Written by yman the 25 Feb 09 at 16:39.

Make GRUB invisible, so that it directly loads Ubuntu. Ubuntu, in the 1st stage of booting will load a GUI boot menu and all the underlying stuff that's necessary for it, like Linux, X, Metacity, etc. The boot menu will automatically scan all connected devices for bootable OSs and media and display them in the GUI. If the user chooses to boot Ubuntu, Ubuntu will simply continue loading, which will result in the GDM login screen appearing in a near-instantaneous fashion (giving the user the impression that Ubuntu is faster than it is). If the user chooses another OS, Ubuntu will "chainload" it. The user will also be able to go back to the boot menu from within GDM and the desktop, thus allowing him to switch to another OS without reboot.

On the graphical side, this means a tightly integrated user experience, and the use of kernel-modesetting from the boot menu, instead of only from the bootsplash.

Make GRUB invisible, so that it directly loads Ubuntu. Ubuntu, in the 1st stage of booting will load a GUI boot menu and all the underlying stuff that's necessary for it, like Linux, X, Metacity, etc. The boot menu will automatically scan all connected devices for bootable OSs and media and display them in the GUI. If the user chooses to boot Ubuntu, Ubuntu will simply continue loading, which will result in the GDM login screen appearing in a near-instantaneous fashion (giving the user the impression that Ubuntu is faster than it is). If the user chooses another OS, Ubuntu will "chainload" it. The user will also be able to go back to the boot menu from within GDM and the desktop, thus allowing him to switch to another OS without reboot. On the graphical side, this means a tightly integrated user experience, and the use of kernel-modesetting from the boot menu, instead of only from the bootsplash.

Written by eapache the 25 Feb 09 at 21:59.

Grub 2 should significantly help these problems. Push for its development, and if necessary donate a developer to get it finished in the near future.

Grub 2 should significantly help these problems. Push for its development, and if necessary donate a developer to get it finished in the near future.

Written by maybeway36 the 9 Mar 09 at 18:55.

GRUB4DOS has the same features as regular GRUB, plus many, many more. It is updated on a regular basis. It is also compatible with gfxboot now, so it can look pretty.

GRUB4DOS has the same features as regular GRUB, plus many, many more. It is updated on a regular basis. It is also compatible with gfxboot now, so it can look pretty.

Written by luXy the 21 Mar 09 at 21:38.

We can have kexec support in the Ubuntu kernel and have a menu that opens up to choose a OS to boot. This menu program should be customizable: a configuration in the menu would be great. When a user chooses to boot Ubuntu, the menu session would choose and gdm would start. Otherwise, the session ends, and we can call kexec to boot the other OS.

We can have kexec support in the Ubuntu kernel and have a menu that opens up to choose a OS to boot. This menu program should be customizable: a configuration in the menu would be great. When a user chooses to boot Ubuntu, the menu session would choose and gdm would start. Otherwise, the session ends, and we can call kexec to boot the other OS.

Written by Kver the 27 Mar 09 at 06:22.

This revolves around using a minimal splashtop-type system as the bootloader itself. Splashtop boots in 5 seconds into a full browser; This concept revolves only loading a graphical selection screen with additional options, sans-browser until launched. This differs from GRUB 2 in that this could launch small applications like a web-browser or repair kit.

The boot might work something like this:
- Detect the display settings, and quickly boot into X
- User would be presented with larger icons (128x128?) for each OS they have installed. Clicking the icons would message the system to boot into that OS. Right-clicking could allow users booting into safe-modes or other common options. This UI could possibly use components from login managers like KDM.
- Other options might include simple tools to manage booting and operating systems (similar to existing GRUB editors), Ie detecting, adding or removing systems.
- Later versions could include options for web-browsing or other more splashtop-esque tasks to be loaded. It would only load these AFTER the selection screen.
- If possible, pass the Xserver off to Plymouth for no flickering on plymouth-enabled systems.

Only loading 2-4 icons and a minimal interface should take the already blazing 5-second load of splashtops and reduce it to near-nothing for a fully graphical environment. Minimal widgets or only what's needed could be used. In addition, users would be more comfortable and less frightened of a dual-booting machine.

This revolves around using a minimal splashtop-type system as the bootloader itself. Splashtop boots in 5 seconds into a full browser; This concept revolves only loading a graphical selection screen with additional options, sans-browser until launched. This differs from GRUB 2 in that this could launch small applications like a web-browser or repair kit. The boot might work something like this: - Detect the display settings, and quickly boot into X - User would be presented with larger icons (128x128?) for each OS they have installed. Clicking the icons would message the system to boot into that OS. Right-clicking could allow users booting into safe-modes or other common options. This UI could possibly use components from login managers like KDM. - Other options might include simple tools to manage booting and operating systems (similar to existing GRUB editors), Ie detecting, adding or removing systems. - Later versions could include options for web-browsing or other more splashtop-esque tasks to be loaded. It would only load these AFTER the selection screen. - If possible, pass the Xserver off to Plymouth for no flickering on plymouth-enabled systems. Only loading 2-4 icons and a minimal interface should take the already blazing 5-second load of splashtops and reduce it to near-nothing for a fully graphical environment. Minimal widgets or only what's needed could be used. In addition, users would be more comfortable and less frightened of a dual-booting machine. Mockup below http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/raraken/booter.png

Written by Hetor the 1 May 09 at 16:46.

GUI in a bootloader is not necessary and will only increase booting time, realize it. Can you live 10 seconds without pretty graphics?

GUI in a bootloader is not necessary and will only increase booting time, realize it. Can you live 10 seconds without pretty graphics?

Written by Kver the 16 May 09 at 16:25.

Assuming a graphical boot loader is eventually used, enable mouse support.

Assuming a graphical boot loader is eventually used, enable mouse support.

Written by biasibo the 16 Oct 09 at 21:04.

There might be a menu entry in the user switch applet that expands to show all the available operating systems on the machine.

There might be a menu entry in the user switch applet that expands to show all the available operating systems on the machine.

Written by risbac the 15 Jan 09 at 13:04.

I think that when it comes bundled on computers like Dell's ones, there should be some kind of introduction on the desktop the first time you boot the computer. Some kind of "Coming from Windows? Learn how to do the same in Ubuntu".

Then it should explain the biggest differences:

-Openoffice is compatible with Word, you can save docs using Office format
-you don't use Windows softwares or CDs anymore
-you don't download & install softwares from internet like on Windows,
but use the built-in software (and you give more details and
advantages)
-you don't need to install the drivers and crap softwares from
hardware vendors just to access internet or install a printer
-etc... etc...

As usually, to have good ideas is great, but if you don't promote them the good way, it's just useless. Maybe Canonical should consider that and work with Dell to make sure the transition is easier. That would benefit both to Dell and to Canonical. Currently new users are a bit
left in the mist. I agree that it's possible to find this info, but you have to look for it. I think it should be displayed on the desktop, when you boot for the first time.

I think that when it comes bundled on computers like Dell's ones, there should be some kind of introduction on the desktop the first time you boot the computer. Some kind of "Coming from Windows? Learn how to do the same in Ubuntu". Then it should explain the biggest differences: -Openoffice is compatible with Word, you can save docs using Office format -you don't use Windows softwares or CDs anymore -you don't download & install softwares from internet like on Windows, but use the built-in software (and you give more details and advantages) -you don't need to install the drivers and crap softwares from hardware vendors just to access internet or install a printer -etc... etc... As usually, to have good ideas is great, but if you don't promote them the good way, it's just useless. Maybe Canonical should consider that and work with Dell to make sure the transition is easier. That would benefit both to Dell and to Canonical. Currently new users are a bit left in the mist. I agree that it's possible to find this info, but you have to look for it. I think it should be displayed on the desktop, when you boot for the first time.

Written by Oli the 15 Jan 09 at 15:05.

While I think there should be a full tour for new users, I think it can be made better for more than just Dell/other-preinstall customers.

I thinking a full "support centre" where users can learn how to do things, and to an extent, automate certain initial-setup tasks.

One example would be networking. Give the user tasks based on what hardware is available. If they ask for wireless networking, check to see if the driver is working. If it's not, get ndiswrapper set up. Finalise by walking them through the network manager applet.

Similar things for printers, scanners, phones, alternative software, Wine, codecs, etc.

The most important thing (in my eyes) would be some form of IRC integration. There are hundreds of people in #ubuntu that can help so why not leverage it better?

The interface has to be simple. I'm thinking the user initially just sees a text box asking them what's wrong. They type their question, click a button. Behind the scenes, it connects to IRC as guest-3423483. We all hide that from the user. When somebody replies to them (prefixing their name) that message gets shown to the user.

While I think there should be a full tour for new users, I think it can be made better for more than just Dell/other-preinstall customers. I thinking a full "support centre" where users can learn how to do things, and to an extent, automate certain initial-setup tasks. One example would be networking. Give the user tasks based on what hardware is available. If they ask for wireless networking, check to see if the driver is working. If it's not, get ndiswrapper set up. Finalise by walking them through the network manager applet. Similar things for printers, scanners, phones, alternative software, Wine, codecs, etc. The most important thing (in my eyes) would be some form of IRC integration. There are hundreds of people in #ubuntu that can help so why not leverage it better? The interface has to be simple. I'm thinking the user initially just sees a text box asking them what's wrong. They type their question, click a button. Behind the scenes, it connects to IRC as guest-3423483. We all hide that from the user. When somebody replies to them (prefixing their name) that message gets shown to the user.

Written by Primož Papič the 16 Jan 09 at 00:26.

eugene2k has provided an interesting story: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9667184 now it dosen't say how well specified that the computer uses Ubuntu instead of Windows, but I guess not enough as this probably wouldn't happen if it would.
So Canonical should demand that vendors specify and educate users that the computer that they are buying has Ubuntu instead of Windows.
And that vendors should provide informations that are presented in solution #1.

eugene2k has provided an interesting story: http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9667184 now it dosen't say how well specified that the computer uses Ubuntu instead of Windows, but I guess not enough as this probably wouldn't happen if it would. So Canonical should demand that vendors specify and educate users that the computer that they are buying has Ubuntu instead of Windows. And that vendors should provide informations that are presented in solution #1.

Written by tchalvakspam the 23 Jan 09 at 18:29.

File-format issues should be cleared up as the attempted use occurs, not in text that the user may never read or connect to the actions that they do later, so:

First attempted use of an exe file should point at Add/Remove Software as a better solution, and then offer to install Wine.

Opening a .doc file in open office should result in defaulting to saving in .doc format, and OOo already provides an explanatory "microsoft format document files aren't very open, are you sure you want to save in that format" message.

File-format issues should be cleared up as the attempted use occurs, not in text that the user may never read or connect to the actions that they do later, so: First attempted use of an exe file should point at Add/Remove Software as a better solution, and then offer to install Wine. Opening a .doc file in open office should result in defaulting to saving in .doc format, and OOo already provides an explanatory "microsoft format document files aren't very open, are you sure you want to save in that format" message.

Written by tchalvakspam the 23 Jan 09 at 18:40.

The "Add/Remove Software" concept has been polluted by windows' horrible non-open-repository methods of dealing with installation.
In windows, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ONLY-REMOVE-SOFTWARE-HERE.
In ubuntu, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ADD-99999-DIFFERENT-APPLICATIONS-HERE. (Personally I rarely if ever bother to even uninstall software, since there is rarely any disadvantage to having it lying around dormant, a major contrast with Windows).

The ability to add free applications in a few clicks is the BIGGEST advantage of Ubuntu, but it is under-emphasized and under-promoted.

Making this ability a more obvious and clearly different-from-windows feature of Ubuntu would be an all-around win.

The "Add/Remove Software" concept has been polluted by windows' horrible non-open-repository methods of dealing with installation. In windows, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ONLY-REMOVE-SOFTWARE-HERE. In ubuntu, Add/Remove Software effectively means: YOU-CAN-ADD-99999-DIFFERENT-APPLICATIONS-HERE. (Personally I rarely if ever bother to even uninstall software, since there is rarely any disadvantage to having it lying around dormant, a major contrast with Windows). The ability to add free applications in a few clicks is the BIGGEST advantage of Ubuntu, but it is under-emphasized and under-promoted. Making this ability a more obvious and clearly different-from-windows feature of Ubuntu would be an all-around win.

Written by JoeLeKiffeur the 29 Jan 09 at 01:51.

(My English level is not very good)

1) Many beginners in the world of GNU/Linux think Ubuntu is not difficult to understand the GUI, but can be lost by a lack of documentation. I note that there are too much GUI softwares doesn't have help, or haven't the famous F1 shortcut.

2) Windows Vista have a great search feature in documentation pages. This feature can search documentation in all pages of all softwares I think. We can't waste our time with this help system.

3) A general tutorial icon in the desktop could be a good solution because beginners could find many informations about how works the system, and how to be helped offline (Linuxian must be easily helped despite internet connexions problems).

(My English level is not very good) 1) Many beginners in the world of GNU/Linux think Ubuntu is not difficult to understand the GUI, but can be lost by a lack of documentation. I note that there are too much GUI softwares doesn't have help, or haven't the famous F1 shortcut. 2) Windows Vista have a great search feature in documentation pages. This feature can search documentation in all pages of all softwares I think. We can't waste our time with this help system. 3) A general tutorial icon in the desktop could be a good solution because beginners could find many informations about how works the system, and how to be helped offline (Linuxian must be easily helped despite internet connexions problems).

Written by Warbo the 29 Jan 09 at 22:12.

The Ubuntu help wiki (help.ubuntu.com and help.ubuntu.com/community) is a great resource for help.

Whilst forums and IRC are good for specific issues, they're not too good as a reference since you need to wade through everyone else's specific problems, and often don't find much reference-style documentation.

The Help Wiki is organised and categorised, constantly being updated and is an informative resource about the Ubuntu system.

I was tempted to say that only the networking pages should be packaged, to help people get online and access the rest, but that's rather elitist since not everyone has Internet access.

To keep size down only the latest revision is needed, only pages applying to default setups and common needs (ie. keep restricted formats installation instructions, don't need Enemy Territory installation instructions), only a static format is needed (ie. no Wiki software) and only those applying to the release of Ubuntu they're packaged for are needed. This should be a reasonable size when compressed with 7zip.

The Ubuntu help wiki (help.ubuntu.com and help.ubuntu.com/community) is a great resource for help. Whilst forums and IRC are good for specific issues, they're not too good as a reference since you need to wade through everyone else's specific problems, and often don't find much reference-style documentation. The Help Wiki is organised and categorised, constantly being updated and is an informative resource about the Ubuntu system. I was tempted to say that only the networking pages should be packaged, to help people get online and access the rest, but that's rather elitist since not everyone has Internet access. To keep size down only the latest revision is needed, only pages applying to default setups and common needs (ie. keep restricted formats installation instructions, don't need Enemy Territory installation instructions), only a static format is needed (ie. no Wiki software) and only those applying to the release of Ubuntu they're packaged for are needed. This should be a reasonable size when compressed with 7zip.

Written by tn071280 the 3 Feb 09 at 12:32.

On the top panel there should be a quick lanch of an irq client. At the first time it should open a wizard that aid users to configure the right channel (distro and language).

On the top panel there should be a quick lanch of an irq client. At the first time it should open a wizard that aid users to configure the right channel (distro and language).

Written by gcbzzzz the 4 Feb 09 at 02:05.

Teaching the user that linux you can't break anything like windows (flashing registry edit warnings), and it's all just a bunch of simple text files, will make more good then an introduction that 110% of the experienced users will just curse to death every time.

Makes every GUI app tells what it's doing. Or at least put help button near the action that tells how/what it's doing.

Something like gparted does with file/device names and commands would be awesome.

E.g. network manager, it should at least mention that when you add a interface there, you are adding a couple of lines to /etc/network/interfaces. Who here knows that? I only know because i used older distros. The point is, if the user wants to do something that does not have a visible button, he will panic. knowing the files help him search online.

Teaching the user that linux you can't break anything like windows (flashing registry edit warnings), and it's all just a bunch of simple text files, will make more good then an introduction that 110% of the experienced users will just curse to death every time. Makes every GUI app tells what it's doing. Or at least put help button near the action that tells how/what it's doing. Something like gparted does with file/device names and commands would be awesome. E.g. network manager, it should at least mention that when you add a interface there, you are adding a couple of lines to /etc/network/interfaces. Who here knows that? I only know because i used older distros. The point is, if the user wants to do something that does not have a visible button, he will panic. knowing the files help him search online.

Written by nloewen the 11 Feb 09 at 23:47.

As part of the solution, there should be a utility were a user can search for different hardware that they are thinking about buying. with different categories for printers, scanners, wireless cards, etc. It should tell the user weather the hardware will be automatically detected, needs to be set up, needs some form of windows driver, needs a driver available from the manufacturers web sight, is not supported, etc. and should give instructions on how to set it up. This would be extremely helpful for the new user who doesn't know what hardware to buy or how to set it up in ubuntu.

As part of the solution, there should be a utility were a user can search for different hardware that they are thinking about buying. with different categories for printers, scanners, wireless cards, etc. It should tell the user weather the hardware will be automatically detected, needs to be set up, needs some form of windows driver, needs a driver available from the manufacturers web sight, is not supported, etc. and should give instructions on how to set it up. This would be extremely helpful for the new user who doesn't know what hardware to buy or how to set it up in ubuntu.

Written by PC Expert 001 the 13 Feb 09 at 14:35.

Because of all the old computers out there, some people are repairing them to make a small profit. Because they can't spend $100s on Windows, as well as the compatibility issues with older systems, they look at Ubuntu to run them.

Because it is a good idea to test the computers, you need to be able to boot into the OS. But, because of an introduction, it would also have run and not played, so there should be an option that you can tell it to run the introduction on the next boot from in the OS.

Because of all the old computers out there, some people are repairing them to make a small profit. Because they can't spend $100s on Windows, as well as the compatibility issues with older systems, they look at Ubuntu to run them. Because it is a good idea to test the computers, you need to be able to boot into the OS. But, because of an introduction, it would also have run and not played, so there should be an option that you can tell it to run the introduction on the next boot from in the OS.

Written by jamessnell the 13 Feb 09 at 17:27.

There should be a basic integrated/offline tour feature intended to get users online & browsing.

Beyond that, there should be an interface/hooks in to the already well-established online documentation & user forms.

High-value documents need to be prioritised so the user has to dig deep to be exposed to untested or really convoluted solutions/instructions.

There should be a basic integrated/offline tour feature intended to get users online & browsing. Beyond that, there should be an interface/hooks in to the already well-established online documentation & user forms. High-value documents need to be prioritised so the user has to dig deep to be exposed to untested or really convoluted solutions/instructions.

Written by kazagistar the 13 Feb 09 at 22:23.

Add a button to the loading bar of the installation. If the user wants, while they are waiting for their computer to be installed, they can watch some videos and read about exactly what they are getting into. It sure beats watching a bar slowly move forward, and is a much more elegant and seamless experience.

Add a button to the loading bar of the installation. If the user wants, while they are waiting for their computer to be installed, they can watch some videos and read about exactly what they are getting into. It sure beats watching a bar slowly move forward, and is a much more elegant and seamless experience.

Written by shane.halloran the 17 Feb 10 at 20:47.

I know it may sound too simple, but directly saying at the start of any tutorial "Ubuntu is better than Windows, here's why...", and then stating very clearly why, would be an effective approach to reducing the number of users switching-back to Windows.

Of course, factors such as security, speed, etc are mentioned.

I know it may sound too simple, but directly saying at the start of any tutorial "Ubuntu is better than Windows, here's why...", and then stating very clearly why, would be an effective approach to reducing the number of users switching-back to Windows. Of course, factors such as security, speed, etc are mentioned.

Written by baldurpet the 1 Apr 09 at 20:12.

A lot of people multi-monitor these days, but Ubuntu doesn't even have one dual-monitor wallpaper so if you're a brand new Ubuntu user with two (or heaven forbids, three) monitors the first thing you'd have to do would be to go on the Internet and search for some multi-screen wallpapers.

Why not let the user assign one wallpaper to 'monitor #1', and another wallpaper to 'monitor #2'? It would be really easy to implement, but a great deal of help.

Do you know how annoying it is to put together you own dual-wallpaper in GIMP for two screens with resolutions that don't match? And what are you going to do when you want to change the wallpaper on one monitor? It takes way too much time.

A lot of people multi-monitor these days, but Ubuntu doesn't even have one dual-monitor wallpaper so if you're a brand new Ubuntu user with two (or heaven forbids, three) monitors the first thing you'd have to do would be to go on the Internet and search for some multi-screen wallpapers. Why not let the user assign one wallpaper to 'monitor #1', and another wallpaper to 'monitor #2'? It would be really easy to implement, but a great deal of help. Do you know how annoying it is to put together you own dual-wallpaper in GIMP for two screens with resolutions that don't match? And what are you going to do when you want to change the wallpaper on one monitor? It takes way too much time.

Written by baldurpet the 1 Apr 09 at 20:19.

I often find wallpapers that don't fit my monitor. Fiddling with the wallpaper "styles" (i.e. "fill screen", "centered" etc.) often fixes this problem but not always.

This one is simple. Just give users a simple built-in photo editing tool (kind of like what Emesene has when adding a new display picture) that lets the user take the wallpaper, rotate it, crop it and zoom it in and out. If you would just make a add a simple button ("_Adjust image") this would turn out to be very helpful to those that need it, and very non-intrusive to those that don't.

I often find wallpapers that don't fit my monitor. Fiddling with the wallpaper "styles" (i.e. "fill screen", "centered" etc.) often fixes this problem but not always. This one is simple. Just give users a simple built-in photo editing tool (kind of like what Emesene has when adding a new display picture) that lets the user take the wallpaper, rotate it, crop it and zoom it in and out. If you would just make a add a simple button ("_Adjust image") this would turn out to be very helpful to those that need it, and very non-intrusive to those that don't.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 2 Apr 09 at 18:45.

Add a "teak this wallpaper" button (similar to #2), that opens F-Post or something similar that does simple tweaking (color, lighting, contrast, crop, resize, etc).

I see no reason to write a whole new app when there are plenty already at our disposal.

Add a "teak this wallpaper" button (similar to #2), that opens F-Post or something similar that does simple tweaking (color, lighting, contrast, crop, resize, etc). I see no reason to write a whole new app when there are plenty already at our disposal.

Written by slsolaris the 5 Apr 09 at 02:55.

so gnome can use a random image from a folder you specify.
this should be under appearance preferences, under background tab.

so gnome can use a random image from a folder you specify. this should be under appearance preferences, under background tab.

Written by blazemore the 6 Apr 09 at 19:55.

Loads of people want a different background on each face of the Compiz Cube, but at the moment it's really difficult to do.

Loads of people want a different background on each face of the Compiz Cube, but at the moment it's really difficult to do.

Written by jamesisin the 7 Apr 09 at 02:18.

DoctorMO built a wallpaper changer for Gnome:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=888746

(Broken with 8.10 but DoctorMO reports it is now fixed.)

If this, or a modified version thereof, could be added...

Excellent.

DoctorMO built a wallpaper changer for Gnome: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=888746 (Broken with 8.10 but DoctorMO reports it is now fixed.) If this, or a modified version thereof, could be added... Excellent.

Written by sanketmedhi the 7 Apr 09 at 12:44.

Add functionality to assign a different wallpaper to every screen/monitor and also show the screen/monitor number for a few seconds when user switches to a particular screen. This feature will be most useful when using a desktop cube. With cube numbers, you can easily remember what windows/apps you have stored on that cube.

Add functionality to assign a different wallpaper to every screen/monitor and also show the screen/monitor number for a few seconds when user switches to a particular screen. This feature will be most useful when using a desktop cube. With cube numbers, you can easily remember what windows/apps you have stored on that cube.

Written by sandrex the 8 Apr 09 at 03:07.

I saw this idea in a page posted in other thread.
Just an optional dock.
The link of it is:
http://www.kumailht.com/blog/linux/10-features-ubuntu-should-implement/

I saw this idea in a page posted in other thread. Just an optional dock. The link of it is: http://www.kumailht.com/blog/linux/10-features-ubuntu-should-implement/

Written by smkururu the 11 Apr 09 at 07:20.

Just like Solution #8 but this one is more like in openSUSE, where the wallpaper support xml files and ablity to change the wallpaper depending the system time (smooth transition)

Just like Solution #8 but this one is more like in openSUSE, where the wallpaper support xml files and ablity to change the wallpaper depending the system time (smooth transition)

Written by zviad the 11 Apr 09 at 07:51.

Provide a checkbox such that, when checked, the resizing (fill screen, etc) are done with respect to the actual desktop you see, e.g., the whole screen minus the panels not auto-hiding.

Provide a checkbox such that, when checked, the resizing (fill screen, etc) are done with respect to the actual desktop you see, e.g., the whole screen minus the panels not auto-hiding.

Written by Valsodarg the 11 Apr 09 at 19:26.

An application called wallpaper-tray performs all of the bellow:
*Change Wallpaper at login
*Change Wallpaper at random time interval
*Change Wallpaper from a set of directories
*Able to fit the wallpaper according to user's desire (zoom, tile, centre, etc).
*Has a tray icon that displays the wallpaper currently used
*Advances the wallpaper when the user clicks the tray icon
*low memory usage

This application suits most concerns raised here, and can easily be installed/added to the gnome interface. It is simple enough to learn and use.

An application called wallpaper-tray performs all of the bellow: *Change Wallpaper at login *Change Wallpaper at random time interval *Change Wallpaper from a set of directories *Able to fit the wallpaper according to user's desire (zoom, tile, centre, etc). *Has a tray icon that displays the wallpaper currently used *Advances the wallpaper when the user clicks the tray icon *low memory usage This application suits most concerns raised here, and can easily be installed/added to the gnome interface. It is simple enough to learn and use.

Written by jhuni the 12 Apr 09 at 23:57.

On gnome-look there is wallpapers in all sorts of sizes that are .png and half of them don't look good on my 1680x1050 screen resolution. We should use SVG for wallpapers and make a common website for them so that you don't have to go to multiple places like:

http://www.gnome-look.org/index.php?xcontentmode=179
http://www.kde-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=new&page=0&xcontentmode=7

Wallpapers are stored in the same format regardless of Desktop environment so why not have some unity?

On gnome-look there is wallpapers in all sorts of sizes that are .png and half of them don't look good on my 1680x1050 screen resolution. We should use SVG for wallpapers and make a common website for them so that you don't have to go to multiple places like: http://www.gnome-look.org/index.php?xcontentmode=179 http://www.kde-look.org/index.php?xsortmode=new&page=0&xcontentmode=7 Wallpapers are stored in the same format regardless of Desktop environment so why not have some unity?

Written by chappell101 the 20 Apr 09 at 15:46.

The desktop background turns into an Ubuntu branded informative calender,clock,lunar calender ect. updating each minute to show the actual time without changing any of its functionality like with other desktop enhancements.
It doesn't require any 3d acceleration or waste system resources making pointless pretty patterns but actually showing something useful.
This is something I'm yet to see by default in any other OS making Ubuntu actually implement something new again.

Screenlets Website http://www.screenlets.org/index.php/Home
Wallpaper Clock Screenlet http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php?content=66717
How to make a Wallpaper clock if someone wants to make an Ubuntu version! http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpaperclock_create/
Gallery Of Wallpaper Clocks ready to use If you don't want to make your own http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpaperclock/

The desktop background turns into an Ubuntu branded informative calender,clock,lunar calender ect. updating each minute to show the actual time without changing any of its functionality like with other desktop enhancements. It doesn't require any 3d acceleration or waste system resources making pointless pretty patterns but actually showing something useful. This is something I'm yet to see by default in any other OS making Ubuntu actually implement something new again. Screenlets Website http://www.screenlets.org/index.php/Home Wallpaper Clock Screenlet http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php?content=66717 How to make a Wallpaper clock if someone wants to make an Ubuntu version! http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpaperclock_create/ Gallery Of Wallpaper Clocks ready to use If you don't want to make your own http://www.vladstudio.com/wallpaperclock/ <a href="http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4604/preview800x600.jpg"><img src="http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4604/preview800x600.th.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3919/preview800x600t.jpg"><img src="http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3919/preview800x600t.th.jpg" /></a>

Written by fhteagle the 21 Apr 09 at 23:15.

I set my desktop to get a realtime day/night and satellite cloudmap from die.net every 30 minutes. Required a bash script and cron job to make it work. Yeah, I had fun programming it, but most people will not enjoy this. Simply adding a path box that accepts valid URLs and a "number of seconds/minutes between updates" widget would make this cake for newer users.

I set my desktop to get a realtime day/night and satellite cloudmap from die.net every 30 minutes. Required a bash script and cron job to make it work. Yeah, I had fun programming it, but most people will not enjoy this. Simply adding a path box that accepts valid URLs and a "number of seconds/minutes between updates" widget would make this cake for newer users.

Written by smkururu the 22 Apr 09 at 15:57.

Like solution #13 but instead, it use swf files.

Like solution #13 but instead, it use swf files.

Written by guywithcable the 23 Apr 09 at 05:47.

Include XML-Wall, or put it in a repository. It uses Gnome's built in wallpaper changing feature. It makes it much easier to make Gnome XML wallpaper files.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=798634&page=3#30

Include XML-Wall, or put it in a repository. It uses Gnome's built in wallpaper changing feature. It makes it much easier to make Gnome XML wallpaper files. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=798634&page=3#30

Written by kidmodify the 23 Apr 09 at 23:08.

Make it possible to use a video file as the background.
examples of this could be...
A field with prairie grass blowing in the wind.
The shore of a beach.
Seaweed moving under water(this may make you seasick)
Fish swimming in a tank.
Something like the Plasma screen-saver(slowed down so you hardly notice it's moving)

Make it possible to use a video file as the background. examples of this could be... A field with prairie grass blowing in the wind. The shore of a beach. Seaweed moving under water(this may make you seasick) Fish swimming in a tank. Something like the Plasma screen-saver(slowed down so you hardly notice it's moving)

Written by chrisbuchholz the 27 Apr 09 at 08:46.

Make it possible to subscribe to a folder, so any new picture put in the folder, will get added in the wallpaper-chooser. Subscribing to a folder would also be great if such feature as having GNOME to randomly change your wallpaper every X minute would be implemented, so you wouldn't have to add the picture to both the folder and the wallpaper-chooser.

Make it possible to subscribe to a folder, so any new picture put in the folder, will get added in the wallpaper-chooser. Subscribing to a folder would also be great if such feature as having GNOME to randomly change your wallpaper every X minute would be implemented, so you wouldn't have to add the picture to both the folder and the wallpaper-chooser.

Written by badp the 29 Apr 09 at 16:14.

Have the same image stretch over the multiple desktops, regardless or whether they are virtual or real.

For example, with a compiz cube configuration and a 1280x1024 desktop, you would "just" need have a 5120x1024 image. With current storage and memory availability, the only problem should be finding a (good) 5120x1024 image... or just choose an .svg image.

Have the same image stretch over the multiple desktops, regardless or whether they are virtual or real. For example, with a compiz cube configuration and a 1280x1024 desktop, you would "just" need have a 5120x1024 image. With current storage and memory availability, the only problem should be finding a (good) 5120x1024 image... or just choose an .svg image.

Written by ZeXr0 the 1 May 09 at 17:33.

In the photo booth software, if the picture you have is not the same size that the format you selected, you can move a rectangle on the picture to select that you want to show on the picture.

In that case let's say I have a 1024*768 Wallpaper, and that my resolution is 800*600. I could select which part of the picture I want to show, or I can zoom in or zoom out to select exactly what I want to show.

I think that facebook use the same thing with the profile picture.

In the photo booth software, if the picture you have is not the same size that the format you selected, you can move a rectangle on the picture to select that you want to show on the picture. In that case let's say I have a 1024*768 Wallpaper, and that my resolution is 800*600. I could select which part of the picture I want to show, or I can zoom in or zoom out to select exactly what I want to show. I think that facebook use the same thing with the profile picture.

Written by Haku the 1 Apr 09 at 12:08.

Fade down all the ambient to focus on dialog. Something like ADD Helper in Compiz do or when an administrative password is required.

Without fading


With fading

Fade down all the ambient to focus on dialog. Something like ADD Helper in Compiz do or when an administrative password is required. Without fading <img src="http://www.l2image.com/images/2qk5yn2s8dv00lxfs.gif" border="0" alt="Without fading" /> With fading <img src="http://www.l2image.com/images/la3c78t3ntjem4yt6go.gif" border="0" alt="With fading" />

Written by robertjlee the 1 Apr 09 at 17:56.

The ambiant focus could be faded down smoothly as the time runs out, increasingly drawing the user's attention to the dialog.

This would be less intrusive than #1, and allow the user to more easily finish whatever they're doing, save work etc. when the dialog appears before the screen became too dark to use

The ambiant focus could be faded down smoothly as the time runs out, increasingly drawing the user's attention to the dialog. This would be less intrusive than #1, and allow the user to more easily finish whatever they're doing, save work etc. when the dialog appears before the screen became too dark to use

Written by sandrex the 7 Apr 09 at 13:42.

I liked it, but Compiz is actually the 3d desktop for linux.
Then I think this should be propose to compiz developers.
Let Compiz do this.

I liked it, but Compiz is actually the 3d desktop for linux. Then I think this should be propose to compiz developers. Let Compiz do this.

Written by ricardisimo the 7 May 09 at 09:25.

Some faux bossa nova cheese or Muzak would be perfect for the timed logout. The first minute of All Natural Lemon and Lime Flavors' "Spin Cycle" is my first choice. Once that particular joke starts to wear on you, just plug in some modal jazz or baroque piano piece.

Some faux bossa nova cheese or Muzak would be perfect for the timed logout. The first minute of All Natural Lemon and Lime Flavors' "Spin Cycle" is my first choice. Once that particular joke starts to wear on you, just plug in some modal jazz or baroque piano piece.

Written by nitrofurano the 6 Oct 08 at 14:51.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #14131 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #14131 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by ilembitov the 29 Nov 08 at 22:59.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #16071 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #16071 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by fizywelko the 26 Mar 11 at 13:29.

This list exists it's an applet for the gnome panel. that shows every window.
why not.

This list exists it's an applet for the gnome panel. that shows every window. why not. <a href="http://www.heartattackgo.net/>heart attack</a> <a href="http://www.heartattackgo.net/">heart failure</a> <a href="http://www.heartattackgo.net/">heart disease</a> <a href="http://www.abdominalpaingo.com/">abdominal pain</a> <a href="http://www.inspirationalquotesonlife.org/">inspirational quotes</a> <a href="http://www.inspirationalquotesonlife.org/">life quotes</a>

Written by trustno1uk the 16 Mar 09 at 20:43.

Some users don’t care about emptying their thrash and also use it as another folder at times, this will remind them to empty it.



I know Linux does not need fragmenting but the other stuff looks pretty nice.



REF: http://www.kumailht.com/blog/linux/10-features-ubuntu-should-implement/

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4058460858_21057bd846_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> Some users don’t care about emptying their thrash and also use it as another folder at times, this will remind them to empty it. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4057721107_b7cd537c52_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> I know Linux does not need fragmenting but the other stuff looks pretty nice. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4057721169_d6dbc7f418_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"> REF: http://www.kumailht.com/blog/linux/10-features-ubuntu-should-implement/

Written by 311005901 the 21 Mar 09 at 20:39.

HIG addresses this issue. Take a look over at the GNOME website.

HIG addresses this issue. Take a look over at the <a href="http://library.gnome.org/devel/hig-book/stable/icons.html.en">GNOME website</a>.

Written by codexx the 1 Apr 09 at 06:20.

Here is a quote of an animated icon guideline (note the "not usually" part)- i don't think users would want hundreds of animated icons that mean nothing...they should have a useful function (such as the OP showed).

----- From HIG section of Solution #2 website
2.4.3. Animation
Guidelines

* Icons should not usually appear animated. They may change to indicate a change of state, but should not do so when that change is occurs regularly rapidly. A battery status indicator would usually change slowly, therefore an icon is appropriate. By contrast, a load meter would always be changing, therefore it should use a flat image.

-----
Caveat: That quote above applied to Status notification zone

Here is a quote of an animated icon guideline (note the "not usually" part)- i don't think users would want hundreds of animated icons that mean nothing...they should have a useful function (such as the OP showed). ----- From HIG section of Solution #2 website 2.4.3. Animation Guidelines * Icons should not usually appear animated. They may change to indicate a change of state, but should not do so when that change is occurs regularly rapidly. A battery status indicator would usually change slowly, therefore an icon is appropriate. By contrast, a load meter would always be changing, therefore it should use a flat image. ----- Caveat: That quote above applied to Status notification zone

Written by barberio the 4 Apr 09 at 11:47.

There are several reasons not to have animated icons.

1) Performance Hit. Requires a process managing animation of icons, takes up additional graphics hardware resources.
2) Usability. Imagine a desktop presenting you with ten different icons, all animated, each changing what information it displays every second. This would increase visual clutter, and produce 'information overload'. It would give the appearance of lots of extra data, but wouldn't be 'at a glance' due to the amount of data competing for attention.
3) Accessibility. A step backwards by moving to something based solely on visual cues, with no way to enhance them for reduced vision users.
4) Multiplication of User Interfaces. This duplicates the intent of the Notification system, and taskbar 'widgets' and 'applets'. 'At a Glance Notification' should be restricted to these UI functions to minimize both user confusion and program design complexity.

While this idea is 'cool' and looks neat on paper, it doesn't bring a whole extra functionality to offset it's downsides.

There are several reasons not to have animated icons. 1) Performance Hit. Requires a process managing animation of icons, takes up additional graphics hardware resources. 2) Usability. Imagine a desktop presenting you with ten different icons, all animated, each changing what information it displays every second. This would increase visual clutter, and produce 'information overload'. It would give the appearance of lots of extra data, but wouldn't be 'at a glance' due to the amount of data competing for attention. 3) Accessibility. A step backwards by moving to something based solely on visual cues, with no way to enhance them for reduced vision users. 4) Multiplication of User Interfaces. This duplicates the intent of the Notification system, and taskbar 'widgets' and 'applets'. 'At a Glance Notification' should be restricted to these UI functions to minimize both user confusion and program design complexity. While this idea is 'cool' and looks neat on paper, it doesn't bring a whole extra functionality to offset it's downsides.

Written by Alexander the 7 Apr 09 at 21:25.

Just like the bootsplash-applications, the icons could be quick functions written in C. They could take a float from 0.0 to 1.0 and the image size as input and return an array of pixels. The functions could create vector graphics, load png's from elsewhere, load svg's from elsewhere or draw their own graphics from scratch. A well written function like this should be as quick as loading an image and quicker than using SVG-files.

Just like the bootsplash-applications, the icons could be quick functions written in C. They could take a float from 0.0 to 1.0 and the image size as input and return an array of pixels. The functions could create vector graphics, load png's from elsewhere, load svg's from elsewhere or draw their own graphics from scratch. A well written function like this should be as quick as loading an image and quicker than using SVG-files.

Written by eNz1m3 the 3 Jan 09 at 23:29.

A "mount anyway" button to show on the notification window.

This solution is not intended to be the most effective, but the quickest and easiest to do. And it is effective.

A "mount anyway" button to show on the notification window. This solution is not intended to be the most effective, but the quickest and easiest to do. And it is effective.

Written by eNz1m3 the 13 Jan 09 at 22:42.

by 3rdalbum on forum:

The device was unsafely removed from the last computer, or it may be corrupted. Always use the "Eject" or "Safely remove hardware" function of your operating system before unplugging storage devices, or it could lead to data corruption.

Do you want to try using anyway?
[OK] [Cancel]

by 3rdalbum on forum: The device was unsafely removed from the last computer, or it may be corrupted. Always use the "Eject" or "Safely remove hardware" function of your operating system before unplugging storage devices, or it could lead to data corruption. Do you want to try using anyway? [OK] [Cancel]

Written by doctormo the 15 Jan 09 at 03:05.

Hibernated drives and Uncleanly unmounted drives should be treated differently.

Uncleanly unmounted drives should always have the option of running fsck (or the graphical tools in it's place) to clean the drive of problems and then to mount read/write.

Hibernated drives need to be detected and only mounted as read only. We may want to add a description of the reason why it's mounted read only, in either an alert and/or in a nautilus info bar.

Hibernated drives and Uncleanly unmounted drives should be treated differently. Uncleanly unmounted drives should always have the option of running fsck (or the graphical tools in it's place) to clean the drive of problems and then to mount read/write. Hibernated drives need to be detected and only mounted as read only. We may want to add a description of the reason why it's mounted read only, in either an alert and/or in a nautilus info bar.

Written by eNz1m3 the 16 Jan 09 at 09:51.

suggested by: Gannon8

I would like a combination of solutions 2, 3, and 4. It is really annoying when I have to reboot to clear the partition dirty bit.

suggested by: Gannon8 I would like a combination of solutions 2, 3, and 4. It is really annoying when I have to reboot to clear the partition dirty bit.

Written by varrun89 the 14 May 09 at 13:01.

When a improper shutdown is detected there could be 2 options
1.Have "Force mount" Option wich forces the disk to mount also have warning if corruption-seldom happens

2.Have Option "Check Disk " running a disk Check tool
a.If tool exists run it
b.Else ask to download through synaptic apt-get install ...
3."Do Nothing"

When a improper shutdown is detected there could be 2 options 1.Have "Force mount" Option wich forces the disk to mount also have warning if corruption-seldom happens 2.Have Option "Check Disk " running a disk Check tool a.If tool exists run it b.Else ask to download through synaptic apt-get install ... 3."Do Nothing"

Written by Seph_VII the 26 Nov 08 at 12:39.

Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #15988 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

<i>Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #15988 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution.</i><br /> Thanks!

Written by bigfox the 22 May 09 at 20:40.

In the Trackpad tab inside the Mouse Preferences panel have an option to disable the trackpad if a mouse is connected.

In the Trackpad tab inside the Mouse Preferences panel have an option to disable the trackpad if a mouse is connected.

Written by Akerbos the 26 May 09 at 07:57.

Listen for key presses and find out if the user is typing (that would many many presses of letter keys in short succession) and turn of the trackpad then. If no key is pressed for a time, turn it on again. Perhaps excessive action on the trackpad (moving a finger around, triple click) could activate it prematurely.

For a more sophisticated solution, recognize the typing speed and duration and allow longer pauses if the user types slower or long in one run assuming that he is either slow at all or writing a long text, not wanting to use the mouse soon.

Of course, holding a key cannot count as typing. Otherwise, Combined mouse+keyboard actions are impossible. Cannot think of any situations while you would need to type and move your cursion at once.

Listen for key presses and find out if the user is typing (that would many many presses of letter keys in short succession) and turn of the trackpad then. If no key is pressed for a time, turn it on again. Perhaps excessive action on the trackpad (moving a finger around, triple click) could activate it prematurely. For a more sophisticated solution, recognize the typing speed and duration and allow longer pauses if the user types slower or long in one run assuming that he is either slow at all or writing a long text, not wanting to use the mouse soon. Of course, holding a key cannot count as typing. Otherwise, Combined mouse+keyboard actions are impossible. Cannot think of any situations while you would need to type and move your cursion at once.

Written by ratdude747 the 20 Jun 09 at 04:30.

modification: add it as a mouse option, also include better support for trackpads (no tab appears for my eee-pc 1000he) an

modification: add it as a mouse option, also include better support for trackpads (no tab appears for my eee-pc 1000he) an