We’re just a few days away from the Ubuntu 8.10 launch on the 30th, but it doesn’t look that impressive at first glance. Of course, it’s a mature operating system and changes are usually incremental – but was there more that could be done?
In this article we’re going through 7 most requested Ubuntu features that didn’t make the cut in this release.
1. A better User Interface
As it is, Ubuntu is a great operating system, it’s based on the Unix core, it’s stable, lightweight, secure, we all know that list of features, that’s why we love Ubuntu.
But, imagine what a better interface would do for Ubuntu, something sexy and usable, while maintaining the low system requirements – a big stepping stone on the way to beat Mac and Windows and reach through to the home users.
We really have to create something better in order to persuade the average Joe, which doesn’t quite grasp the ‘under the hood’ advantages of Ubuntu.
And it wouldn’t be a very complicated task, we already have all the basics in place: Compiz for effects, screenlets and a great array of dock applications. There are all these tutorials out there written by Ubuntu users customizing their box – what would it take to integrate that into the default install?
Let’s keep it simple and beautiful.
‘I would love it if these designs received some serious consideration, Ubuntu appears to be just content to settle for the poor and unattractive orange designs. Whilst the current Ubuntu designs have worked until now, if we want to extent the appeal a real rethink and transformation needs to be undertaken. I will add commentaries to each design in due course. Stand by!’ – by willwill100
Another great proposal is the Dust Theme:
And it still remains lightweight, the author says:
No custom software. It has to use an established GTK engine. This one is made with the Aurora GTK engine in mind, which sports a very polished look.
2. An unified Hardware Driver Database
Searching the forums and scavenging sourceforge for source code is not a great experience when you’re looking for a scanner driver.
We need a central repository or a download site that aggregates stuff like custom madwifi releases and kernel patches; stuff like the Atheros E5007EG in the Asus EEE, doesn’t work out of the box and a user should be able to take a trip to a central site that explains what he needs to do and provides the necessary files.
Webcams, card readers, USB gizmos – someone probably wrote a driver – the real challenge is finding them.
3. Out of the box end-user Goodness
Please, don’t make us sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras . We all want flash, java and mp3 playback, do we really have to ask for it? Pretty please?
Taking a look at gOS3 the other day, I thought Ubuntu should really consider at integrating useful consumer oriented applications: goodness out of the box. Stuff like Skype, Wine (the windows app emulator), and Picasa (Google’s photo management software) should be preinstalled. Why? Because they’re extremely useful and make a big difference to the end user; it’s just there.
While I may get some haters on my back for saying this, Picasa for Linux is a lot better than F-Spot and so is Google Desktop compared to Tracker.
I know, it’s a compromise, and I don’t like closed source either, but ultimately it’s about offering the best experience to the user, right?
And I don’t mean dropping off the ‘clean’ image – just create a spin-off that includes all this useful stuff.
4. Multi-monitor?
Don’t worry, that is how my setup looks in my dreams. I’m running on a 15 inch Acer with some pretty crappy specs. Photo courtesy of totalAldo.
How about decent multi-monitor support? The kind that’s easy to configure and actually works. Dragging an app on the second monitor and maximizing it shouldn’t be that hard to implement – and it’s a deal breaker for someone who needs to keep an eye on more than one thing at a time(like CNN and the stock monitoring software).
5. Power (non)management
How about some power management? Admittedly there’s been some progress in this area, but it’s still rather limited, and, since the world is rapidly moving to more mobility centered devices, it should be a big bullet point on that feature sheet.
6. A sound engine that works
Don’t ask how many hours I spent trying to get 5.1 sound of Ubuntu using the Realtek ALC883. ALSA, PulseAudio, name your sound server here, are all pretty crappy. Not to mention that it’s a royal pain when the whole system locks up with PulseAudio using 99% of the resources playing a MIDI file.
7. Reader’s choice
It’s your turn; what is bugging you in Ubuntu, what would you want to be changed? Tell us in the comments. Who knows, maybe some developers will see this article, your requests, and actually implement them.
Conclusion
I love Ubuntu, and that’s why I think it should and can be better. And I love that every one of us can give a hand and shape the future of their operating system. That’s the genius of open source and Ubuntu, and that’s why it will ultimately wash the floor with everyone else.
Even as it is now, Ubuntu is the premier operating system, and trading security and reliability for a lousy sound engine is a no-brainer for me.
me
October 22, 2008
while presintalled software is ok…. you have to be able to draw the line somewhere before you get into the “bloatware” stage. i personally wouldnt have any necessity for skype, wine or picasa pre-installed, as i use alternative programs that in my opinion are better.
its all based on the individual user and their need. what does need to be done is easier access to installing and updating the programs/drivers
Paul
October 22, 2008
Regarding point 3, they can’t ship the closed source stuff out of the box because they don’t have the legal clearance to do so.
phil
October 22, 2008
Well said. I completely agree with you on all fronts. Now is an excellent time for Ubuntu to extend its offering to the average user. Ubuntu is well publicised, well accepted as a viable alternative and stable.
So often you hear the ‘user experience’ as an advantage of OS X, and I agree. Ubuntu has all the necessary components to really improve the user experience.
Your mock ups are beautiful. Oh how wonderful ubuntu could be made with some subtle effects and opaque menu bars.
viva le interface design!
michael
October 22, 2008
I like the dust theme and some of the other stuff, but as for Picasa, Skype, and WINE, I disagree. I don’t use them, and if Ubuntu starts including that sort of thing, down the road it could just lead to bloatware. For now I like the included programs. I agree that the restricted extras thing is annoying, but is it necessary? I don’t know for sure, but I’d imagine that it’s there for legal purposes…
Alistair R
October 22, 2008
In terms of making things work out of the box — even if it means using closed source software — you should take a look at Mint Linux. They’re based on Ubuntu, use the same software repositories but are more focused on the end-user. It comes with lots of wifi drivers and DVD playback libraries. It’s third on Distrowatch at the moment.
If you want to see ideas that people are suggesting for Ubuntu, you should definitely check out http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com .
You should elaborate more upon your ideas for a centralised hardware driver database — you’re a bit too vague about it in this post!
Garrett
October 22, 2008
Yeah, some of this I agree with. Especially the sound system point.
But, I’m waiting to see a couple of recent reviews. Until then, we’ve got to hope that Ubuntu can have another great release.
Colin Dean
October 22, 2008
I’m with you on all but #3. There’s legal issues there. These are things which Canonical simply does not yet have the resources to address. Mucking through patent law in the US alone requires a team of lawyers. Canonical would have to be able to fund an incalculable number of licenses for the proprietary codecs–something which is cannot financially support as an economical business decision.
I would, however, love to see Canonical add another repository where users could legally purchase the codecs if they so desire. It would of course be accompanied with an explanation of why such a thing is necessary.
Canonical could do a much better job educating Ubuntu users on why these proprietary codecs aren’t installed by default, perhaps teaching the users a little bit about patent law and offering its view on why software patents are bad news.
Skype and Picasa cannot be included by default for similar reasons: they’re not open source and they’re probably encumbered by patents, too. However, I think it would behoove Google and Skype to ask Canonical (or vice versa) to include these applications in Canonical’s partner repositories.
Will Harris
October 22, 2008
I totally agree on all of the above. Ubuntu is closer to a Windows killer than it has ever been. With hardware support, a new sexy UI (by default) and more mainstream apps, there would never be a reason to stick with Windows!
Brendan Paradis
October 22, 2008
I think that this article was pretty well written. The fact that the author goes over his feelings towards the operating system at the article helps to reinforce the point that he means these points in a positive and constructive way.
Christopher
October 22, 2008
I’m pretty sure putting mp3 Flash “out of the box” is not because of legal reasons, probably similair legal reasons that force audacity users to download LAME seperately.
Otherwise, hear, hear! The dust theme is fantastic.
Brendan Paradis
October 22, 2008
A little question though: What is the theme and (if any) customizations on the first 2 screenshots?
Kevin W
October 22, 2008
Hopefully Ibex brings with a faster bootup time
David
October 22, 2008
What is the first theme/icon set/GDM show in this article? I would really appreciate knowing. Thanks!
larry
October 22, 2008
I agree with everything but 3. The main ideaology behind ubuntu is that it will always be free. All the software/codecs/plugins have somewhat fuzzy license agreements. I will say this. A button that you click that says “YEA DUDE I’M IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS” would be excellent.
Nish
October 22, 2008
GNU – GNU’s Not Unix
simon
October 22, 2008
First off, I’ve got to agree with you about multi-monitor support. I’m only running two monitors right now, and though I’ve got everything (mostly) how I want. It wasn’t easy getting it there. My biggest pet peeve is wallpaper support(or lack thereof)for separate screens.
I haven’t had any issues maximizing on the second screen, but I’m running Xinerama instead of TwinView. At least I was before my Linux drive crapped out on me and I had to switch back to XP. No point buying a new drive; the whole PC needs replaced, which I don’t have the money for right now.
I don’t agree that they should include closed source goodies, but they should make it a lot easier to get them. Just add a link to the desktop that says click here to install flash, java, mp3 support, etc. Have that pop up a disclaimer that explains (in plain english) what each does and why they might be needed.
The driver database sounds like a good idea too. I was lucky enough not to have any problems on this machine, but problems with a network driver turned me off Linux for a couple years when I was younger. I am now older, and wiser, and more than capable of getting a computer to do what I want. But neophytes don’t want to build a driver from source just to check their email.
Jebus
October 22, 2008
Some of these are somewhat impractical:
1. This theme is not technically possible, and seems to have been designed by someone who does not know much about theming GTK2. Dust is a real theme, though.
3. ubuntu-restricted-extras cannot be included for legal reasons.
4. Multi-monitor is a current limitation of the X Server, and is just about completely upstream from ubuntu.
5. Power management is mostly up to the kernel, something that ubuntu traditionally doesn’t do a lot of development work on.
6. Pulse Audio is supposed to *be* the sound engine that works, but its brand new in 8.04, and the shift to it has been a little rocky so far.
Talking Head
October 22, 2008
Totally agreed that Linux needs something “big”. I haven’t used Linux much, but mainly because when I have used it I don’t see the value proposition. True it’s more stable, more customizable, but I want something that just works. My suggestion is for Linux to move toward a multi-touch interface. This would be the opening that Linux could employ to leap frog Windows and Apple. Granted I know the those two are working on this already, but if Linux could come out with a multi touch interface at the same time as Microsoft and Apple it’d be huge. Everyone would have to relearn a touch screen interface to some extent, and if Linux has a compelling product that’s free that could cut into both Apple and Microsoft’s market share. Maybe I’m looking too far foward, but I’ve always thought that in addition to making Linux more usable for the layman in general that the opportunity for a game changer would be a fluid multi-touch experience.
Snappy
October 22, 2008
While Ubuntu is a far cry from the slaxware installation I experienced back in mid 90s, it still lacks basic hardware. By basic hardware support, I’m not saying that Ubuntu do not have driver support for 80% of the hardware. I think it probably cover like 85% to 90% of the useful hardware out there. It is the support for things like the following that is taken for granted in Windows XP but is absent in Ubuntu that irks me.
1. Synaptic install package
2. Standardized way of running apps
3. Hardware support
3.1 Mouse button support (beyond the three button and wheel)
3.2 Webcam support
3.3 Wifi password saving
1. Synaptic install package
This is by far a strength that makes Ubuntu and other linux distro a pleasure to use. But at the least, you may still need to go to the terminal and cut-paste some commands. Or you could run synaptic and go through the GUI and try to install.
How about having a tiny synaptic install file that defines
1. Repository settings
2. Package to be installed as per standard deb package
This would be like a meta file that just defines the above two info. Synaptic or apt-get should specify defaults for distro info unless the meta file overrides it. Loading it, synaptic should add in the repo locations, reload if necessary, and install the package. All done by downloading the meta file and double-clicking it through nautilus. Because it is a small meta file, it can be downloaded quickly for configuring synaptic, and starting up the download+install compared to manual config+download+install.
2. Standardized way of running apps
Some apps are binary, while others are scripts and then there are .run files, which are basically binaries. So you sometimes need to type sudo sh ./myscript.sh etc. All executables should have some default loader/executor that Ubuntu uses automagically without the user having to tell it. It is like double clicking at .com, .exe, .bat or .vbs file in WindowsXP. They would all work accordingly.
Granted, this may make it easy for users to accidentally run a script-virus, but that’s like saying that we should blunt all our knives so no one gets cut.
3. Hardware support
3.1 Mouse button support (beyond the three button and wheel)
In Hardy and below, btnx just works. By just works, I mean, you just include install btnx and configure the functions of each button the way you want it. The interface is as though you are doing it on Windows XP. Matter of fact, btnx allows me to remap tilt-wheel buttons on my Microsoft mouse when on Windows, there is no way to remap it to anything else! Kudos to btnx and its author!
Btnx should have been installed by default for easy config of mouse buttons. If the above package install meta file is implemented, then it is even easier.
In Intrepid, btnx will not work. And suddenly users are thrown back to the 90s to go figure out how to configure their mouse buttons. It is an irony that the same OS that gives you fancy 3D desktop if your hardware supports it, cannot easily let you configure and remap your mouse buttons.
3.2 Webcam support
Again, forums are plagued with cries for better webcam support.
Fortunately, there is this guy who wrote drivers for 235++ webcams.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2007/04/30/one-man-writes-linux-drivers-for-235-usb-webcams
http://mxhaard.free.fr/download.html
Heard that it is integrated into the kernel for Intrepid. Granted, webcam support had always been dodgy at best even in DOS & Windows. While we may bitch about Windows and DirectX, DX (and HAL) actually helped provide the much needed abstraction layer so that hardware drivers are written to fit into a standardized platform. Unfortunately, DX never quite define anything for webcams.
3.3 Wifi password saving
I only recently tried wifi, ‘cos I use Ubuntu as my office machine which has a UTP lan cable. Although I’ve tried 6.04 through 8.04, I’m rather surprised that in 2008, Hardy still fails to remember my wifi password properly. I tried out some tweaks and now it remembers, but network manager GUI (systray icon) decided to hide somewhere and now I cannot seem to locate it at all. Granted, I can surf the web, but goodness, how do I configure it?
It is 2008, and with Intrepid in a week+ time, Ubuntu and linux as a whole in not providing these functionalities that to me should be a given in any modern OS. Having a spiffy 3D desktop (Compiz) is nice, but only if the basics are taken care of already.
A Ferrari, Porche BMW is fancy, but I doubt they would sell anything if it cannot even deal with brakes or door handles.
akita16384
October 22, 2008
While Ubuntu is a far cry from the slaxware installation I experienced back in mid 90s, it still lacks basic hardware. By basic hardware support, I’m not saying that Ubuntu do not have driver support for 80% of the hardware. I think it probably cover like 85% to 90% of the useful hardware out there. It is the support for things like the following that is taken for granted in Windows XP but is absent in Ubuntu that irks me.
1. Synaptic install package
2. Standardized way of running apps
3. Hardware support
3.1 Mouse button support (beyond the three button and wheel)
3.2 Webcam support
3.3 Wifi password saving
1. Synaptic install package
This is by far a strength that makes Ubuntu and other linux distro a pleasure to use. But at the least, you may still need to go to the terminal and cut-paste some commands. Or you could run synaptic and go through the GUI and try to install.
How about having a tiny synaptic install file that defines
1. Repository settings
2. Package to be installed as per standard deb package
This would be like a meta file that just defines the above two info. Synaptic or apt-get should specify defaults for distro info unless the meta file overrides it. Loading it, synaptic should add in the repo locations, reload if necessary, and install the package. All done by downloading the meta file and double-clicking it through nautilus. Because it is a small meta file, it can be downloaded quickly for configuring synaptic, and starting up the download+install compared to manual config+download+install.
2. Standardized way of running apps
Some apps are binary, while others are scripts and then there are .run files, which are basically binaries. So you sometimes need to type sudo sh ./myscript.sh etc. All executables should have some default loader/executor that Ubuntu uses automagically without the user having to tell it. It is like double clicking at .com, .exe, .bat or .vbs file in WindowsXP. They would all work accordingly.
Granted, this may make it easy for users to accidentally run a script-virus, but that’s like saying that we should blunt all our knives so no one gets cut.
3. Hardware support
3.1 Mouse button support (beyond the three button and wheel)
In Hardy and below, btnx just works. By just works, I mean, you just include install btnx and configure the functions of each button the way you want it. The interface is as though you are doing it on Windows XP. Matter of fact, btnx allows me to remap tilt-wheel buttons on my Microsoft mouse when on Windows, there is no way to remap it to anything else! Kudos to btnx and its author!
Btnx should have been installed by default for easy config of mouse buttons. If the above package install meta file is implemented, then it is even easier.
In Intrepid, btnx will not work. And suddenly users are thrown back to the 90s to go figure out how to configure their mouse buttons. It is an irony that the same OS that gives you fancy 3D desktop if your hardware supports it, cannot easily let you configure and remap your mouse buttons.
3.2 Webcam support
Again, forums are plagued with cries for better webcam support.
Fortunately, there is this guy who wrote drivers for 235++ webcams.
http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2007/04/30/one-man-writes-linux-drivers-for-235-usb-webcams
http://mxhaard.free.fr/download.html
Heard that it is integrated into the kernel for Intrepid. Granted, webcam support had always been dodgy at best even in DOS & Windows. While we may bitch about Windows and DirectX, DX (and HAL) actually helped provide the much needed abstraction layer so that hardware drivers are written to fit into a standardized platform. Unfortunately, DX never quite define anything for webcams.
3.3 Wifi password saving
I only recently tried wifi, ‘cos I use Ubuntu as my office machine which has a UTP lan cable. Although I’ve tried 6.04 through 8.04, I’m rather surprised that in 2008, Hardy still fails to remember my wifi password properly. I tried out some tweaks and now it remembers, but network manager GUI (systray icon) decided to hide somewhere and now I cannot seem to locate it at all. Granted, I can surf the web, but goodness, how do I configure it?
It is 2008, and with Intrepid in a week+ time, Ubuntu and linux as a whole in not providing these functionalities that to me should be a given in any modern OS. Having a spiffy 3D desktop (Compiz) is nice, but only if the basics are taken care of already.
A Ferrari, Porche or BMW is fancy, but I doubt they would sell anything if it cannot even deal with brakes or door handles.
FizzleDizzle812
October 22, 2008
I want to see the sound fixed for good. “Better” bluetooth support. A better default network manager. Almost there Ubuntu! Ubuntu’s got the look. It’s just missing some fine trim in a few areas.
Julian
October 22, 2008
Including mp3, flash, or any proprietary codecs for that matter is not going to happen because it is simply illegal in some parts of the world without a paying royalties. This includes the United States, a huge market.
Canonical at least offers a way to get those codecs legally in those territories. You can by the Fluende Codec Pack in their online store, 30€ ($40) for all codecs. If people want change, they should either stop using proprietary software/codecs or get their country to drop support for all of those stupid software patents, and IP claims.
Alex Robar
October 22, 2008
Unfortunately some of the biggest issues (#4 and #6, in my opinion) can’t be fixed by the developers. These depend on the hardware manufacturers providing working drivers. I had an Ubuntu box running an ATI card that I used for 2 years, couldn’t get dual-monitor to work worth a damn. I finally popped in an Nvidia card, installed the drivers when prompted, and dual-monitors worked without any additional setup. As the market share grows, I’m sure the situation will improve… But for now, unfortunately there’s not a lot that Canoical/Ubuntu can do.
Lunarcloud_88
October 22, 2008
What Ubuntu needs most is a complete redesign of the user interface theme. It’s very true.
GNOME is getting old, it needs excitement. Stop including themes that look like Raleigh.
Every theme included should be gorgeous. There are so many people in the community creating themes and mockups, why can’t this be a priority?
On the flip side, that gorgeous mockup is still only that, a photoshop/GIMP-ed mockup. For serious inclusion, make a theme.
Westchester Computer Services
October 22, 2008
Nice suggestions, why not submit then to Canonical or get involved?
http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate
Martin
October 22, 2008
wow couldn’t agree with this more. Especially the sound engine. Sometimes if 2 sounds play at once, my computer locks up and i need to reboot
TAC
October 22, 2008
The one thing Ubuntu needs is to reconsider the menu. Too many items lack descriptive text, and SEARCH! Anyone who has used the search in Vista’s start menu (I think KDE implemented it first) can’t go back to navigating through the folders in an attempt to find something
ikus060
October 22, 2008
There is big problem with some of your request. First, I must mention that Ubuntu provide an Open Source operating system and for that matter Ubuntu will never provide Closed-Source application like skype and google talk. On the main web site of Ubuntu, it’s really clear that Ubuntu provide only ‘free’ software (in sense of freedom). I refer you to the Philosophy page of Ubuntu website for more detail.
http://www.ubuntu.com/community/ubuntustory/philosophy
So, forget about this request ‘Out of the box end-user Goodness’.
Other request seams to come from you personal experience with Ubuntu, but I totally agreed with you. Ubuntu is mature. Yes. But not polish ans it’s need some improvement. If you take a further look, most of your problem some from incompatibility with your hardware. Somehow, Linux (and not only Ubuntu) have some problem to support all existing hardware.
I read another article this Monday and I find it interesting. The article was about feature release in a new Kernel version. One of the feature is support for new hardware. Yes. And it’s the most important feature, because otherwise your hardware will never be supported. Compare to Windows, Microsoft Team doesn’t have to spend time to support and improve driver for ATI and NVidia hardware or any other wireless card.
Kernel developer must do that job and develop modules to support every piece of existing hardware. It’s very hard. In fact, we must blame hardware producer that doesn’t provide Linux driver at all.
Suggestion : boycott every hardware companies that doesn’t provide this Linux driver. Soon or latter they will change there mind. (I hope)
‘User interface’
I want I new interface too. But the one you proposed cannot fit the need of every one. It’s cannot be the default theme. Human theme if not that bad but it’s need some improvement to be more eye-candy.
Also, I’m really sure that Ubuntu will continue to use tango icon’s style.
Hint : Can you provide the original sour for this theme ?
‘Reader’s Choice’
It’s only a general request to all developer.
“Please work together. I’m bored to see many application doing the something, but are incomplete ! Polish your applications.”
Note: I’m a developer.
Stefan Neagu
October 22, 2008
Thanks everyone for your support and comments on this article.
Kumail.H.T
October 22, 2008
Hi,
nice article,
BTW, I like that you stood up for yourself and left your prior company. I cant believe they were in favor of micr$soft.
Hope you get a quick start and best of luck.
Joshua Cooley
October 22, 2008
There are a lot of things that I would like to see change
1. Why do we need Applications, Places and system to be in seperate menus? I know it’s easy to change, but I think the default should be to have the single menu, like in Windows. I also think the way windows does it’s start menu (with folders and file shortcuts) is easier than gnome’s method (XML files). Plus there needs to be a search bar for in the menu to search for programs, like in Vista. I think this is a KDE4 feature (I know Vista and KDE4 both suck). One thing people need to realize is that the start menu doesn’t need to be compact like other things because it isn’t open all the time. But when it is open there should be enough stuff there to do what you want and close it fast. Plus the little down arrow on the button for the gnome menu annoys me.
2. The theme sucks. I don’t think a dark theme is a good way to go though. They are to make look good and tend to make it hard to read things. I personally like a very stripped down look, i.e. Windows 2000. From what I’ve seen most people aren’t impressed by prettiness after the first initial 10 minutes or so. It needs to be obvious where someone needs to click to do something. Apple did do a pretty good job of combing prettiness with usability, but it’s a really hard to duplicate that in an environment where applications are owned by windows, instead windows being owned by applications.
3. As far as software goes, I think Rhythmbox is a bloated piece of crap, but I also think that there aren’t any good audio players for linux, and I’ve tried them all. In Windows I use Winamp, which I think is very good, but I don’t know anything like it in linux. Amarok sucks. Audacious sucks. So that pretty much covers Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu. I do agree that Google Desktop is a lot better than tracker in usability and interface, but I don’t know how much of a resource hog it is. I don’t think software like f-spot/picasa or skype, because most people wouldn’t use them. For the most part, I really think Ubuntu comes with too much software, and should really focus on getting people’s hardware to work better and easier.
4. I hate the default startup sound.
someone online
October 22, 2008
#4 !!!
The only thing that keeps drawing me back to Winblows… I want easy multidisplays that work!
sgaz
October 22, 2008
Don’t forget that part of the beauty of Ubuntu and Linux in general is getting the machine/system you want – not something that somebody else thinks you want.
No additional bloat for me thanks. I can bloat it fine by myself.
Bort
October 22, 2008
WINE Is Not an Emulator
Robin
October 22, 2008
Good article!
1. MultiMonitor Support (including tvout)
2. Sound, switching from analog to digital?
3. Drivers (ralink & wacom are not fixed in the current beta)
4. Looks! I like this theme above a lot!
fred
October 22, 2008
While I do agree on some of the points you raised (driver repo, multimonitor, look-and-feel), I also have to add my voice to others who feel the way I do. Essentially, you’re asking that Ubuntu becomes just another OS in exactly the same way that Windows or Apple OS are OS’s. No, Ubuntu should *not* cater to every whim of the most lazy and convenience-fetished user. Ubuntu represents that which made Linux strong from the start – if you want it to be able to do what you want it to do, then you should *make* it do that by knowing what you want, how you want it, and then setting out to make it so. In a world of spoon-fed (and enema-fed) users, the thought of growing your own crop seems outlandish, but in the long run, you end up eating healthy, and being informed and adept. I’m “new” to the linux scene, and this manner of computing makes a lot of sense to me. I’ve never felt so ‘in control’…and I LOVE it!
Robin
October 22, 2008
It’s more a kernel thing.. but Ipod-touch and Iphone support! (no, not the jailbreak ssh trick)
xulsolar
October 22, 2008
I’m totally agree with all point but point 3. In this case I don’t believe it’s a good idea to ship Ubuntu with some kind a software pre-installed, like Skype ( I don’t use Skype). By the way, there are some licence limits with these apps. I’m agree it should be shipped with flash, Java and mp3.
Specially the driver database is a must.
Mike Heath
October 22, 2008
I just want to be able to plug my notebook into my port replicator and not have the kernel crash. https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/41091
Still hasn’t been fixed in 8.10… *sigh*
Ean
October 22, 2008
I love the first theme on this page. It just looks great!
While most of your pack-in software suggestions should remain extras just like they are on other OSes, I agree with making it REALLY EASY to install Flash.
These days a browser without it is a broken browser. It may not house critical content all the time but Flash delivers a lot of the rich media people enjoy on a daily basis. This may annoy many people but it’s a fact of life.
Ah, HTML5. When will you be fully implemented? Some time in the 2010s is too long. :C
shams kitz
October 22, 2008
There needs to be done some cleanup work in terms of purist, old-school *NIX standards.
as in:
a) no fiddling to get command-line history and reverse search
b) no f-ed up vi that inserts the letters ABCD when you type up down left right while in insert mode
c) no missing help files for man
Then focus on the user interaction stuff.
Jon
October 22, 2008
Good out-of-the-box multi-mon support is the ONLY thing keeping me from running Ubuntu. Even if it wasn’t out-of-the-box support, but support at all. I spent probably a hundred hours trying to get 4 monitors working on one machine. I run XP now because the two solutions I ended up with were slow non-3d graphics or windows that couldn’t be dragged across screens. Once Ubuntu can easily set up multiple monitors with the same performance as one monitor (compiz, 3d, draggable windows), I’m switching for sure.
P. Vinagre
October 22, 2008
I agree that to find skype , picasa , or Nvidia drivers or any @ soft. aren’t the things a normal user will think. But Including it directly wouldn’t be good for any distro. But Having it said I think there sould be like an initial page on presenting Ubuntu – with these software right in front – to the user to access and install – but- also explaining why the why this can’t be directly available in the distro.
– a normal user will love to get there hands on that just to have skype 
( WHICH BTW SHOULD make their CODE AVAILABLE so that we can compile it to 64bits…) – but it’s still a beautifying .. like passing from XP to Vista hehehe ( nice screens but nothing useful…)
The idea of a Central DB site for ALL Hardware drivers would be 200% GREAT – avoiding to try many ways to get Pulseaudio configured, or MythTv detecting the compatible Capture card, or getting a Webcam to work..; ( yes many of the things I googled a LOT for solutions..)
One other more general thing – STOP creating .debs or .RPMs for different Distros and GET an unified packaging for any app…
If there’s already “”"”alien”"” fro rpm2DEb – why can you get all in a same packaging…. – ok there’s always the source code
For the theme – yes ni
Jon Smirl
October 23, 2008
How about a way to play Pandora that doesn’t use 309MB of memory?
8409 jonsmirl 20 0 309m 84m 13m R 11 2.2 100:51.16 npviewer.bin
I can play mp3′s on my embedded system in 100KB, that’s 1/3000th of the memory Flash is using.
James D
October 23, 2008
For “Readers’ Choice”, I’d recommend that Ubuntu replace the grotesquely prehistoric GtkFileChooser (aka the File Dialog) and produce something that at least matches (and preferably betters) the functionality of such dialogs in Windows (Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98, and 95), KDE, Mac OS X, and even the fallback dialog in Mozilla Firefox. There is of course precedent for *buntu addressing a failure in a desktop environment — it’s how KDE got System Settings. And it is this level of thing that is extremely hard for the end user to mod successfully, which really makes it an imperative for the devs.
(And whilst we’re messing with GNOME’s little mistakes, let’s have a Revert/Cancel button on settings dialogs.)
Niklas
October 23, 2008
I would like to point out that no. 4 (multiple monitors) has been adressed in this release. Admittedly this is only anecdotal, but my laptop, with 1400×1050 worked perfectly with my desktop screen (1280×1024). In the mirrored mode, the laptop screen obviosuly had to use 1280×1024, but when extending the screen (default), both screens worked perfectly at native resolutions. Windows could be dragged between the two, video could be played on both at the same time, etc. Only downside was that compiz didn’t work with multiple screens.
This is with an intel card. A friend of mine had a similar experience with his desktop ATI card however.
Oh and this is all configured from System->Preferences->Screen Resolution. I didn’t have to drop to a terminal once. I’ve set up dual screen in Windows XP a few times, and I must say it was much easier than that.
wren
October 23, 2008
I think that most of what you are asking for is going to develop from KDE 4.x
skerit
October 23, 2008
“but ultimately it’s about offering the best experience to the user, right?”
Wrong. Of course they want to offer the best user experience, but I do not want to sacrifice the free software principle for it.
People need to know it’s a pain to install these applications because of the developpers. Basic computer users need to get smarter, we can’t dumb them down eve more so.
bazz
October 23, 2008
i think linux mint is better than ubuntu.especially in its multimedia support and laptop support. my mint can detect multimedia keys from my vaio laptop. and it works fine with rhythmbox.
Fred Williams
October 23, 2008
Remove MONO!!
Christopher Beers
October 23, 2008
I’ve always felt that a new user “Intro” would work perfectly for a lot of this stuff. It could ask if you were new or experienced, and if you were new it could walk you through the various issues that you bring up. Issues like patents and licensing of codex could be explained and you could be given directions on where they can be found and how to add repositories. It could also give you alternatives to the common programs to install. For example, it could ask you “Do you have a preference of photo editor? Will you need to run Window’s programs?” Then it could give you options for which programs you wanted to use for the specific tasks. That way Ubuntu doesn’t have to come pre installed with every program on the market. That’s obvioulsy a very generic version, and I by no means would even know how to program it, but it always sounded like a cool idea.
p myson
October 24, 2008
Is it just my bad luck that Ubuntu (and as it happens every other flavour of GNU/Linux I’ve ever tried) never works with the graphics card/monitor combo I choose. Year in, year out it’s the same story. NVidia or ATI, there always seems to be a problem with anything except obsolete monitor resolutions. Want your LCD 1680×1050 monitor or 1920×1080 tv set to work – you got trouble. AMD are particularly culpable, having promised so much over the past 24 months and delivered so little. This is not particularly a Ubuntu problem, but after 5 years of struggling with it, I can say it is THE Linux problem.
LostOverThere
October 24, 2008
Dear god, the next person who posts an image of that terrible Wall-light mock up should be put in jail.
It’s never going to happen, why? It requires compositing by default, and that will cut off loads of user and make Ubuntu just like, you guessed it, Vista! However, I do agree with you, the current theme needs redoing, and the DustTheme is an excellent choice.
Anyway, the Ubuntu Artwork team don’t do the default art work any more. Canonical has hired professionals to do that artwork for 9.04. Let’s hope they can make something god.
Stefan Neagu
October 27, 2008
Thanks for all your comments guys!
web
October 28, 2008
Ubuntu is amazing! prety much works without a glitch. Well maybe one or two glitches, but I do not think that it is feasable to support all the hardware and software combinations possible without ever running into a problem. I was amazed at how easy it was to install ubuntu, and get everyting working. And I love all the software it comes with. Everyhing I could think of is right there. I love looking trough aptiture and seeing all the software that I could install if I wanted to.
The problem with the article is that using words like ‘sexy’ and ‘useable’ realy has no meaning.
In ubuntu I would like to be able to do more trough gui – not that I mind editing smb.conf, and ftab to get things done.
And since we are talking about samba, it would be nice if it were as easy to see ubuntu machine from windows machine, as it is to see windows machine from Ubuntu machine on a local network.
The ubuntu help page is not that helpfull and teaches you the most trivial things. User generated help page is more helpfull, but it is hard to keep things consistent trough different versions of Ubuntu, and it is geared a bit more to CLI.
bored
November 6, 2008
I think drivers should be #1 even though they have improved drastically you need to stay on top of them. and i’d love awesome multi monitor suppoort.