Written by nhandler the 27 Jan 10 at 23:27.

Integrate one more step into the installation process to enable a 'light weight' program selection and system pre-configuration

<img src="http://justoneidea.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/mockup-configurate-ubuntu-programms.png"> Integrate one more step into the installation process to enable a 'light weight' program selection and system pre-configuration

Written by Int_ua the 28 Jan 10 at 00:28.

Because it can make installation process harder to understand for nonexpert users.

Because it can make installation process harder to understand for nonexpert users.

Written by vvfrn2 the 28 Jan 10 at 03:07.

not advanced option

not advanced option

Written by alms66 the 28 Jan 10 at 03:29.

A none option at each dropbox for those who will not use torrents, or notes, or those with no cd burners, etc.

A none option at each dropbox for those who will not use torrents, or notes, or those with no cd burners, etc.

Written by krs the 28 Jan 10 at 09:22.

For base Installation.
Or using Ubuntu is a non-sense.

For base Installation. Or using Ubuntu is a non-sense.

Written by guigui14100 the 28 Jan 10 at 23:22.

Instead write: Brasero (CD / DVD Burning)
Write this: CD / DVD Burning

Instead write: Brasero (CD / DVD Burning) Write this: CD / DVD Burning

Written by Zorba the 3 Feb 10 at 09:39.

I think it's a good idea to insert an option "install video card driver"... more or less the idea is to integrate jockey in the installation program, so users can install the system with the right video driver (if they want).

I think it's a good idea to insert an option "install video card driver"... more or less the idea is to integrate jockey in the installation program, so users can install the system with the right video driver (if they want).

Written by tommis the 3 Feb 10 at 19:42.

Add more to information box stuff like:

license
programs homepage
hard drive space needed
homepage

Add more to information box stuff like: license programs homepage hard drive space needed homepage

Written by tommis the 3 Feb 10 at 19:56.

Theres so many programs at you cannot just but all in such a little list. Add option install your own packapages from ubuntus servers or your chosen ppa.

Theres so many programs at you cannot just but all in such a little list. Add option install your own packapages from ubuntus servers or your chosen ppa.

Written by alexander255 the 5 Feb 10 at 00:17.

Add a new item in the sidebar of the Ubuntu Software Center called "Favorite Applications". The information about the alternatives could be simply added through debtags.

Add a new item in the sidebar of the Ubuntu Software Center called "Favorite Applications". The information about the alternatives could be simply added through debtags.

Written by ergbigred the 8 Feb 10 at 22:11.

We all may have pet programs that worked well under other linux distributions. It'd be nice if they could be automatically configured to play nice with Ubuntu setups or run in protected areas.

We all may have pet programs that worked well under other linux distributions. It'd be nice if they could be automatically configured to play nice with Ubuntu setups or run in protected areas.

Written by justintime03_2 the 9 Feb 10 at 02:13.

I know this sounds like heresy, but Ubuntu already has this in the repositories. Why not make it easier for new Ubuntu users to run their Windows applications. That's one of the biggest complaints I've heard. A lot of people don't know they can use WINE without digging around on the net. There's a lot who never know they have the option. Have the option to install WINE in the Configure Ubuntu Programs tool at first boot. I think this is crucial.

I know this sounds like heresy, but Ubuntu already has this in the repositories. Why not make it easier for new Ubuntu users to run their Windows applications. That's one of the biggest complaints I've heard. A lot of people don't know they can use WINE without digging around on the net. There's a lot who never know they have the option. Have the option to install WINE in the Configure Ubuntu Programs tool at first boot. I think this is crucial.

Written by diegusohpus the 11 Feb 10 at 11:49.

To include all this software in the ISO will be too big for a CD size. If you don't want to include them into the ISO you have to have a Internet connection enabled during the installation, and it's not always possible, so after you have installad Ubuntu the system will automaticly install them from internet.

To include all this software in the ISO will be too big for a CD size. If you don't want to include them into the ISO you have to have a Internet connection enabled during the installation, and it's not always possible, so after you have installad Ubuntu the system will automaticly install them from internet.

Written by Goury the 12 Feb 10 at 10:54.

there is no problems to include this one to DVD
also there is one more thing needed - ability to install more than one app of any type
there is tons of ppls who uses chromium AND firefox because first is fast and second sometimes shows pages more accurate and have more extensions

also: do not include opera and chrome. include chromium and some other free (as freedom, not as beer) browsers

there is no problems to include this one to DVD also there is one more thing needed - ability to install more than one app of any type there is tons of ppls who uses chromium AND firefox because first is fast and second sometimes shows pages more accurate and have more extensions also: do not include opera and chrome. include chromium and some other free (as freedom, not as beer) browsers

Written by ing.gonzo the 13 Feb 10 at 00:47.

Add also during installation, the capability to install updated system and/or software packages (so we don't have to do an apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade as first thing to do after the first boot and then we have to do another reboot...). So the system is updated out of the box

Add also during installation, the capability to install updated system and/or software packages (so we don't have to do an apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade as first thing to do after the first boot and then we have to do another reboot...). So the system is updated out of the box

Written by Goury the 13 Feb 10 at 08:17.

90% russian internets is pptp vpn so option pptp must include needed packages to pptp-vpn plugin works in network manager (its stable enough)
many ppl in europes uses some oter vpn (i am not sure) so option to install oter vpn type is needed too

a lot of peoples uses wifis or something else to interneting
and we all know that ubuntu without internet is 99% dualbooting to windows or uninstalling - ubuntu MUST HAVE internet after installation so all interneting packages must be included at least to dvd, but on cd is good too AND thete must be option to install them - its very difficult task to noobs to install vpn or something else packages

90% russian internets is pptp vpn so option pptp must include needed packages to pptp-vpn plugin works in network manager (its stable enough) many ppl in europes uses some oter vpn (i am not sure) so option to install oter vpn type is needed too a lot of peoples uses wifis or something else to interneting and we all know that ubuntu without internet is 99% dualbooting to windows or uninstalling - ubuntu MUST HAVE internet after installation so all interneting packages must be included at least to dvd, but on cd is good too AND thete must be option to install them - its very difficult task to noobs to install vpn or something else packages

Written by taufiksu the 14 Feb 10 at 12:09.

i think it is not important to implement because it will hard to choose the app when new ubuntu user install the ubuntu.

i think it is not important to implement because it will hard to choose the app when new ubuntu user install the ubuntu.

Written by pkslot the 16 Feb 10 at 15:46.

Why not let people choose what kernel to install, vanilla, rt or what their prefrences are.

Why not let people choose what kernel to install, vanilla, rt or what their prefrences are.

Written by magallucas the 16 Feb 10 at 20:53.

Some people (including me) have a personal preference for certain Office suites. Include a chance to choose the preferred suite (OpenOffice by default) would also be interesting. The options could be KOffice, Lotus Symphony, etc..

Integrated to Solution #12, the idea is even more complete: Accessing "Favorite Applications", the User can change your kit software more easily after you install the OS. For example, to change the option favorite browser "Firefox" to "Google Chrome", the Software Center automatically uninstall Firefox and install Chrome, making it the default browser. Happen the same way with the other favorite applications.

In case if the User wants to keep the two browsers (Firefox and Chrome), usually just select the Software Center - as is currently done - so both will be installed. Then just go to "Favorite Applications" and switch to Chrome, which is already installed - Firefox would remain, but the Chrome would be the primary browser.

Some people (including me) have a personal preference for certain Office suites. Include a chance to choose the preferred suite (OpenOffice by default) would also be interesting. The options could be KOffice, Lotus Symphony, etc.. Integrated to Solution #12, the idea is even more complete: Accessing "Favorite Applications", the User can change your kit software more easily after you install the OS. For example, to change the option favorite browser "Firefox" to "Google Chrome", the Software Center automatically uninstall Firefox and install Chrome, making it the default browser. Happen the same way with the other favorite applications. In case if the User wants to keep the two browsers (Firefox and Chrome), usually just select the Software Center - as is currently done - so both will be installed. Then just go to "Favorite Applications" and switch to Chrome, which is already installed - Firefox would remain, but the Chrome would be the primary browser.

Written by tommis the 18 Feb 10 at 19:05.

Also provide option to net isntall wich don`t have programs includet. This would prevent users from downloading packpages what they do not conna use.

Also provide option to net isntall wich don`t have programs includet. This would prevent users from downloading packpages what they do not conna use.

Written by pererik87 the 20 Feb 10 at 06:35.

That menu should meet the eye in "preferred applications". simple for noobs, when selecting an option not currently installed, user should be prompted replace(remove a install b) or side-by install(install b).

At least the coding should be easy.

That menu should meet the eye in "preferred applications". simple for noobs, when selecting an option not currently installed, user should be prompted replace(remove a install b) or side-by install(install b). At least the coding should be easy.

Written by Niels_ the 22 Feb 10 at 16:29.

Just like the other options, add a menu for themes.
So people can choose their favourite standard theme at instsall.

Just like the other options, add a menu for themes. So people can choose their favourite standard theme at instsall.

Written by dreamr the 23 Feb 10 at 12:16.

In addition to the "more information", give some indication of space left after installing all the applications. Can be just passive indicator that the user sees while making choices. Useful for systems with low memory, like netbooks with SSD.

In addition to the "more information", give some indication of space left after installing all the applications. Can be just passive indicator that the user sees while making choices. Useful for systems with low memory, like netbooks with SSD.

Written by pazuzuthewise the 3 Apr 10 at 02:55.

I believe that this option for adding software during OS install that cannot possibly fit on a CD medium, and therefore necessitates internet connection, could end up in a failed install process if the connection fails, as could happen with a 3G connection during bad weather conditions.
I certainly agree that the options presented in Solution #3 should be presented to the user in an informative manner - who, especially if new to linux, would otherwise have no clue what to do to be able to watch a DVD, for example - but not during OS install, but integrated in the Welcome Window that appears at the first login, maybe having a link in it to the Add/Remove Software, which, in turn should have these options on a main page.

I believe that this option for adding software during OS install that cannot possibly fit on a CD medium, and therefore necessitates internet connection, could end up in a failed install process if the connection fails, as could happen with a 3G connection during bad weather conditions. I certainly agree that the options presented in Solution #3 should be presented to the user in an informative manner - who, especially if new to linux, would otherwise have no clue what to do to be able to watch a DVD, for example - but not during OS install, but integrated in the Welcome Window that appears at the first login, maybe having a link in it to the Add/Remove Software, which, in turn should have these options on a main page.

Written by rugbeeprop the 4 May 10 at 04:03.

'Path' suggested "A list of favorite packages could be useful to put up on ubuntu one?"

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/109518

'Path' suggested "A list of favorite packages could be useful to put up on ubuntu one?" https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/109518

Written by thipv the 9 May 10 at 23:12.

It would make the process more flexible letting us to choose the programs before getting the iso, creating a customized image. You would select everything from the system architecture (32, 64, ppc, arm...) to desktop environment (gnome, kde, xfce, lxde...) or special environments (moblin based, netbook remix...), suggesting their default applications for each one, and let you change or remove them and choose additional programs, even restricted ones, informing the restrictions.
This would also be good because you would always be getting the most updated packages.

It would make the process more flexible letting us to choose the programs before getting the iso, creating a customized image. You would select everything from the system architecture (32, 64, ppc, arm...) to desktop environment (gnome, kde, xfce, lxde...) or special environments (moblin based, netbook remix...), suggesting their default applications for each one, and let you change or remove them and choose additional programs, even restricted ones, informing the restrictions. This would also be good because you would always be getting the most updated packages.

Written by JasLicno the 12 May 10 at 23:26.

User should decide which program will use.solution is simple:
Configure programs during installation:
1. button - ubuntu suggested
2. button - user defined ... list of all available programs
+ (because is impossible to have that big source of programs)

after installing, program that will give you option to make a clone of your installation, so next instalation of your system will be faster and with 100% personal programs. (this is not my idea, I have read about this as option in one of linux distributions)

User should decide which program will use.solution is simple: Configure programs during installation: 1. button - ubuntu suggested 2. button - user defined ... list of all available programs + (because is impossible to have that big source of programs) after installing, program that will give you option to make a clone of your installation, so next instalation of your system will be faster and with 100% personal programs. (this is not my idea, I have read about this as option in one of linux distributions)

Written by switchgirl the 30 Jun 10 at 21:21.

enable a way of saving account details to ubuntu one so that one can transfer all your accounts (yahoo, hotmail,gmail icq... irc... jabber.. everything) to the new machine this will help with setting up of new machines - like if someone has a laptop, web book and other machines, they really down want to have to set up all the different accounts multiple times. i'm not suggesting emails as this is too much data but enabling people to sync account details, and passwords would be good and improve ubuntu installs

enable a way of saving account details to ubuntu one so that one can transfer all your accounts (yahoo, hotmail,gmail icq... irc... jabber.. everything) to the new machine this will help with setting up of new machines - like if someone has a laptop, web book and other machines, they really down want to have to set up all the different accounts multiple times. i'm not suggesting emails as this is too much data but enabling people to sync account details, and passwords would be good and improve ubuntu installs

Written by mackuz the 17 May 11 at 06:55.

If even #4 is too hard for some users, #1 can be added in advanced installation mode.

It's actual again, 'cause even if Thunderbird will become default mail app in Ubuntu, some corporative users will need Evolution anyway.

If even #4 is too hard for some users, #1 can be added in advanced installation mode. It's actual again, 'cause even if Thunderbird will become default mail app in Ubuntu, some corporative users will need Evolution anyway.

Written by korin43 the 9 Jul 09 at 09:32.

Instead of copying packages from the CD to hard drive as soon as the installer starts, the live CD should start preloading as much of the CD as possible into memory while it's asking the user questions like their locale and name. This should give a noticeable speed boost on computers with enough memory (and shouldn't slow anything down on computers that don't - it would just stop preloading when it runs out of memory).

Instead of copying packages from the CD to hard drive as soon as the installer starts, the live CD should start preloading as much of the CD as possible into memory while it's asking the user questions like their locale and name. This should give a noticeable speed boost on computers with enough memory (and shouldn't slow anything down on computers that don't - it would just stop preloading when it runs out of memory).

Written by Rodrigo the 12 Jul 09 at 15:38.

While you are answering questions the Setup program could be looking for networks, and maybe updating the packages list, so it does install the latest safety files, if the connection is fast, and the user wants.
Maybe asking:
would you like to download the latest safety updates, this could slow down the process of the installment in slower connections.
You wouldn't need to install something and then update it... it could be done in the same step

While you are answering questions the Setup program could be looking for networks, and maybe updating the packages list, so it does install the latest safety files, if the connection is fast, and the user wants. Maybe asking: would you like to download the latest safety updates, this could slow down the process of the installment in slower connections. You wouldn't need to install something and then update it... it could be done in the same step

Written by snadrus the 13 Jul 09 at 16:27.

Slackware did this 15 years ago!

Questions:
, ,

Then while installing: (progress bar underneath)
, , , etc

If it 'feels' slow while you fight the CPU for copy time, then they could always wait until it's finished (like it is now). Obviously those options wouldn't commit until you "finished" the install. This could save 5 minutes.

Slackware did this 15 years ago! Questions: <language>, <keyboard>, <partition> Then while installing: (progress bar underneath) <user info>, <timezone>, <popcon>, etc If it 'feels' slow while you fight the CPU for copy time, then they could always wait until it's finished (like it is now). Obviously those options wouldn't commit until you "finished" the install. This could save 5 minutes.

Written by tigr the 14 Jul 09 at 02:05.

As soon as user selects language (and if it differs from english) installer could start downloading required packages in background.

As soon as user selects language (and if it differs from english) installer could start downloading required packages in background.

Written by aaron.roydhouse the 15 Jul 09 at 12:32.

Great idea. I'd like to propose a very simple implementation of it; that is possibly also the fastest/most efficient way to achieve this.

Given many install targets now have much more spare RAM during an install than the size of a CD; linear read the whole CD image in RAM, mount as an ISO, and install from there.

Linear copying the whole CD is the fastest way to get the install image into RAM and would normally only take between 2 and 7 minutes. So can ask all the simple install questions while that happens. The run the entire current install process from the RAM-mounted ISO.

This feature would only be enabled on targets with more than a CD-worth of free RAM (everything with 1GB or more?). On install targets without enough space RAM, just use the same from-CD install process as now.

Great idea. I'd like to propose a very simple implementation of it; that is possibly also the fastest/most efficient way to achieve this. Given many install targets now have much more spare RAM during an install than the size of a CD; linear read the whole CD image in RAM, mount as an ISO, and install from there. Linear copying the whole CD is the fastest way to get the install image into RAM and would normally only take between 2 and 7 minutes. So can ask all the simple install questions while that happens. The run the entire current install process from the RAM-mounted ISO. This feature would only be enabled on targets with more than a CD-worth of free RAM (everything with 1GB or more?). On install targets without enough space RAM, just use the same from-CD install process as now.

Written by xfuser4 the 20 Jul 09 at 07:24.

There are several reasons why it is a bad idea to do anything in parallel before installation:

1. Loading from the disk during the user input phase of the installer could result in slow responsiveness of the user interface (at least on cheaper hardware, like my notebook, where disk accesses are resulting in a massive slow down of the system).

During the installation phase, Ubuntu should look very responsive - otherwise people will be disappointed.



2. Downloading locales or recent system updates during that phase is also a bad idea - at least, if you don't ask the user to do so. For several reasons:

- The user has an internet connection, that has a volume restriction (this is still usual in some places of the world). So you could destroy the quota of the user.

- To do any bigger access on the internet without notifying the user is generally a bad idea, because the user has not the impression to have the control over the system.

- Normally the user won't configure the WLAN settings, so this operation won't work at all.

There are several reasons why it is a bad idea to do anything in parallel before installation: 1. Loading from the disk during the user input phase of the installer could result in slow responsiveness of the user interface (at least on cheaper hardware, like my notebook, where disk accesses are resulting in a massive slow down of the system). During the installation phase, Ubuntu should look very responsive - otherwise people will be disappointed. 2. Downloading locales or recent system updates during that phase is also a bad idea - at least, if you don't ask the user to do so. For several reasons: - The user has an internet connection, that has a volume restriction (this is still usual in some places of the world). So you could destroy the quota of the user. - To do any bigger access on the internet without notifying the user is generally a bad idea, because the user has not the impression to have the control over the system. - Normally the user won't configure the WLAN settings, so this operation won't work at all. 3. The installation phase is the shortest phase of the system life time. Therefore it is a bad idea, to spend too much development time to it. The installation should work and should be user friendly - but no one really needs other fancy stuff there. Ubuntu installs already very much faster than Windows Vista, Windows XP and MacOS X. The installation is clean and user friendly. So it would be better, to solve other (more important) problems...

Written by r3l1c the 21 Jul 09 at 18:36.

When I saw Search for the "net" while asking questions I immediately had my concerns. Connecting to the internet without the users permission is a Micro$oft problem that I have no desire to include within my favorite operating system.

I think that is a really bad idea

I do like the other ideas though

When I saw Search for the "net" while asking questions I immediately had my concerns. Connecting to the internet without the users permission is a Micro$oft problem that I have no desire to include within my favorite operating system. I think that is a really bad idea I do like the other ideas though

Written by kir360 the 24 Jul 09 at 17:53.

interestingly, the installation of ubuntu to a USB stick finishes very quickly. this might be because the CD image is directly being copied to the USB stick.

We can adopt the same method in here. the installation finishes and the system restarts. then a one-time menu pops up to configure the user details, etc. only the installation partition and grub path has to be given earlier.

interestingly, the installation of ubuntu to a USB stick finishes very quickly. this might be because the CD image is directly being copied to the USB stick. We can adopt the same method in here. the installation finishes and the system restarts. then a one-time menu pops up to configure the user details, etc. only the installation partition and grub path has to be given earlier.

Written by Afroman10496 the 5 Aug 09 at 21:58.

Add an option for an Internet inatall.

Add an option for an Internet inatall.

Written by korin43 the 16 Aug 09 at 08:58.

Before starting the preloading thread, the live CD could check the clock speed and and amount of memory on the target computer. If it is below certain thresholds, the preload thread would not be started at all.

Where the lower bound should be is something that the Ubuntu developers should decide on, since they would know, but a simple example would be on a computer with 4 Gb of memory and a 3 Ghz Core 2 Duo, the Live CD would be loaded into memory (in the background). On a computer with 256 Mb of memory and a Pentium, it would not.

Before starting the preloading thread, the live CD could check the clock speed and and amount of memory on the target computer. If it is below certain thresholds, the preload thread would not be started at all. Where the lower bound should be is something that the Ubuntu developers should decide on, since they would know, but a simple example would be on a computer with 4 Gb of memory and a 3 Ghz Core 2 Duo, the Live CD would be loaded into memory (in the background). On a computer with 256 Mb of memory and a Pentium, it would not.

Written by mankelin the 14 Jul 09 at 21:27.

Directly after installation, or after first boot, pop up a dialog asking the user whether he/she wants to install the package (in an appropriate way).
It should be worded so that a lay person can understand the benefits, e.g. something like:

"Do you want to install optional support for various audio/video formats and web plugins? Without installing this, you might have problems playing back audio or video files and certain web sites will not work correctly."

The dialog should offer simple "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user chooses "Yes", the meta package and its dependencies should be downloaded and installed. If the user chooses "No", he should be reminded that he/she can later install the "ubuntu-restricted-extras" package with Synaptic, should he/she decide otherwise.

Directly after installation, or after first boot, pop up a dialog asking the user whether he/she wants to install the package (in an appropriate way). It should be worded so that a lay person can understand the benefits, e.g. something like: "Do you want to install optional support for various audio/video formats and web plugins? Without installing this, you might have problems playing back audio or video files and certain web sites will not work correctly." The dialog should offer simple "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user chooses "Yes", the meta package and its dependencies should be downloaded and installed. If the user chooses "No", he should be reminded that he/she can later install the "ubuntu-restricted-extras" package with Synaptic, should he/she decide otherwise.

Written by Clorox the 20 Jul 09 at 02:55.

Add a sentence and a link to "apt:ubuntu-restricted-extras?refresh=yep" to Solution #2 of http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/8074/.

The solution there is for introduction to Ubuntu by an icon on the desktop that loads a simple HTML window, with simple introductory things such as how to install packages.

Add a sentence and a link to "apt:ubuntu-restricted-extras?refresh=yep" to Solution #2 of http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/8074/. The solution there is for introduction to Ubuntu by an icon on the desktop that loads a simple HTML window, with simple introductory things such as how to install packages.

Written by Afroman10496 the 22 Jul 09 at 01:40.

Keep it in the /tmp directory, and when one opens an mp3 file or tries to view flash, ask if they want to keep it or delete it. If they answer yes, show them the legal stuff and if they agree to it, and install it in the directories for a regular installation. If they answer no, tell them what they will not have and how to install it later. Delete it from the /tmp directory if they answer that.

*TO AVOID LEGAL STUFF, IN THE INSTALLER MENU FOR LOCATION, IF THEY SAY THEY ARE IN A COUNTRY WHERE IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE IT, DON'T INSTALL IT IN THE /tmp directory!*

Keep it in the /tmp directory, and when one opens an mp3 file or tries to view flash, ask if they want to keep it or delete it. If they answer yes, show them the legal stuff and if they agree to it, and install it in the directories for a regular installation. If they answer no, tell them what they will not have and how to install it later. Delete it from the /tmp directory if they answer that. *TO AVOID LEGAL STUFF, IN THE INSTALLER MENU FOR LOCATION, IF THEY SAY THEY ARE IN A COUNTRY WHERE IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE IT, DON'T INSTALL IT IN THE /tmp directory!*

Written by suit the 3 Aug 09 at 20:25.

This could just be implemented somewhere during installation as

[ ] Install stuff to be able to view flash content right away.
# (Of course rephrased by a more eloquent person!)

The download could start (if eth0 or others are found) during installation or afterwards. Alternatively an icon could show up as with the "restricted hardware drivers" after the first boot.

This could just be implemented somewhere during installation as [ ] Install stuff to be able to view flash content right away. # (Of course rephrased by a more eloquent person!) The download could start (if eth0 or others are found) during installation or afterwards. Alternatively an icon could show up as with the "restricted hardware drivers" after the first boot.

Written by cos the 4 Aug 09 at 15:00.

As in solution #1, but also suggest to install restricted drivers, if they are available. e.g. have checkboxes and descriptions of what can be installed.

As in solution #1, but also suggest to install restricted drivers, if they are available. e.g. have checkboxes and descriptions of what can be installed.

Written by CJ Master the 5 Aug 09 at 21:08.

This idea expands on Solution #2. Instead of simply having an apt-url link to install it, the link will run a program. This program will tell the user the standard legal precautions about it, and will link to a website where you may legally buy the Codecs if you live in the U.S. If the user agrees that they live in a location that's legal for them to be installed for free, it'll download/install the codecs and remove the icon from the desktop.

This idea expands on Solution #2. Instead of simply having an apt-url link to install it, the link will run a program. This program will tell the user the standard legal precautions about it, and will link to a website where you may legally buy the Codecs if you live in the U.S. If the user agrees that they live in a location that's legal for them to be installed for free, it'll download/install the codecs and remove the icon from the desktop.

Written by Sebin Benjamin the 10 Aug 09 at 17:40.

Directly after installation, or after first boot, pop up a dialog asking the user whether he/she wants to install the package (in an appropriate way).
It should be worded so that a lay person can understand the benefits.

The dialog should offer simple "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user chooses "Yes", the meta package and its dependencies should be INSTALLED FROM THE SAME CD OR DOWNLOAD. Ihis this case there wont be a waste of time downloading all the files

Directly after installation, or after first boot, pop up a dialog asking the user whether he/she wants to install the package (in an appropriate way). It should be worded so that a lay person can understand the benefits. The dialog should offer simple "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user chooses "Yes", the meta package and its dependencies should be INSTALLED FROM THE SAME CD OR DOWNLOAD. Ihis this case there wont be a waste of time downloading all the files

Written by misiu_mp the 21 Aug 09 at 14:08.

Except for informing of the benefits the notification should warn about the drawbacks of using this package (legality, patents, closed source) and the benefits of supporting open standards.

Except for informing of the benefits the notification should warn about the drawbacks of using this package (legality, patents, closed source) and the benefits of supporting open standards.

Written by qwerty800 the 28 Aug 09 at 20:14.

For exemple, if I try to read an MP3 file, the system would ask me:

"You're trying to read a MPEG Audio Layer3 file, which is unreadable by Ubuntu by default for patent reasons.
Do you want to install the necessary codecs to read this, as well as support for the formats listed under:

+ *Shockwave Flash
*Java Runtime environment
*MPEG-4 Part 14
*etc...

But not only this, it should do that for every restricted formats, like DVDs!

People want to play DVDs on their computer! If a such system was aviable for those formats, that woul be a success!

"You just a DVD Video, which is unreadable by Ubuntu by default..."

For exemple, if I try to read an MP3 file, the system would ask me: "You're trying to read a MPEG Audio Layer3 file, which is unreadable by Ubuntu by default for patent reasons. Do you want to install the necessary codecs to read this, as well as support for the formats listed under: + *Shockwave Flash *Java Runtime environment *MPEG-4 Part 14 *etc... But not only this, it should do that for every restricted formats, like DVDs! People want to play DVDs on their computer! If a such system was aviable for those formats, that woul be a success! "You just a DVD Video, which is unreadable by Ubuntu by default..."

Written by cos the 16 Sep 09 at 11:20.

Medibuntu contains a bunch of restricted multimedia codecs, fonts, drivers etc that are not part of the main repo for licensing reasons. For me, its packages greatly improve support for playback of some formats including wmv and realvideo, and allow my webcam to work -- these are important things for typical desktop users coming from Windows, where these are taken for granted.

I believe it would be greatly beneficial for the majority of users to make this repo easily available, even if it is never merged with the main Ubuntu repos. If Ubuntu offers at any point to install restricted stuff automatically, it should also offer to add Medibuntu to Software Sources. That would save each new user a few hours of Googling and frustration.

For the long-term, perhaps it's more logical that all restricted extras packages be moved into Medibuntu to keep a cleaner separation of what is and isn't restricted. Of course, it doesn't have to be Medibuntu -- any new repo should do.

Medibuntu contains a bunch of restricted multimedia codecs, fonts, drivers etc that are not part of the main repo for licensing reasons. For me, its packages greatly improve support for playback of some formats including wmv and realvideo, and allow my webcam to work -- these are important things for typical desktop users coming from Windows, where these are taken for granted. I believe it would be greatly beneficial for the majority of users to make this repo easily available, even if it is never merged with the main Ubuntu repos. If Ubuntu offers at any point to install restricted stuff automatically, it should also offer to add Medibuntu to Software Sources. That would save each new user a few hours of Googling and frustration. For the long-term, perhaps it's more logical that all restricted extras packages be moved into Medibuntu to keep a cleaner separation of what is and isn't restricted. Of course, it doesn't have to be Medibuntu -- any new repo should do.

Written by tommynz1975 the 10 Nov 09 at 23:08.

maybe others...

but cut this popup box business, this is one thing that infuriated me with windows.

I would think the system was ready for use, I'd go start doing something only for a popup box to take screen/keyboard focus.

having migrated from 6.06 to 9.04 on this system, I have to say having icons appear on the menu panel top of screen is more pleasing, to alert the user of information.

Many times you get that lovely message, Installing this codec may not be legal in your country.

surely by now we have enough loco teams to make a database answering this question and this question could be answered by your location settings and the database, as we all install stuff on the assumption its okay until its forcefully pointed out otherwise

maybe others... but cut this popup box business, this is one thing that infuriated me with windows. I would think the system was ready for use, I'd go start doing something only for a popup box to take screen/keyboard focus. having migrated from 6.06 to 9.04 on this system, I have to say having icons appear on the menu panel top of screen is more pleasing, to alert the user of information. Many times you get that lovely message, Installing this codec may not be legal in your country. surely by now we have enough loco teams to make a database answering this question and this question could be answered by your location settings and the database, as we all install stuff on the assumption its okay until its forcefully pointed out otherwise

Written by Lyfang the 21 Jun 11 at 05:39.

The Adobe Flash Player End User License Agreement prohibits reverse engineering and more. Therefore developers cannot develop a competing Flash player if they've accepted the Adobe Flash Player EULA.

See also
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/flashplugin-nonfree/+question/1354 00

The Adobe Flash Player End User License Agreement prohibits reverse engineering and more. Therefore developers cannot develop a competing Flash player if they've accepted the Adobe Flash Player EULA. See also https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/flashplugin-nonfree/+question/135400

Written by nandayo the 14 Apr 09 at 16:24.

This should be really more logical ! Ext3 filesystem into one color, swap into another color, NTFS into another one, and so on ! (as GParted do finaly !) This would be really more visual and a more intelligent use of colors. Of course, each partition must be clearly delimited, to avoid consecutive partitions of the same filesystem to be few visible.

Here is an (ugly :-p ) example I made to illustrate :
http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=56626046.png
(this is just an *ILLUSTRATION*, not a graphical proposition ! )

Maybe another suggestion : note by a symbol (a star for example) the partition containing an OS.

This should be really more logical ! Ext3 filesystem into one color, swap into another color, NTFS into another one, and so on ! (as GParted do finaly !) This would be really more visual and a more intelligent use of colors. Of course, each partition must be clearly delimited, to avoid consecutive partitions of the same filesystem to be few visible. Here is an (ugly :-p ) example I made to illustrate : http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=56626046.png (this is just an *ILLUSTRATION*, not a graphical proposition ! ) Maybe another suggestion : note by a symbol (a star for example) the partition containing an OS.

Written by nandayo the 14 Apr 09 at 16:27.

This probably made a lot of user to loose their previous OS and data ! I suggest a more intelligent partitioning, which keep alive existing OS *and* other existing data partitions.

This probably made a lot of user to loose their previous OS and data ! I suggest a more intelligent partitioning, which keep alive existing OS *and* other existing data partitions.

Written by nandayo the 14 Apr 09 at 16:32.

Just some smart tooltip, or a "watizit ?", to let new users to understand what the partitioning tool is asking about mounting point.

Just some smart tooltip, or a "watizit ?", to let new users to understand what the partitioning tool is asking about mounting point.

Written by Clorox the 15 Apr 09 at 02:36.

Shouldn't be hard. It is much more advanced and should fit in the installer.

Shouldn't be hard. It is much more advanced and should fit in the installer.

Written by Kver the 19 Apr 09 at 06:02.

Make the colour bar a prominent tool instead of only a display.

- Use icons to help identify the partitions, such as a windows logo on detected windows installations, an Ubuntu logo for Ubuntu installs, and other icons for common types of partitions.
- Allow users to drag/stretch/squish partitions on the bar itself. Ie; squish a windows partition. Back or transparency could be used for empty space.
- Do NOT make it one colour/one filesystem type. If you have multiple partitions of the same type, it might appear as a single colour slab. Using alternating shades could correct this problem (dark/light/dark/light)
- Explain a partition on mouseover in a box underneath the bar.

Make the colour bar a prominent tool instead of only a display. - Use icons to help identify the partitions, such as a windows logo on detected windows installations, an Ubuntu logo for Ubuntu installs, and other icons for common types of partitions. - Allow users to drag/stretch/squish partitions on the bar itself. Ie; squish a windows partition. Back or transparency could be used for empty space. - Do NOT make it one colour/one filesystem type. If you have multiple partitions of the same type, it might appear as a single colour slab. Using alternating shades could correct this problem (dark/light/dark/light) - Explain a partition on mouseover in a box underneath the bar.

Written by Kver the 19 Apr 09 at 06:19.

A dropdown could be placed with several options, the selected being what it will do. Or more radio buttons could be added. These would be "smart" based on what is on the hard-drive(s), and which options would lose the least data.

Options could include:
- replacing the dominant partition (the single, largest partition will be deleted)
- shrinking all partitions (except swap) (it will try to scale by %)
- Wiping all small partitions (except swap) (keeping the largest partition and the swap, deleting all smaller partitions for space)
- Format * partition (* being a dropdown with any non-swap parition greater than 4.9gb)
- formatting (no explanation here)
- Manual

Tt would recommend a scheme based on the following, and would not show the option if the requirement isn't met:
#1 - Shrink partitions. If every partition (including Ubuntu) would have 10% of the HD's overall capacity as free space, recommend this option. Ie a 100gb hard drive would require 10gb of free space on each non-swap partition after the shrink.
#2 - Wipe small partitions. Use this option if the largest partition is at least 50% larger than non-swap partitions combined. If not, check #3.
#3 - Wipe the largest partition. Recommend this only if less than 20% of the partition is in use. Otherwise, recommend #4.

A dropdown could be placed with several options, the selected being what it will do. Or more radio buttons could be added. These would be "smart" based on what is on the hard-drive(s), and which options would lose the least data. Options could include: - replacing the dominant partition (the single, largest partition will be deleted) - shrinking all partitions (except swap) (it will try to scale by %) - Wiping all small partitions (except swap) (keeping the largest partition and the swap, deleting all smaller partitions for space) - Format * partition (* being a dropdown with any non-swap parition greater than 4.9gb) - formatting (no explanation here) - Manual Tt would recommend a scheme based on the following, and would not show the option if the requirement isn't met: #1 - Shrink partitions. If every partition (including Ubuntu) would have 10% of the HD's overall capacity as free space, recommend this option. Ie a 100gb hard drive would require 10gb of free space on each non-swap partition after the shrink. #2 - Wipe small partitions. Use this option if the largest partition is at least 50% larger than non-swap partitions combined. If not, check #3. #3 - Wipe the largest partition. Recommend this only if less than 20% of the partition is in use. Otherwise, recommend #4. #4 - Format. Always shown. #5 - Format * partition. Always shown. #5 - Manual. Never recommended, always shown, as serious damage can be done by a new user.

Written by aadityabhatia the 3 May 09 at 21:17.

Display some information about different directories and their purpose, such as:

/home Contains the home directories (personal storage) for each user on the system
/usr Contains system programs and other files for general users such as games, online help, and documentation
/tmp Contains temporary files that are erased upon reboot
/etc Contains configuration files for Linux and other installed software
/bin Contains the Linux system commands and programs (also called binaries)
/var Contains variable data that changes constantly when the system is running
... and so on.

This will help a basic user understand the system better by knowing the purpose of each directory. It is difficult to make changes once the system has been installed. Therefore the user will be able to make an informed one-time decision about allocating partitions to different directories.

Display some information about different directories and their purpose, such as: /home Contains the home directories (personal storage) for each user on the system /usr Contains system programs and other files for general users such as games, online help, and documentation /tmp Contains temporary files that are erased upon reboot /etc Contains configuration files for Linux and other installed software /bin Contains the Linux system commands and programs (also called binaries) /var Contains variable data that changes constantly when the system is running ... and so on. This will help a basic user understand the system better by knowing the purpose of each directory. It is difficult to make changes once the system has been installed. Therefore the user will be able to make an informed one-time decision about allocating partitions to different directories.

Written by delphiexile the 5 May 09 at 12:07.

As said in the title ; GParted is powerful tool , it just lacks simplicity for new comers to UBUNTU, we should keep it but simplify it.
ex:
1- Simplify the meaning of mount point
2- Simplify the error messages for public understanding.
... & more if you have !!

As said in the title ; GParted is powerful tool , it just lacks simplicity for new comers to UBUNTU, we should keep it but simplify it. ex: 1- Simplify the meaning of mount point 2- Simplify the error messages for public understanding. ... & more if you have !!

Written by danbhfive the 9 May 09 at 21:57.

Gparted is on the livecd anyway. Why not have it be an option? IE, there would be two "manually partition" options. One, for the current, low memory partitioner, and one for GParted.

This is how I remember it being done on Redhat, some ten years ago. Then, the options were autopartition, manually partition with the graphical partitioner, or manually partition with fdisk (yuk).

(Personally, I fire up GParted to partition before I do an install anyway. Like the original poster, I find the new partitioner too confusing.)

Gparted is on the livecd anyway. Why not have it be an option? IE, there would be two "manually partition" options. One, for the current, low memory partitioner, and one for GParted. This is how I remember it being done on Redhat, some ten years ago. Then, the options were autopartition, manually partition with the graphical partitioner, or manually partition with fdisk (yuk). (Personally, I fire up GParted to partition before I do an install anyway. Like the original poster, I find the new partitioner too confusing.)

Written by tuxxy the 13 May 09 at 01:53.

New users may not understand a separate /home partition fully, an idea is to illustrate to them the future benefits that it will bring to them such as updating and personal data reliability.

New users may not understand a separate /home partition fully, an idea is to illustrate to them the future benefits that it will bring to them such as updating and personal data reliability.

Written by gianni_casagrande the 30 Aug 09 at 08:04.

The partitioning process could be made simpler by adding a simplified option for Manual partitioning where a user can create custom partitions without needing to worry about mount points, filesystems etc.
The installation program will take care of making reasonable choices on mount points and fylesistems and creating a swap partition of resonable size.
There could be an option to create a separate /home partition with explained benefits and costs.

The installation program should advise simplified mode for manual partitioning to user that want to customize partition sizes but are not familiar with terms such as 'ext3' or 'swap partition'(like me for example).

The partitioning process could be made simpler by adding a simplified option for Manual partitioning where a user can create custom partitions without needing to worry about mount points, filesystems etc. The installation program will take care of making reasonable choices on mount points and fylesistems and creating a swap partition of resonable size. There could be an option to create a separate /home partition with explained benefits and costs. The installation program should advise simplified mode for manual partitioning to user that want to customize partition sizes but are not familiar with terms such as 'ext3' or 'swap partition'(like me for example).

Written by elias1884 the 29 Sep 09 at 22:06.

Add LVM and RAID Support to the application. Also these technologies should be supported in the LiveCD installer.

Add LVM and RAID Support to the application. Also these technologies should be supported in the LiveCD installer.

Written by waster the 2 Oct 09 at 07:48.

With >1 disk, the partitioner could do a quick benchmark to see what latency and throughput are, especially for SSD hardware. It could then say for example:

Mirror root across two fast disks
Put /tmp on a RAID0 array
Set up a video/music media mount point to get most capacity out of slower disks, not worrying about latency.
etc, etc.

You could even toggle how much data security you want vs speed, so a new user could benefit from RAID0 speed, RAID1, RAID5 etc securtity without knowing the details underneath.

Needless to say, LVM should be on top of all this, and the chunk/stripe size alignment should be set up automatically (currently this is only optimal by chance - beware!) and the readahead for LVM should have a much better default.

With >1 disk, the partitioner could do a quick benchmark to see what latency and throughput are, especially for SSD hardware. It could then say for example: Mirror root across two fast disks Put /tmp on a RAID0 array Set up a video/music media mount point to get most capacity out of slower disks, not worrying about latency. etc, etc. You could even toggle how much data security you want vs speed, so a new user could benefit from RAID0 speed, RAID1, RAID5 etc securtity without knowing the details underneath. Needless to say, LVM should be on top of all this, and the chunk/stripe size alignment should be set up automatically (currently this is only optimal by chance - beware!) and the readahead for LVM should have a much better default.

Written by Treguboff the 24 Jan 11 at 10:43.

If it had something like Splashtop integrated into it

If it had something like Splashtop integrated into it

Written by Otus the 25 Jan 11 at 10:37.

When you choose the Try Ubuntu mode (ie. not the Install Ubuntu mode) from the live CD you are able to browse the web or use any other programs and start the Ubuntu install in parallel.

When you choose the Try Ubuntu mode (ie. not the Install Ubuntu mode) from the live CD you are able to browse the web or use any other programs and start the Ubuntu install in parallel.

Written by Otus the 25 Jan 11 at 10:43.

Since the Try Ubuntu option includes the possibility of installing, maybe we'd like to remove the Install Ubuntu option so no one is confused?

Since the Try Ubuntu option includes the possibility of installing, maybe we'd like to remove the Install Ubuntu option so no one is confused?

Written by ki4jgt the 12 Feb 11 at 12:46.

Allow the user to send the installation window to the tray. Show a progress bar like nautilus file actions. and place a firefox icon on the bar running across the top of the installation screen (Since it's the only bar there) It may not be able to play Hulu b/c Adobe Flash isn't installed, but it can do other web related activities.

Allow the user to send the installation window to the tray. Show a progress bar like nautilus file actions. and place a firefox icon on the bar running across the top of the installation screen (Since it's the only bar there) It may not be able to play Hulu b/c Adobe Flash isn't installed, but it can do other web related activities.

Written by tholme the 16 Feb 11 at 22:32.

Install ubuntu by copying the root filesystem block for block in the background. This would mean that after you have partitioned and started the installation you could be using the new installation right away while the installation finishes in the background. No need to even reboot the new system before using! Check out "ZyX Graphical Rebootless LiveOS Installer" for more info and a working fedora version of this installation: http://cloudsession.com/dawg/projects/zyx-liveinstaller/

Install ubuntu by copying the root filesystem block for block in the background. This would mean that after you have partitioned and started the installation you could be using the new installation right away while the installation finishes in the background. No need to even reboot the new system before using! Check out "ZyX Graphical Rebootless LiveOS Installer" for more info and a working fedora version of this installation: http://cloudsession.com/dawg/projects/zyx-liveinstaller/

Written by Oranges10e the 12 Feb 11 at 21:28.

While Ubuntu is installing, if you chose to just install, without testing it (for example), during the usual slideshow, that explains some of the features of Ubuntu, you could put in some relaxing music.

While Ubuntu is installing, if you chose to just install, without testing it (for example), during the usual slideshow, that explains some of the features of Ubuntu, you could put in some relaxing music.

Written by Oranges10e the 13 Feb 11 at 20:14.

During the direct install, without testing it from the live-cd, you could play an introduction video (not fullscreen, rather in that little slideshow box that we already have). Something that explains what Ubuntu means, what it stands for and maybe introduce even some of the features that way, that the slideshow usually does - or you could combine both things.

Take a look at what I mean (sorry for the poor picture, I made it very quickly, just to show somewhat the direction, that is meant): http://img141.imageshack.us/i/ubuntuintroductionvideo.jpg/

I HAVE A VISION: I see Mark Shuttleworth introducing himself at the opening and explaining what this is, where it's from and who works on it etc. - while doing so, you could blend in some pictures of Africa, the Ubuntu team, the Community and all sorts of stuff related to Ubuntu.

OR

You could play the introduction video, AFTER you have installed Ubuntu and on the first boot-up.

During the direct install, without testing it from the live-cd, you could play an introduction video (not fullscreen, rather in that little slideshow box that we already have). Something that explains what Ubuntu means, what it stands for and maybe introduce even some of the features that way, that the slideshow usually does - or you could combine both things. Take a look at what I mean (sorry for the poor picture, I made it very quickly, just to show somewhat the direction, that is meant): http://img141.imageshack.us/i/ubuntuintroductionvideo.jpg/ I HAVE A VISION: I see Mark Shuttleworth introducing himself at the opening and explaining what this is, where it's from and who works on it etc. - while doing so, you could blend in some pictures of Africa, the Ubuntu team, the Community and all sorts of stuff related to Ubuntu. OR You could play the introduction video, AFTER you have installed Ubuntu and on the first boot-up.

Written by Oranges10e the 13 Feb 11 at 22:35.

1) You could combine this with the new feature, that Ubuntu 10.10 introduced (updating while installing). If you have an internet connection, it could (while installing) detect this, like it usually does, and stream that video, if the internet connection is detected to be fast enough (nothing too long, a short and small video or videos would be enough).

2) You could clean up what there is in the "example folder" which is located in your "your personal folder". There you have a few MB of space already.

3) You can still do this as an optional download, that can be installed, if you wish to, AFTER the system has been installed. Direct links would be found in the Ubuntu Help-Center. Click on it and the video will play, INSIDE the same window (not popping up the player for it).

- Or you could even MAKE a section in the Ubuntu Software-Center, where you can download these files or even add it to the system later, if you don't want to do it right away.

- Or you could even make a CHANNEL for these kind of things. An entire channel, where Ubuntu will post and show helping videos and where ppl can ADD more, if approved.

Alot of possibilities here.

1) You could combine this with the new feature, that Ubuntu 10.10 introduced (updating while installing). If you have an internet connection, it could (while installing) detect this, like it usually does, and stream that video, if the internet connection is detected to be fast enough (nothing too long, a short and small video or videos would be enough). 2) You could clean up what there is in the "example folder" which is located in your "your personal folder". There you have a few MB of space already. 3) You can still do this as an optional download, that can be installed, if you wish to, AFTER the system has been installed. Direct links would be found in the Ubuntu Help-Center. Click on it and the video will play, INSIDE the same window (not popping up the player for it). - Or you could even MAKE a section in the Ubuntu Software-Center, where you can download these files or even add it to the system later, if you don't want to do it right away. - Or you could even make a CHANNEL for these kind of things. An entire channel, where Ubuntu will post and show helping videos and where ppl can ADD more, if approved. Alot of possibilities here.

Written by Oranges10e the 13 Feb 11 at 22:53.

Make it optional.

- There are those, who want to get through this as fast as possible and don't see any reason for this.

- There are those, who don't care if it takes a few minutes more, if it's entertaining and useful to them (this is me), while waiting anyway.

Make it optional, instead of just doing it. Depending on what you choose (either "yes, I want an introduction while installing, to get to know things better while waiting" or "no, I just want to get it done") the installer will react to that. Either by using the introduction movies/slideshow thingy or by just using the defaul slideshow with pictures.

About the space for this: In combination with solution #6, if you have an internet connection and cleaning up the metioned folders, this could work out fine (360-480p video max.).

Anyway, I have seen entire (3D) games as small as a few Kilobytes, this video (considering the lower quality it would use) shouldn't be that big.

Make it optional. - There are those, who want to get through this as fast as possible and don't see any reason for this. - There are those, who don't care if it takes a few minutes more, if it's entertaining and useful to them (this is me), while waiting anyway. Make it optional, instead of just doing it. Depending on what you choose (either "yes, I want an introduction while installing, to get to know things better while waiting" or "no, I just want to get it done") the installer will react to that. Either by using the introduction movies/slideshow thingy or by just using the defaul slideshow with pictures. About the space for this: In combination with solution #6, if you have an internet connection and cleaning up the metioned folders, this could work out fine (360-480p video max.). Anyway, I have seen entire (3D) games as small as a few Kilobytes, this video (considering the lower quality it would use) shouldn't be that big.

Written by UlfJack the 26 Apr 09 at 21:26.

Provide a Tool to perform a system-level 'diff' that finds installed/uninstalled packages, changes in configuration files, changes in installed files, overwritten files, etc. and creates a report.

Provide a Tool to perform a system-level 'diff' that finds installed/uninstalled packages, changes in configuration files, changes in installed files, overwritten files, etc. and creates a report.

Written by rsepulvedacl the 19 Aug 10 at 07:45.

When a user chooses to install Ubuntu and select partitions manually, the installer should warn the user if he/she made a mistake like this:

/dev/sdb2 mounted as ntfs in /dev/sdb2 without format

...instead of:

/dev/sdb2 mounted as ntfs in /media/sdb2 without format

I guess that this could happen whenever a user mounts his/her partitions into an existing *nix directory (/dev, /usr, /etc, etc.), so it's important warn the user that mounting into a directory like that could lead to data loss.

When a user chooses to install Ubuntu and select partitions manually, the installer should warn the user if he/she made a mistake like this: /dev/sdb2 mounted as ntfs in /dev/sdb2 without format ...instead of: /dev/sdb2 mounted as ntfs in /media/sdb2 without format I guess that this could happen whenever a user mounts his/her partitions into an existing *nix directory (/dev, /usr, /etc, etc.), so it's important warn the user that mounting into a directory like that could lead to data loss.

Written by zsee the 21 Aug 10 at 14:53.

Show a dialog when the user is done editing the partitions, wich contains informations like:
/dev/sda1 will be formatted to ext4
...
/dev/sdb2 will be deleted
...
/dev/sdb1 will remain untouched
etc.

And include a Cancel button in this dialog.

Show a dialog when the user is done editing the partitions, wich contains informations like: /dev/sda1 will be formatted to ext4 ... /dev/sdb2 will be deleted ... /dev/sdb1 will remain untouched etc. And include a Cancel button in this dialog.

Written by ahayzen the 24 Jan 10 at 16:57.

Use the time zone location given in the installation process to determine the weather location.

Use the time zone location given in the installation process to determine the weather location.

Written by tntricker the 24 Jan 10 at 18:11.

Have the option to use an IP lookup service to guess the current location. Then display that locations weather data on the widget. This would only be used if there was no location set.

Have the option to use an IP lookup service to guess the current location. Then display that locations weather data on the widget. This would only be used if there was no location set.

Written by Akerbos the 25 Jan 10 at 07:22.

1. User Setting
2. IP lookup
3. Time zone

1. User Setting 2. IP lookup 3. Time zone

Written by spocky the 1 Feb 10 at 14:39.

When using mobile 3g to connect to internet an assistant is supporting you once you entered your location - voila
another point to be handled centrally

When using mobile 3g to connect to internet an assistant is supporting you once you entered your location - voila another point to be handled centrally

Written by euxneks the 5 Feb 10 at 03:56.

As #3, but on IP change, try to determine if the user has changed locations and popup a dialog asking if they'd like to change their location to the one guessed. This would be useful for people who are moving, or traveling constantly.

As #3, but on IP change, try to determine if the user has changed locations and popup a dialog asking if they'd like to change their location to the one guessed. This would be useful for people who are moving, or traveling constantly.

Written by maxolasersquad the 11 Feb 10 at 03:10.

If the user has a GPS chip in their computer, have a radio button to auto update the lat/long based on the gps coordinates.

If the user has a GPS chip in their computer, have a radio button to auto update the lat/long based on the gps coordinates.

Written by _nob the 17 Feb 10 at 11:49.

Which is exactly for this reason already integrated into the Desktop. See also http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/17734/

Which is exactly for this reason already integrated into the Desktop. See also http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/17734/

Written by lowlux the 15 Apr 10 at 21:05.

what about a stand alone weather bug app? that intergrets with the weather icon and GeoClue plus everything talked about in the above or comments...

what about a stand alone weather bug app? that intergrets with the weather icon and GeoClue plus everything talked about in the above or comments...

Written by SSJ4-Guddu the 19 May 10 at 02:51.

It's very easy just put a notification before booting.
So that the user have the power to boot of their own choice.

It's very easy just put a notification before booting. So that the user have the power to boot of their own choice.

Written by pererik87 the 21 May 10 at 19:27.

Take out your cd room before/while booting.

Take out your cd room before/while booting.

Written by SuNk8 the 3 May 10 at 16:05.

Prevention is better than Cure.
Ubuntu comes with a very cool System Testing app: checkbox-gtk
Let System Testing be one of the (optional) steps in the Live installer.

So, a newbie user can easily check and actually know if his/her PC will work fine after the upgrade.
If not, they can wait till their issues are resolved and then go for the upgrade.

Testers can just skip the step and go for the install.

Prevention is better than Cure. Ubuntu comes with a very cool System Testing app: checkbox-gtk Let System Testing be one of the (optional) steps in the Live installer. So, a newbie user can easily check and actually know if his/her PC will work fine after the upgrade. If not, they can wait till their issues are resolved and then go for the upgrade. Testers can just skip the step and go for the install.

Written by SuNk8 the 4 May 10 at 02:52.

Introduce an advanced mode where users are asked questions concerning their hardware. A questionnaire will improve the experience of the user and get the correct information from them about the hardware specs.
The installer will then check on the online database and also include drivers for those entries.

Also, we might move some other entries like bootloader configuration in this mode.

Introduce an advanced mode where users are asked questions concerning their hardware. A questionnaire will improve the experience of the user and get the correct information from them about the hardware specs. The installer will then check on the online database and also include drivers for those entries. Also, we might move some other entries like bootloader configuration in this mode.

Written by snadrus the 5 May 10 at 19:29.

'lsusb' and 'lspci' list all the hardware Linux can touch. devicekit loads drivers for these items or defers it (for scanners, printers, etc). Once done, if we have hardware that we couldn't use, lets report that hardware back to Ubuntu.

'lsusb' and 'lspci' list all the hardware Linux can touch. devicekit loads drivers for these items or defers it (for scanners, printers, etc). Once done, if we have hardware that we couldn't use, lets report that hardware back to Ubuntu.

Written by LCollins the 10 May 10 at 04:21.

Same as #1, but have the option the report the lack of hardware capabilities to Ubuntu, to help self-improvement. Also check with Ubuntu that the problems have not already been sorted (in case installation CD is out of date.

Same as #1, but have the option the report the lack of hardware capabilities to Ubuntu, to help self-improvement. Also check with Ubuntu that the problems have not already been sorted (in case installation CD is out of date.

Written by Richard.Kolodziej the 31 May 10 at 12:06.

http://kmuto.jp/debian/hcl/

http://kmuto.jp/debian/hcl/

Written by Bubble the 13 Jun 11 at 10:39.

Ubuntu should search for a hardware manufacturer, to manufacture Ubuntu-"All-in-One" PCs that just work and distribute them via store.ubuntu.com.

Do it like Apple (or Google ChromeOS), provide a few basic systems (for example Ubuntu Notebook, Ubuntu Netbook, Ubuntu Cube PC, Ubuntu Workstation) with Simple Names (Not like Manufacturer X ELGX-423544ES) and good design.

Example:

http://usrnametaken.deviantart.com/art/UbuntuBOX-211559873

So please Ubuntu, be a non-DRM-fanatic, free and OpenSource Apple.

Ubuntu should search for a hardware manufacturer, to manufacture Ubuntu-"All-in-One" PCs that just work and distribute them via store.ubuntu.com. Do it like Apple (or Google ChromeOS), provide a few basic systems (for example Ubuntu Notebook, Ubuntu Netbook, Ubuntu Cube PC, Ubuntu Workstation) with Simple Names (Not like Manufacturer X ELGX-423544ES) and good design. Example: http://usrnametaken.deviantart.com/art/UbuntuBOX-211559873 So please Ubuntu, be a non-DRM-fanatic, free and OpenSource Apple.