or lower border.

8
votes

4
votes

Solution #13: Add nautilus option to show file info in a popup bubble

Written by oliver-joos the 5 Oct 09 at 14:23.

I propose to add a Nautilus option to pop up a light yellow bubble with basic file info when the mouse rests on an icon for a second or so.
The option should be very simple: on/off or none/brief/verbose. The file-type decides what info is shown.

Advantages:
* no mouse click needed
* no second/dynamic/changing pane needed
* plays well together with the audio preview feature
* the mouse is on one icon at a time => the info is clearly related

See the 22 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 26 Jul 12 at 13:50) >>

Mass renaming for Nautilus

Written by pi314 the 29 Feb 08 at 13:28. Not an idea

Nautilus should be one of the greatest file managers, and one of the tasks it should be able to do is mass renaming.
Thus, it wouldn't be necessary to install external programs and change from one to another to manage your files.

1152
votes

5
votes

See the 16 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 16 Jul 12 at 07:43) >>

Easy mounting of Images like ISO and CUE

Written by Nanotron the 28 Feb 08 at 20:17. Implemented

I'm a big fan of Images like .iso. However it is not very easy to mount these Images.

Developer comments

There is already right click->open with "archive mounter" in Gnome, however it currently has a major bug: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gvfs/+bug/299956

5716
votes

Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #194

Written by Nanotron the 28 Feb 08 at 20:17.

I feel there should be a Tool in Nautilus and Dolphin which allows mounting Images by double Click or something similar. (This feature exists int MacOS). Or with a right click on the I think that would be a very useful Tool for every one.
A good example for this is CDemu.

I know there are some other good programs, but I think that would be the easiest way

691
votes

-16
votes

0
votes

40
votes

-71
votes

-12
votes

Selected solution (#8): Okay, here it is :)

Written by r0g the 28 Oct 09 at 05:09.

In the form of a python script for nautilus actions.

http://www.technicalbloke.com/iso_mount.py

I don't have time to do the unmount command too but it should be easy to adapt if you know a little python, consider that homework & pls post me a copy :)

I think it would be nice if Ubuntu came with some more useful nautilus action scripts and a nicer way of adding/removing them. At the moment getting them in and out is more of a pain than it needs to be. It ought to be as easy as Firefox (if not easier!) to install plugins, maybe then people would make more.

Roger.

-44
votes

See the 65 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 31 May 12 at 02:44) >>

Nautilus to display more info while asking for copying existing file

Written by aufather the 9 Nov 08 at 04:07. Implemented

When I copy a newer version of a file, nautilus asks whether to skip or replace this file. But it does not provide any info other than the file name. It would be nice if it would at least provide the file sizes too. More info maybe accessible from a drop down button. Like modified time, owner, permissions etc. But these can be hidden and be accessible from a drop down button (like the button which shows progress of individual files during software installation). This will help the user to compare both the files and make an informed decision there itself. Instead of canceling the operation and then comparing both the files and then redoing the same operation.

260
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529
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202
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338
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229
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103
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95
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42
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Selected solution (#8): Previews of the files

Written by philip the 5 May 09 at 22:52.

The dialog should contain pre-computed views of the files, so you don't have to wait for (say) the spreadsheet program to load and open the files. The views should be about 100x100 pixels large and should show a cropped, scrollable view of each file. When the user resizes the dialog,, the preview areas should show more or less of the files. Or, a larger preview can show as a tool tip when the mouse hovers over the small preview.

45
votes

Selected solution (#9): nautulis: copy old file to trash before overwrite

Written by bgfeldm the 12 May 09 at 13:01.

add an option to move old file to the trash before overwrite.
nautulis:
move file to trash before overwrite, if file is a text or document file below a preconfigured size such as 1 MB.

This way overwritten files can be retrieved at a dept of one.
Or you could make the trash bin a temporary source repository for overwritten/deleted files, only storing the diff of the text files, so you limit space taken up by the trash bin and have multiple restore points for files. The repository will be clear every time the user clears the repository or after a defined amount of days.

56
votes

139
votes

25
votes

Selected solution (#12): Push transfers requiring user feedback to the end of the queue

Written by Redge the 8 Jun 09 at 00:07.

When doing file operations and Nautilus encounters conflicts or errors that require the user's feedback to resolve, Nautilus should first try to complete the rest of the queue and push the files needing feedback to the end. That way, if the user is AFK as much of the operation as possible will be done by the time he/she gets back.

-3
votes

37
votes

Selected solution (#14): Check files below a certain size

Written by korin43 the 18 Jun 09 at 20:58.

Decide on a on file size where it's faster to just check if it's an identical file than ask the user if they want to replace/skip. If the files with the same name are identical, we just skip them instead of presenting the replace/skip dialogue (since both options would have the same result).

Note: This would be a complete byte-for-byte comparison, not just a comparison of timestamps and name.

Here's the order that the system would check:
- Is there a file with the same name?
- Is it below the maximum size set to check? (we don't want to auto-check if it would be faster to ask the user. ex: 10 Gb file)
- Compare size
- Compare the two files (byte-for-byte), fail as soon as you find anything different (if the first byte of the new file is different, fail immediately instead of checking the whole file)

Note 2: Timestamps will not be compared. If the new file is identical with a different timestamp, the new timestamp should be applied.

21
votes

Selected solution (#15): Add "auto" option to replce/skip pop-up

Written by vegetarianshrimp the 19 Jun 09 at 19:03.

This gives the user the option to replace/skip if they already know whether the file is identical or not, or don't want to risk replacing an important file. But if they don't know if the files are identical, then they can press the auto button.

It would look something like this:

|Auto| |Auto all| |Replace| |Replace all| |Skip| |Skip all|

25
votes

Selected solution (#16): Show context for the differences

Written by Prime Mover the 2 Aug 09 at 21:50.

The dialog should attempt to show the differences between the files if they are in a recognizable format. For example, if the files are images, show both images, along with file size and date. This will allow the user to easily make a decision about whether to replace the file. The destination filename could also be an editable field to allow the user to change the name and have the copy continue under the new name. If the file were an audio file then it could display bitrate, sample rate, length, etc.

Here's an example dialog box from Directory Opus on Windows which demonstrates this:

836
votes

164
votes

62
votes

Selected solution (#19): Avoid overwriting the same file.

Written by pubsbin the 8 Aug 09 at 01:12.

There are some easy tests for checking if two files (in two different folders) are the same file. From the easy ones (metainformation, size, name), checking some positions (sampling) and, finally, comparing them entirely.

If Nautilus uses those easy equality checks, it could avoid copying equal files. Even if you compare the whole file, a read is faster than a write.

151
votes

Selected solution (#20): "No to ALL"

Written by don1500 the 12 Aug 09 at 20:20.

Most of the time I have this problem I run into it when moving music files. There is a "Yes to ALL" but no "No to All". All I want are the files that are on the source but not on the target. "Overwrite if Newer" is close and a good suggestion, but sometimes I don't want to overwrite the old file. Sometimes you want to overwrite the older version, and with "Yes to All" you still have that option. Maybe adding both "Overwrite if newer" AND "No to ALL" is the answer. I think this would be the easiest to implement. This is also the K.I.S.S. answer.

83
votes

14
votes

8
votes

Selected solution (#23): Advanced File Operations (AFO :D)

Written by Chronos the 29 Aug 09 at 14:46.

Create a more advanced "thread" based queuing system for file operations. Its possible to make it simple, no need to make it complex. Read below:

Seriously, in Total commander i used a lot the function to not just copy files at once and send the process in the background, but to push F2, and create a list of the operations where(!) the list is a queue. So the processes are not running at the same time to slow things down. We can even make this better. Imagine you have 4 drives. A B C and D. You want to copy 3x6 folders/files from A to B and vice versa. It takes long, so you start to copy/move/whatsoever to work on C and D (like before from C to D and vice versa). To make all these operations (4direction) run at the same time slows the computer slow down(no wonder why).

We could create two thread with two queues in this case.

In summary, A and B would process their queue, processing files the fast as possible, and separately C and D would do their things as well.

We could make it automatic maybe, that if we are making file operations to or from one partition/hardware, at default it would create a queue, what (with a push of a button) would appear from the already used window(dont know the name). This queue would make sure that only one operation is active at a time, making hardware sweat less, and operations faster.

[...]

Maybe i'll do a mockup if i have time.

This is just an idea, we can modify it.

Cheers,
David

32
votes

Selected solution (#24): Pile up a list of action needed files.(Use with Solution #1)

Written by yaknowwat the 16 Aug 09 at 09:07.

The list would list all the files that need conformation and let u handle them with check boxes. ( A Select All/None combo button and an Invert Selection button are a must for such a list. Then double clicking a listed directory should select all in the directory.)
Then by for example pressing Overwrite or a Do Nothing button the action would affect all selected files. After which you can continue such steps until the List is gone or the user exits.
I'd imagine this would be simple to do without over complicating things.
Also the number of dialogues could easily be reduced with this strategy.
This increases efficiency because a user could handle all the conformation files at once in their own way even as their still copying normal files.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#26): Add intelligent preview/comparison box to the Nautilus file replacement dialogue

Written by cajhne the 14 Sep 10 at 21:05.

Disclaimer: I worked this up before finding that my problem was a dupe of this thread, so don't yell at me for "duplicating" some ideas here. I've +1 promoted the ones that I came to the same or similar conclusions about. There's different stuff in here, so please read the whole thing! :)

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

[...]

This example shows the standard file replace dialogue with my additions. The files under scrutiny are an old and new version of the same image. The desaturated, darker one is meant to represent an unedited photo, and the saturated one an edited version, which highlights the advantage/importance of being able to see samples of each to make the judgement.

Things to note in this sample:
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all".
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :))
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder".
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As".
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected.
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

Things to note in this sample: 
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all". 
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :)) 
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder". 
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As". 
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected. 
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#28): Additions to File Operations

Written by JohnLM the 15 Jan 09 at 21:46.

I thought it could scan for involved devices and queue by (configurable) default, if that device is in use (i.e. having copy or move operation already). And have a "Do now!" kind of button on file operation window for override.

Naturally it should never en-queue same partition's move operations, cause they are super fast by nature!

btw As far as I know the Nautilus' File Operations thingie is not really finished and is under development now!

9
votes

Selected solution (#29): Conflict dialog: say how many more conflicts there are

Written by philip the 18 Mar 11 at 20:07.

When you try to copy or move a bunch of files, and files with those names already exist in the destination folder, you get a dialog asking you if you want to replace the existing file or skip copying this file. You can also check a check box for repeating this operation on all other conflicting files.

It would be helpful to know how many more conflicting files there are. This can alert the user that he has done something wrong if he did not expect that many conflicts. It can also guide his decision to check the conflicts manually or click on the "perform this for all files" check box.

Getting more sophisticated, the dialog could even list the conflicting files when the user clicks on a drop down list.

12
votes

-1
votes

Selected solution (#31): Require the user to enter a sub menu.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 5 Mar 11 at 09:13.

Simply having gksu pop up every time a user tries to do something they aren't allowed to (edit a system file) is a quick way to a non-working system.

I propose we put gksu-enabled commands in a sub-menu (like how new-file lists a few file types). This will prevent users from simply converting to "enter your password until it works" people.

66
votes

20
votes

Selected solution (#33): Control the number of simultaneous op-s on a drive

Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 21:28.

This is not a complete solution, but an addition to #2/#1.
I often miss an option to limit the number of simultaneous file operations on a drive (simultaneous file operations are not as quick as one-by-one sometimes).
Speaking about sol#1, it would be logical to have an option to queue file operation instead of performing immediately (name menu item "Queue Paste" & give it keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+V/Ctrl+Q/Super+V). Also it is a workaround for controlling the number of simultaneous file operations.

-4
votes

7
votes

Selected solution (#35): Click & drag priority management

Written by Ian Burnet the 11 Apr 09 at 03:11.

Being able to set the priority of ops would be really useful, but we also don't want to add too much to the interface.

I think the most user-friendly solution would be to:
1) Run only one op at a time automatically
2) Have a continue / pause button to force start, pause, and resume
3) Have the ops listed by priority (i.e. which was started first; which are running)
4) Be able to click and drag the progress bars up/down to switch the priorities

15
votes

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 May 12 at 05:18) >>

Provide a simple interface for labeling partitions and external drives

Written by descentspb the 3 May 08 at 13:18. New

This becomes especially useful with Hardy, which gives unrecognizable names to the unnamed partitions like "100 GB media" etc.

2715
votes

0
votes

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 16 Apr 12 at 20:48) >>

Nautilus: Open new tab should be easy for people who don't know the shortcut

Written by ge0ffrey the 9 Aug 09 at 11:50. Not an idea

Not everyone knows that ctrl-t opens a new tab. Most granny's do everything graphically and don't use shortcuts. The open new tab functionally is hidden in the menu.

125
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50
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-21
votes

34
votes

78
votes

13
votes

14
votes

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 5 Nov 11 at 19:28) >>

home folder contains many auto generated non-personal files and folders

Written by choad the 10 Mar 09 at 15:12. New

at the moment the default file browser view is set to your home directory, but this directory is also used for a lot of system-ish files and folders. for example in my home directory i have

i know this is not the default view, but even so this is the kind of thing an ubuntu user ends up looking at after they've used their computer for a while and populated it with their own stuff.

it's kind of sterile and non personal. it's also confusing to the novice, they may think "well if this is my folder, what are all these files/folders that i didn't create?"

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127
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-233
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592
votes

-38
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-60
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49
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Solution #13: use an enviroment variable

Written by benpicco the 26 Mar 09 at 03:12.

EDIT: So just use $XDG_CONFIG_HOME
http://standards.freedesktop.org/basedir-spec/basedir-spec-0.6.html

By using an environment variable, everyone can decide where the config goes - one could even set $XDG_CONFIG_HOME=/tmp/ to try something out without overwriting the existing configuration - or having multiple configs for the same application with no effort. It's a flexible solution which would be even more easy to implement. (considering applications use getenv("HOME") to determine the home folder, the only change would be to replace getenv("HOME") with getenv("XDG_CONFIG_HOME").)

-3
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8
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-63
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Solution #19: Allow us to simply right click individual files or folders, and "hide" them

Written by tchalvakspam the 9 Apr 09 at 02:42.

Often app or config files and folders -can't- be moved, or renamed with a dot, or perhaps they will just be frequently auto-created even if they were moved. So we need to be able to just hide files or folders that we don't want to see ourselves, but still get used in that location by applications. Make that simple to do from the right click menu.

-76
votes

Solution #20: Relocating .dotfiles and .folders to Library Folder under $HOME

Written by mykeus the 10 Oct 09 at 07:05.

I tend to edit configurations alot and one thing i did like about OSX was making use of Library Folder under each user home directory.

$HOME/.config are conforming to old standard and is it nasty.

$HOME/library not only can we eliminate the .dotfile orgy in each directory and better organize the home structure, but it would assist in user accessible files. ex. ruby gems, perl modules, skins, icons.

505
votes

Solution #21: Report Upstream Bugs for every GUI-App not conforming to freedesktop.org

Written by xeniac the 3 Oct 09 at 23:31.

Every graphical Application in Ubuntu should be conform to the Basedir Spec from the Free Desktop Project (See:
http://standards.freedesktop.org/basedir-spec/latest/index.html)

* User specific config files should be stored in gconf, or in $HOME/.config

* named pipes, cache-files, and any other application data should be saved under $HOME/.local/share/$APP_NAME

Every GUI application that does not conform to this spec, should be cousiderd faulty and a bug should be reported to fix it in upstream.

Pure CLI Packages should'nt be affected by this, to preserve UNIX compatibility.

-15
votes

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