Some of the slides go fast while others are slow. Perhaps someone would want to run and get a pen to write down a url or a specific feature mentioned in the slideshow.

As you can see on Brainstorm, there is need for some kind of introduction of a new user to Ubuntu. On the one hand, this should include everything from setting up one's system to using each single app. On the other hand, this should in no way annoy experienced users, while probably helping them out if they need it.
Other requirements are internationalisation (translation into the user's language), friendliness and ease to use. This could be enhanced by reacting to the user's system (i.e. which apps are installed and how are they configured) and the user's actions (f.e. which programs are running, which one is active), but this is not needed for basic functionality.


Gnome already has a help system that can be found in "System -> Help". But in no way is it complete or even truly helpful.
Instead, I propose a "Ubuntu Assistant" which, when clicked, shows helpful messages. These range from common problems and their solution (like installing ndiswrapper, extra codecs) to general introductions (f.e. the Linux directory structure, the sudo concept), links to articles and howtos on the internet, and even the manpages and the app's own help.
On first start, the assistant pops up an introduction and explanation of this help system, also mentioning how it can be uninstalled. An experienced user can now disable the assistant (f.e. by uninstalling it) while a new user has a place where he/she can find help if needed.
After this message, the assistant does not pop up by its own, but only when clicked and then it shows helpful tips, if possible based on what programs are running. Example: A new user has just opened Evolution. He doesn't know how to use it, so he opens the assistant. He can read now follow links to articles about Email, Evolution, Cryptography etc.
If the assistant can detect which packages are installed, the included articles could also inform the user if he has to install new packages (if they aren't installed) or direct him to the correct app. Example: The user reads about Emailing, and because Thunderbird is installed and Evolution is not, the assistant directs him to the Thunderbird help.
Also, the assistant should feature a search for all the questions the user has that are independent of the running apps.



[....]

I'm an Electronics Engineering student at university, and I find that there are some open source applications for engineers for GNU/Linux. However, installing and using them is a hard process on Ubuntu. Most of the applications are not on the repos, and even some of them are on repos, they may not work as it should be because of some dependencies on other software which are not on the repos (ex: gEDA Schematic Editor). Maybe a small script or task can be added for some purposes like that (as ubuntu has such as installing LAMP-server, ubuntu-live etc.). We can add some list of packages and with one click, we can install all at a time in a special menu maybe. This can also be done for music too.(tuxguitar, audacity, or some professional FOSS music recording apps), writers (a dictionary, some magazine-design software...) and some other purpose. This can also make ubuntu be chosen for its easy-to-configure architecture for some purpose.

Ubuntu install CD-ROM disc space is limited to 700MB. But size of software will be bigger and huge in future.

I read some idea on brainstorm which needs more space on install CD. For example 'Better Wine integration' and 'More theme and wallpapers' and so on.
That's impassable in this state. Because of we don't have more space on Ubuntu installation CD (or Live CD).

I think Live CD should be changed. Live CD should not contain every software on Ubuntu. But it should contain essential software for Live CD, and when install Ubuntu on hard disk, more software and packages should be downloaded from internet.

So we don't care about CD disc space limit. Just care about better softwares and better Ubuntu.

When a Windows user use Wubi to install Ubuntu, they will not obviously know where their "host" drive (the C: drive from Windows) lives. Unlike OSX, all mounted drives do not show up in the Nautilus pane. The only way to know is to open a Terminal and run "/sbin/mount" to show this information.

Even myself, an experienced Ubuntu user, did not know *if* or *where* Wubi mounted my NTFS drive.

I feel this is a simple thing which would ease the transition away from Windows.

I can't understand why we still have a so poor installer:

suppose, when you need to make an install on a system with several hdd (hd & sd), partitions (in use or not, labelled or not) and several free spaces on the different disks, and for more confuse, mapping in grub

At this moment, users are totally blind: we need a visual installer with identification of used partitions, and no confused questions when asking on which disk/partition you want making install of Ubuntu. Same problem then for Grub: mbr or boot sector (and which one: for multiple distros you don't want multiple grub!!!)

Well, ask for clear, clever and visual installer.

The dual-boot option for Ubuntu is extremely important, it allows people to become used to Ubuntu while still having their original OS to fall back on, or to use for programs that aren't compatible with Linux (i.e., that aren't free).

As easy as it is to install dual-boot, it can sometimes be difficult and complicated (at least for people new to Ubuntu) to get it working right with GRUB, and then the GRUB interface is unappealing and time-consuming. With a better interface than manually booting an OS every time we open a computer, we can better penetrate (pun intended) the competing OS' markets.

This link shows a potential interface for Solution #3: http://goo.gl/BtHkH

When I first install an Ubuntu machine, I invariably go through synaptic and pick a number of packages to add to my install. By and large, I pick the same few each time.

Wouldn't it be useful if Canonical could review the logs from the repositories to see which packages are being downloaded most often when deciding what software should be installed by default, and which to leave in the cloud till the user asks for it?

I did not believe this was the same as idea 12364

Many people have issues with Partitioning and yes their is no fast fix to keep everyone happy.

A common issue seems to be you can have only 4 primary partitions. Well actually thats fact.

I have WinX and WinX recovery partitions.
When I install Ubuntu it takes care of Partitions 3 and 4,
/ and /Swap

When one want to play and create /home the user runs into fun and gets scared, when dumping say swap to create an extended partition to house /home and /swap.

Please make running an sshd an option on the LiveCD. This would add to the basic utility of having a LiveCD, facilitate remote installs, and make debugging other issues much easier.

Example of a debug issue:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xorg/+bug/238025