Contributor forteller - Ubuntu brainstorm

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The Ubuntu community has contributed 21986 ideas, 135057 comments, 2615221 votes

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Contributor forteller on the Others category

Nautilus to display more info while asking for copying existing file

Written by aufather the 9 Nov 08 at 04:07. Related project: Nautilus. 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
votes

529
votes

202
votes

338
votes

229
votes

103
votes

95
votes

42
votes

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) >>

Separate user preferences and user data in hidden folder

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Undefined
Definition :	New (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Unknown
Assignee :

Written by ploum the 7 Apr 08 at 08:03. Global category: Others. New

When keeping the same /home/ for years, it quickly becomes an unmaintainable mess of hidden folders.

You can't even delete them without being sure because it might contain important data.

Freedesktop has issued a recommandation to solve this problem :
http://standards.freedesktop.org/basedir-spec/latest/ar01s03.html

Implementing this would allow to easily reset your configuration to the default one without loosing any data. For Ubuntu beta testers or people that care about having the default config, it would be a big advantage. It would also solve a lot of upgrade problems that some people have and that cannot be reproduced because it's a particular preference migration bug.

The problem and its solution is described here for the GNOME desktop but it applies for any application : http://ploum.frimouvy.org/?184-cleaning-user-preferences-keeping-user-data

My suggestion is to make the FD.o recommandation an official Ubuntu recommandation, trying to lobby so applications in Ubuntu follow this spec, at least the one in main.

A suggestion for the GNOME desktop has also been issued :
http://live.gnome.org/GnomeGoals/XDGConfigFolders

376
votes

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:21) >>

Better BrainStorming

Written by DrG the 20 Dec 09 at 16:41. Global category: Others. New

Better BrainStorming

-16
votes

Solution #1: MindMaps and Flow-Charts

Written by DrG the 20 Dec 09 at 16:41.

Add a MindMap control (See - http://www.mindmappedia.com/ ) and Flow-Chart Control in Ubuntu BrainStorm ( Add as HTML function ; Like HTML tables or as an image produced from a MindMap Manager - as in the link , or , as a separate firefox plug-in).

1.MindMap -> is one of the crucial components of BrainStorming.
Mind map can represent an idea in a much simpler and efficient way than typed text.
Mind maps allow for greater creativity when recording ideas and information, as well as allowing the note-taker to associate words with visual representations.

2.Flow chart - is similar .

Also See -
1. MindMap of Prolog Programming for Artificial Intelligence - http://www.biggerplate.com/viewMapImage.asp?ID=702
2. Web Site Development - Project Scoping Guide - http://www.biggerplate.com/viewMapImage.asp?ID=410
2. Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

42
votes

3
votes

7
votes

40
votes

Solution #6: Hide Already viewed Solutions and comments

Written by DrG the 21 Dec 09 at 08:17.

In some Ideas like this one , there will be lot of solutions
A user who checks the update should scroll down for the new one .

So
1.Hide the solutions contents ( Show only the Title , Votes and Vote Status) , which are voted and have not changed since the last view .
2. Add an Expand button ( Should load the contents only on pressing the button )

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

This should be configurable , with options
1.Automatic - Hide after voting , if no changes
2.Manual - Persistent Collapse / Expand button .

The setting should be accessible from user profile

Add similar functionality to comments also by persistent 'Collapse' or 'Expand' Buttons; Which remembers the setting.

31
votes

21
votes

9
votes

23
votes

Solution #10: More Options in DashBoard

Written by DrG the 21 Dec 09 at 10:03.

=---------------------------------------------------------
1.Friends - See what your favourite people are doing in BrainStorm
2.Private Messages - Access messages from other BrainStormers right from your dash board
3.Comments posted for me - In any Solution a comment posted with '@NoMan' in the beginning of a line should go to the tab named 'Comments posted for me' of NoMan's DashBoard
4.My Recently Moderated Ideas - Ideas to which a recent moderation appeared , such as approval , closed or labelled as duplicate

6
votes

10
votes

11
votes

13
votes

12
votes

Solution #15: 'Comments' always with Ideas

Written by DrG the 22 Dec 09 at 14:38.

When we view ideas and solutions , either in dash-board , in popular ideas , latest ideas or random ideas , the comment are not included in the page.
To view the comment , each idea had to be opened as a separate web page.
This should be avoided .

Show comments as expandable portions inside all the pages. [ The should load only after expanding ]

It should also be possible to ' Propose Solution ' and 'Add comment ' from these pages .

15
votes

12
votes

Solution #17: Blinding

Written by DrG the 23 Dec 09 at 07:10.

[ ' Blinding ' is a technique used in statistics to avoid errors due to confronting factors. ]

To implement blinding brainstorm had to show the properties described below only after voting .

1 . The Name of the person who proposed the idea .
2 . The date on which the idea is published
3 . The number of vote to the solution .
4. Comments by other contributors ( this should be optional )

This will allow users to make decision without confronting factors .

11
votes

-4
votes

-9
votes

-8
votes

-6
votes

16
votes

Solution #23: Popular Ideas - Sort Order

Written by DrG the 26 Dec 09 at 05:51.

The default sort order of 'Popular Ideas' is 'Most popular in 30 days'

Each time opening the page the user had to view the 'Most popular in 30 days'

Some users may prefer other options - Like 'Latest ideas' to be displayed .

So,
1.Allow users to set a personal default view.
2.Allow options for persistence of selection - in this case the last selected view will be used on page load .

6
votes

4
votes

-3
votes

0
votes

50
votes

2
votes

1
votes

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:17) >>

Add "Quote" button below comments box and notify it whith an email

Written by BlackLukes the 30 Mar 08 at 12:00. Related project: brainstorm.ubuntu.com. New

I think adding a "Quote" button on comments about an idea could be useful. When a brainstorm user quote a comment of another user and write below another comment, brainstorm should provide to send an email to that user who posted the first comment notifying that there's an answer of his comment.

E.G.

Whithout Quote Button:

I comment an idea. An user called Jake doesn't agree to my comment and post another comment to explain what's wrong with my opinion on that idea. I don't follow anymore the idea I commented so I can't read what Jake wrote.

With Quote button:

I comment an idea. An user called Jake doesn't agree to my comment and post another comment to explain what's wrong with my opinion on that idea. Brainstorm send me an Email that tells me that someone answered or quoted a comment of mine. That email provides me the link of the idea. I click on the link so I can read what Jake wrote and I answer to him. Then he answer again etc.

The email sending should be an option, and I suggest a creation of a new section in the user menu, something like this: "Your Messages been quoted or answered", and into this section there should be a list of all the messages been quoted or answered.

I hope you understood what I'm trying to say.

40
votes

See the 2 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:15) >>

Allow users to attach "bounties" to Ubuntu Brainstorm ideas

Written by Auzy the 29 Feb 08 at 11:41. Related project: brainstorm.ubuntu.com. New

It would be great if users could attach money to Brainstorm ideas. Its all good and well to post hundreds of ideas, but as things go, ideas which are posted first may not be the best ideas, but will climb to the top fastest (and will stay there, because people will vote for them on most popular).

Lets make it possible for people to donate $5 or so to their own ideas. Sure nobody may implement it, or the patch may not be accepted but it opens things up a lot more. Nobody loses either.

For those who think that this will turn linux coders into people who only code for money are wrong. There have been many bounties in the past, and they have not wiped out the many developers (me inclusive) who code as a hobby. Even with the gnome bounties in place, I still continued coding my application at the time for instance.

Anyway, at the end of the day, its not hard to implement, and it will do nothing but speed up development for highly wanted features (and maybe even organisations like gnome could use the money on spreading word about linux, or improving their hardware support).

647
votes

7
votes

Solution #2: Pooled "Bounties" and Developer Pricing

Written by doctormo the 16 Jan 09 at 15:21.

I propose that developers use their good standing to set an amount of money they would be prepared to accept in order to complete a solution. Then users can pool together their money in order to meet that and vote on which developer (by cost or by name) should do the work.

This has a clear idea that in order to be the accepted developer, you must be able to prove your reputation and be able to clearly document what you plan on doing.

No money would be transfered unless the amount of people who have put their money in _and_ voted for one of the developers, is more than what the developer needs to complete the job.

-13
votes

25
votes

5
votes

Solution #5: Formal bounty system

Written by e the 2 Oct 09 at 13:39.

0. Someone proposes an idea.
1. Brainstorm users promise to donate to see an idea solved.
2. Developers suggest a solution and a minimum cost that they would perform the development for. The solution would include clear exit criteria, stating the deliverables; as well as a finishing date that the solution must be provided by.
3. Brainstorm users pick the solution they will pay for.
4. One or more judges are chosen who will sign off when the deliverables are completed. (These could be Canonical employees or Brainstorm users)
5. The developers and judges get in touch with the owners of the project in question, to coordinate the proposed solution (and increase the likelihood that it will be accepted into the project).
6. Brainstorm users donate money that is held in escrow until the judges have signed off or the finishing date has passed.
7. Developers implement solution showing their final result to the judge(s).
8. Developers iterate changes until judges are satisfied.
9. Money is released to developers.

If the finishing date elapses before the software is delivered, then the donations are released back to the Brainstorm users.

I know the escrow service sounds scary (because it's extra infrastructure), but I think it's necessary. Developers need know that they will be paid when the work is done.

See the 31 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 15 May 12 at 07:10) >>

Option To Delete Your Own Bad Brainstorm Ideas

Written by stevec the 4 Mar 08 at 00:13. Related project: brainstorm.ubuntu.com. Implemented

Because sometimes things don't sound like nearly as good an idea when you've thought on it a while. :-)

596
votes

See the 23 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 May 12 at 08:34) >>

Redesign the Ubuntu ShipIt Sticker.

Written by loneowais the 29 Jul 08 at 12:42. Global category: Others. Won't implement

The included Sticker with the Ubuntu CD is too large & kind of huge.

Please ship good ubuntu stickers witn the cd

The stickers background should not be white.. It should be transparent so that it'll look more professional on a laptop body, matching with the body color.

Possible options
1> Powered by Ubuntu Logos
Like this: http://blog.mypapit.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/after.jpg
or
http://shabbir.hassanally.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ubuntu-sticker2.p ng

2> Just Ubuntu LOGO
like this:
http://www.shiftingheat.com/images/p1000212_sm.jpg

And remember.. background should be transparent

101
votes

251
votes

177
votes

724
votes

Solution #4: Alternative sticker design for laptop market

Written by tuxxy the 17 May 09 at 01:11.

An alternative sticker design is necessary and the user should be able to request either style sticker they require or Canonical could provide a number of each sticker design for the user. The new sticker design should be aimed at the laptop market so reduced size and with a badge style design, instead of the large white Ubuntu stickers currently supplied. Included below is a suggestion for the sticker design which is similar to the white System76, Inc. Ubuntu powered by stickers. These new stickers do not have to be white and could be transparent or metallic type. The second attachment illustrates the size of the suggested sticker.

106
votes

Solution #5: Ship in scalable graphic format

Written by TuxHHG the 22 May 09 at 15:42.

If i need funny ubuntu stickers, i download them and scale with oo-draw to exactly dimensions. The result was printed to adhesive folies like data becker / canson. If the graphics are big enough, every downscale is very exact. Upscaling need some other graphic formats like svg oder ps.
My solution: Distribute big or scalable graphics.

220
votes

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 21 Apr 12 at 01:55) >>

Ubuntu Software Center should show more information

Written by wafflesid the 8 Oct 09 at 03:00. Related project: Ubuntu Software Center. Implemented

The Add/Remove app had an icon indicating if an app was for gnome or kde.

While the Ubuntu Software Center DOES function better, It comes at the cost of not giving the user all the information.

I like being able to know easily if an app I see is going to require me to install the QT libraries. But beyond this, I like having all the apps on my computer LOOK and FEEL the same. You know if it has the gnome logo that it will (well, it SHOULD heh).

I also found value in the popularity rating, although that was never an indicator of QUALITY it was helpful to know if I was looking for the most common packages in a search.

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Selected solution (#8): 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.

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Selected solution (#19): An ability to see the most popular apps in Ubuntu Software Center (as an option)

Written by Vahan Harutyunyan the 28 Sep 10 at 14:58.

I suggest to create a new website (or add this oportunity in the exist projects) where the Ubuntu users can be registrated and then promote or demote applications, can review applications. When the user launches the Ubuntu Software Center it connects to the website and updates itself with all the software reviews contributed by other users. The software is sorted by score (for those users who want and chose this option in Ubuntu Help Center), so that the user always sees the most popular applications at the top of the list. The user can review applications too, either from this website or directly within the Ubuntu Software Center. When the user reviews an application, his (or her) review immediately appears on the website, and other users can see it in their Ubuntu Help Center few time later.
Here you can see aproximately that what I suggest....

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Selected solution (#22): Add package download scripts, like in Synaptic

Written by snostorm the 11 Nov 09 at 21:58.

The software center should be able to create package download scripts, like Synaptic can. This would make it easier for people without internet to install software. Ideally you would also be able to create download scripts that can run on Windows or Mac, to avoid problems caused by bug #1. A method to allow easy installation of many packages at once would improve the usefullness of this feature.

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Selected solution (#24): 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)

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Selected solution (#25): Recommended for new users

Written by ralf.ebert the 7 Nov 09 at 18:07.

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.

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Selected solution (#30): Top priority UI improvements

Written by Liso22 the 10 Jun 10 at 23:44.

Well, I have to say that I love the software center but still when I see the interface I feel like it's a work in progress.

The main problem (among a few more) right now is that the software center has a huge waste of blank space. This is more evident when you are using a laptop, In my case I can only see half the window. Is there really so much to show? I can see rhythmbox full-screen but I can't see the bloody software center, it's ridiculous.

I'm obsessive when it comes to UIs regarding ergonomics.
It makes me mad to see things that just aren't logical, and I have to say that the software center really freaks me out. But with some simple corrections the interface could be usable:

- How are: "File, Edit, View and Help" useful in this application? There is no way for any of the options to be applicable. Conclusion: remove them altogether.

- Right now not all categories can be shown on screen, if you have a screen under 15 inch. Why? Ridiculous icon sizes. Just by making each category 30% smaller, we would have 4 columns and 4 rows, at all times, without having to scroll through the window.

- When you (If you don't you see a weird red screen instead) This is more like a bug but I felt I needed to point it out.

[...]

- An obvious one: display a notification when an applications is fully downloaded.

- The left column is mostly blank all the time. Instead of this it could show applications being installed with their respective progress bars which would fade away as they are downloaded, grouping should only function when the windows is too small for all applications separated.

- Add ratings to applications. (you know, the little yellow stars). Add a toolbar on the top of the software center with the options: "Most popular", "Best reviewed" and "Most recent" to order them.

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Selected solution (#33): Integration with Ubuntu Forums

Written by mortrca the 14 Nov 10 at 20:43.

Although the ability to post comments and rate applications in the Software Center would be of huge benefit, I foresee one large issue with adding the ability to comment to the Software Center. Commenting is supposed to be a way for users of the applications to state why they like or dislike an application, not to discuss ways of fixing issues with it. It should be made easy to start a new thread in the Ubuntu Forums with a comment someone has posted. Usage example:

Person A downloads and uses an application. They like it and would use it frequently except that it is missing a feature that they need, to make it really useful. Since they dislike the fact that the application is missing this feature, they post a comment in the Software Center saying that they dislike the application for this reason.

Supposedly, a developer would read the comments that people post for his application and submit updates containing the features that people need in the application, but if the developer doesn't, person B enters the scene.

Person B notices person A's comment. Person B knows of a way to integrate the needed feature or of another app that will do the job better and fulfill the needs of person A. Instead of posting a comment (that doesn't follow the purpose of commenting) saying that he knows what person A would like better, he should be able to start a conversation with person A in the Ubuntu Forums explaining what person A could do differently. This would also make it easier for people with other suggestions to add their two cents without creating a long and hard to follow conversation in what was supposed to be a lightweight commenting program. Commenting for rating purposes should be kept separate from discussing particularities of the apps.

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Selected solution (#36): Make application logo clickable and draggable to the laucher

Written by haydoni the 29 Apr 11 at 10:53.

The logo for each of the applications looks like it ought to be clickable and draggable... currently it isn't, this is quite frustrating to new users.

One idea (if the application is installed):
Allow it to be click-able from the software center, executing the program.
Allow the logo to be dragged and dropped to the Unity launcher, as any other application.

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See the 7 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:52) >>

Power Management

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Low
Definition :	Pending Approval (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Slow progress
Assignee :	Amit Kucheria

Written by jsmidt the 28 Feb 08 at 16:49. Global category: Others. In development

Ubuntu needs to go green. Powertop, Lesswatts and other tools have finally hit the Linux scene to pave the way for better power management. It needs to be said, "if you want your battery to last longest, or have your energy bill be the lowest, you better use Ubuntu Linux."

Merged from 18976:
Power management still isn't very effective in Linux and it still puts a lot of laptop users off Linux. While Linux has come on a long way thanks to the work of Intel with PowerTOP informing developers when their software breaks the idol state unnecessarily so they are doing their part as well as the kernel developers now we still have a long way to go to compete with Windows and I'm looking at ways for Ubuntu to do this.

One of the benefits of Linux is that is very easy to customise and a lot of its users love to tinker. Ubuntu should therefore use this to its advantage by allowing its power users to easily have access to the latest developments in Linux power efficiency. This would also be useful to Ubuntu as power users could submit results on what settings are most economical for specific hardware. This would give Ubuntu the chance to market itself on its power efficacy over other operating systems by it silently implementing these settings on the detected hardware setup for new users.

To give users these advantages Ubuntu should help more on Intels Lesswatts projects as these are Linux's best bet on beating windows power management. The problem is the solution to effective power management needs to simple enough that it works for a new user that wont even know its active but also very easy for power users to modify and test their own setups from one central tool.

http://www.lesswatts.org/

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Selected solution (#6): Develop/Intergrate WattOSPM (GUI laptop-mode/Powersaving) in2 Gnome-power-manger

Written by chappell101 the 1 Apr 09 at 15:16.

This is taking Solution #3 to prevent conflict and expanding to give Gnome-power-manger 2 modes, simple for average user and button to reveal an advance set of options for power users based off the options in WattOSPM and PowerTOP.

To stop average users completely breaking their system with the tool only include safe things to disable in the simple mode in an on/off switch manor such as the optical drives and sound chipsets which aren't necessary to all users on the go but still waste power, Also this is a feature possible in windows for a long time now! The advanced mode could log user results of all their changes and show on a graph similar to Gnomes current power chart and have the option to submit the best back to Ubuntu so they can be set as silent defaults values for specific hardware for less technical users.

WattOSPM is already an effective little python tray-bound GUI to enable fast changing of laptop-mode-tools, X-backlight, and Powersaving settings to optimise many parts of your system for battery consumption and performance. So it would be nice to see it assisted by Ubuntu developers to add more features while it is integrated into Gnome to give back to the whole Linux community. These changes could be those found in Rightmark CPU Clock Utility for Windows Eg.CPU performance states editor, Thermal throttling values, and CPU PLL lock time these could be accessed through the Gnome CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet in the tray if cpufreq-selector is installed by default.

[...]

Also get Ubuntu to look at some of the power/speed measures used in the Ubuntu derivative distribution WattOS and port them back to the main distribution where possible.

How to Install http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=6362540&postcount=103
Review http://www.raiden.net/?cat=2&aid=539

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Selected solution (#7): Write a simple GUI to control laptop-mode-tools.

Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 22:03.

Here are some parameters of /etc/laptop-mode/laptop-mode.conf that sometimes should be customized not only by greatly experienced users: readahead size, disk spin down timeout, maximum time to keep data in memory, low battery level to write data to disk, whether to enable all of this on AC power. There IS a reason for it, for example optimal readahead can be very different on machines with different amount of RAM. Also, this is a way of locking some values (for example the tool should not allow to set readahead >RAM/50).
Also there should be a global Enable HDD Powersave Tools checkbox controlling /etc/default/acpi-support ENABLE_LAPTOP_MODE.

And I also think there should be an option (with warning) to set hdparm -B to 254 in all modes (this fixes ustoppable spinning down on battery for some laptops).

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Selected solution (#9): Expand the capabilities of gnome-power-manager

Written by brand0con the 12 Mar 09 at 01:27.

Gnome power manager is a great tool but I think it could use some expansion. Namely, I'd like to see it logging (and eventually graphing) the system's battery history over the long term (not just a session) to give a more accurate picture of how a user typically uses his or her machine battery-wise and to give a sense of the machine's capabilities.

Ideally, the app would mature and after a set interval of recording this data, it would be able to provide a few basic suggestions based on power related events as to how the user can get the most life out of their battery in the long and short term.

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Selected solution (#10): "Green Software" Logo

Written by MX the 27 Mar 09 at 12:44.

To increase visibility and to be supported by facts: e.g. increases battery life by x% on average (for notebooks) or reduces average energy consumption by x % (for Pc's).

From my experience proper, non-technical and business oriented communication is key to reach most users and convince them about the usp's of a product.

Thinking of a usp - energy efficiency has a high impact.

Appreciate your thoughts and keep going!

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Selected solution (#12): Automatic charge/discharge

Written by Mondane the 9 Feb 09 at 14:26.

The user shouldn't be bothered checking his battery and/or removing the battery when on AC power. Make the OS drain the battery on intervals so the battery stays intelligent when the laptop is on AC power.

The user should have the option the interrupt and revert the draining if he knows he needs a full battery and is leaving in a short time.

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Selected solution (#13): Set the maximum battery charge on AC power

Written by mathieu the 5 Feb 09 at 18:36.

In order to preserve its battery's life, I would like to set the maximum percentage of charge (60% or 80% for example) when I'm not using it outdoor.

But if I have to use it outdoor, I want to release the limitation easily to get the maximum charge.
Finally, when I come back at home, I would like to use the battery power if the charge level is over the limitation setting, even if I have plugged the AC cable.

This trick will increase our Li-ion battery lifetime. Because if it is always completely charged when the laptop is running on AC power, its charging/discharging capacity will decrease quickly than if it is set on a lower value.

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See the 86 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 9 Apr 12 at 16:26) >>

Previews different types of files

Ubuntu

In :
Priority :	Undefined
Definition :	New (Needs guidance)
Implementation :	Good progress
Assignee :

Written by spg76 the 28 Feb 08 at 17:50. Global category: Others. New

I've been playing around with Apple Mac OS X Leopard and, although the system didn't impress me that much, I loved one feature that I really like to see in Ubuntu.
It's called Quick Look, and allows you to view the contents of a file without open its default application.
This is great when you have a folder with different types of files (JPG, MPG, DOC) and you want see the content of the files quickly without open many applications (Eog, Totem, OpenOffice Writer in this case)
You can look how this work in Mac OS X on here, here and here.

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Solution #3: Dynamic previews

Written by lastomega7 the 6 Nov 08 at 22:29.

We can already preview audio files by single-clicking them. I propose functionality along these lines be added to other files, for example:

Text files: the icon could smoothly enlarge into a very minimal text reader/editor
Image files: along the same lines as text files
Tarballs/Folders: the folder icon unfolds/enlarges into a minimal window displaying its contents

There would be a lot of room for eye-candy, but I think the interfaces for the previewing programs should be very simple, possibly even without a titlebar.

See the 28 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 4 Apr 12 at 12:59) >>

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