What would you like to see in the new Easy Ubuntu

[dragonfyre13]

In addition to what is already included, what would you like to see in easy Ubuntu, that is already in Easy breezy.

REMEMBER:
These things must be in Easy Breezy, or be VERY simple to do.

This may not be accepted. I'm not a member of the team, I'm just wondering.

[dragonfyre13]

I'll start things off.

I'd like to see Easy Ubuntu keep the fact that it doesn't have to be installed.

I'd also like to see the "Scripts" right click entry.

I'd like the "Ctrl+Alt+Del" launches system monitor to be kept.

[Jenda]

As I've stressed to the developpers multiple times: I would like to have a LiveCD+external drive version/function.

I mean, two things would have to be implemented:
1) Click an alternative to the install button ("Download Only"), downloading the packages to a selected destination (external HDD, flash drive, cd burner? (is that possible?)) including the dependencies of a fresh install (or LiveCD).
2) custom sources for apt-get, given by the user - possibly the very external drive or media you used in step 1), thus permitting the use of simple setup easyubuntu-style on a PC with no internet connection or dialup.

I really think thes is important, because as things are now, most GNU/Linuxes are not usable without broadband internet connection.

[dragonfyre13]

As I've stressed to the developpers multiple times: I would like to have a LiveCD+external drive version/function.

I mean, two things would have to be implemented:
1) Click an alternative to the install button ("Download Only"), downloading the packages to a selected destination (external HDD, flash drive, cd burner? (is that possible?)) including the dependencies of a fresh install (or LiveCD).

Perhaps there could be another program, an offshoot, that makes this possible, and when they are downloaded, a script gets loaded into the directory the .debs were moved to, that installs all programs that were downloaded.

This seems simple enough using the apt-move method (maybe?). I've been playing with the code for EasyUbuntu (to learn zenity) and I feel comfortable enough that I could attempt something like this, and see if the developers like it.

I know CD burning is possible to execute from the command line, but I don't know how to even attempt it. Besides, you can just burn the files to a cd if the program uses indefinate links to files. (Like easy ubuntu does)

[Fenix]

I wouldn't mind seeing Firefox and Thunderbird 1.5 support.

Also, all the things Easy Breezy can do would be nice since the author of that is jumping over to Easy Ubuntu. It would be simpiler if one program was able to do everything.

[dragonfyre13]

Easy breeezy is still a bit complex, in my opinion. This is for very basic users. IE: Amsn isn't something "everybody" uses. Though, it would be nice to have the latest version of gaim, which supports webcams.

[Ozitraveller]

This is probably more than you wanted, but here goes anyway.


Just an idea for Easy Ubuntu, but it was more of a re-design idea, than what extra software I'd like to see it install. So I thought I'd put it here and see what the response was.

Overview:

Basically split the UI functionality from the install/remove scripts, so that the UI can be installed from Synaptic/apt, and maintained separately for the all the versions of Ubuntu. In this way the front-end would become a framework to allow users to execute and maintain (add/edit/delete), the scripts (install/remove). In the same way that Alacarte Menu Editor is for menu editing. It would also give the users more input into developing the scripts, and spread the load of developing/testing then scripts.

Suggestion:

A special forum could be setup so that users and scripts developers/tester could post/store new/updated/obsolete scripts. The forum could be split up by Ubuntu version.

The new front-end could be done in python (or something else) for Gnome, KDE, ...

The main display of the front-end should display a list of selectable items

The front-end should allow the user to:
1. allow the user to select from a list the software to install/remove
2. allow the user to add new items to the list
3. allow the user to edit the selected item
4. allow the user to delete the selected
5. allow the user to disable the selected (hidden, but not deleted)
6. allow the user to execute the script associated with the selected item
7. allow the user to select the type of script to execute, either install or remove.
If both are selected the remove should be executed first.
8. for each script there should also be helpful notes about the item, i.e. repositories, etc..
9. allow the user to select the locations of the scripts (see below Scripts(4))

The conf file, could look something like this:
# -------------------------------------------------------------
[nVidia]
title = nvidia driver
install = /nVidiainstall
remove = /nVidiaremove
notes = Your repositories list must be modified before proceeding

[numlock]
title = Turn on Num Lock at system startup
install = /numlockinstall
remove = /numlockremove
notes =

[msn]
title = AMSN CVS with webcam support
install = /msninstall
remove = /msnremove
notes =
# -------------------------------------------------------------

Scripts:
1. each install/remove script will live their own script file (self contained)
2. script should be categorised into built-in, user, ... (to be decided)
3. script files should live in a sub-folder of the main install (to be decided, there might be a better place)
4. where do users added scripts live? In the default script folder or in Home somewhere? or on a CD or USB stick?

Installing the front-end, will setup some initial default entries in the conf file with their associated scripts. The default set of scripts should be agreed to by the group.

Conclusion:
There are many valid and good reasons for Easy Ubuntu to be a script and for that matter Automatix also and they are excellent. But from a maintainer’s point of view every time a new feature is added a new full script must be produced, which means a code review every time anything is changed. And the users have to download and setup the updated script. If this proposal is accepted it would mean a more modular and scaleable design, which is more easily maintained. It would also allow more users to be involved in what features are incorporated and to participate in the development and testing of new scripts. And it shift the emphasis to script development. If the script forum (above) were setup it is a simple operation to cut and paste a new script into the front-end and run it. So far, I've seen this script idea grow from early Warty, and it's still not nailed down and part of a standard Ubuntu install. I think it should be!

I hope someone likes the idea!

disclaimer: I'm not claiming ownership of the above, I've just pulled together ideas from a number of places including Easy Ubuntu and Automatix.

[Ozitraveller]

Oops killed the thread!

[Jenda]

Not at all - the trouble is that the easyubuntu devs are IRC creatures... I'll give them a link here.

[Ozitraveller]

Not at all - the trouble is that the easyubuntu devs are IRC creatures... I'll give them a link here.

Thanks Jenda.

[dragonfyre13]

Hmm, that could work. Until now, it's been working off of an "all in one" method. Having a setup like this could be quite beneficial, if a bit more complicated. Something tells me that it would have to be forked off to an entirely different project though.

[Ozitraveller]

Hmm, that could work. Until now, it's been working off of an "all in one" method. Having a setup like this could be quite beneficial, if a bit more complicated. Something tells me that it would have to be forked off to an entirely different project though.

Hi dragonfyre13,

It shouldn't add too much complication, it might add some short-term pain in doing the development. But the long-term benefits are quite substantial;
1. the front-end code can be updated (without effecting any of the scripts), 2. minimal code to maintain (the front-end would then be a blackbox),
3. easier to add new features to the front-end (without effecting any of the scripts)
4. would make the whole Eazy Ubuntu idea more abstracted from the version of Ubuntu that it runs on

And a flow-on effect might be to merge Easy Ubuntu and Automatix, and any other interested parties into developing a single unified solution. Which will give users more input into the scripts, and developers an easier way to transition the the Easy Ubuntu framework to new/other version of Ubuntu.

There are some who say that these scripting solutions don't help new users learn the command-line, however, I know that many experienced users use them too. And many experienced users would also create their own scripts to automate some tasks. Any administrator or developer worth their salt will always want to make their life easier. There is no point in "re-inventing the wheel" everytime a user opens a terminal window to type a command!

Hopefully, this idea will give new users a chance to participate in creating some scripts. I find it easier to learn when I have an example to play with, and with this front-end they can see the scripts and copy and paste to make their own, and thus learn!

Sorry, that was a bit of a rant!

[robotgeek]

Currently we are working on getting separation between the interface code and data, so that it can be used for (x/k)ubuntu or even cli.

http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/ is where you can get details of what we are upto right now. Good ideas here, will try to see if someone in the team can code it up (YOU are welcome to join us too!). Thanks.

We are mostly in #easyubuntu on freenode (faster for ppl from all over the world to coordinate there). I have subscribed to this thread, and will keep track of it daily :)

[008325]

ALL GUI that means Easy

[Ozitraveller]

Currently we are working on getting separation between the interface code and data, so that it can be used for (x/k)ubuntu or even cli.

http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/ is where you can get details of what we are upto right now. Good ideas here, will try to see if someone in the team can code it up (YOU are welcome to join us too!). Thanks.

We are mostly in #easyubuntu on freenode (faster for ppl from all over the world to coordinate there). I have subscribed to this thread, and will keep track of it daily :)

I've seen the new frontend, it looks good! And the new website too! If I had the time I'd love to get involved. Unfortunately I'm already involved in a number of development projects. I have download the code, I want to have a look over the weekend.

How do I access (#easyubuntu on freenode) ? Can this be done from windows, that's all I have at work?

[robotgeek]

I've seen the new frontend, it looks good! And the new website too! If I had the time I'd love to get involved. Unfortunately I'm already involved in a number of development projects. I have download the code, I want to have a look over the weekend.

Great that you liked that gui! The code is pretty simple to understand, nothing very funky here.


How do I access (#easyubuntu on freenode) ? Can this be done from windows, that's all I have at work?
Sure, it's possible if your workplace doesn't block irc connections. Here is a list of clients on Windows.
http://www.ircreviews.org/clients/platforms-windows.html

Pick one, connect to irc.freenode.net, then type "/join #easyubuntu".

[Virtual DarKness]

I'd like to have Firestarter "auto install and setup" in Easy Ubuntu.

bye,
Giovanni.

[Zeroangel]

Enable UDF support, and terminal scripts (if not GUI frontend) for formatting and writing UDF filesystem.

[Steve Myers]

This thread is turning into a Windows look alike, I know Ubuntu can be difficult to take time to make commands work for some, but that is the whole learning process of linux, making something easy like Windows, "Click and it's Done" should not be at motion for Ubuntu to have an Easy Ubuntu. Easy Ubuntu should have shortcuts, yes, but not run it like a second windows desktop.

Sorry if this is a bash to you, but it's not and clearly says a lot about users who want lite work to their hands like windows does for their sick users.

[r4ik]

With respect,

When i do my garden i use tools if they break and the work has to be done i use my hands.
Using a tool does not mean i am lazy.
Same thing goes for Ubuntu.

[robotgeek]

I'd like to have Firestarter "auto install and setup" in Easy Ubuntu.

I think this won't be included, as most users won't be needing a firewall on Linux. Plus, Ubuntu already comes with IPtables.


Enable UDF support, and terminal scripts (if not GUI frontend) for formatting and writing UDF filesystem.

Since I have no clue of what this is, I don't think it is going to make it in EasyUbuntu anytime soon.

Please keep this thread civil and ontopic. Thanks!

[Steve Myers]

With respect,

When i do my garden i use tools if they break and the work has to be done i use my hands.
Using a tool does not mean i am lazy.
Same thing goes for Ubuntu.

The development of Easy Ubuntu is quite far more extended in easy than it's probably expected to be, and not that it's a bad thing to newbies from a fresh install of Linux, but the operation of know linux and how to use it is not suppose to be a babysitting job.

When a user learns to use a tool, it will not come easy no matter what you think. All development packages are hands on and users are encouraged to learn them to better their experiences at linux in general.

In order to learn how to use linux, you're going to have to suffer the concequences of learning the command line and reading alot to know the production in linux, how it's stable, what is compatible, what version a repo will rely on to work, how often to update, what packages are required to make one application run, when development is coming, how often news is updated for users to know what is to come, these things are so vital to a user, such as myself, and knowing these things will get you REAL far in linux and staying in the "now" stage instead of wondering what you're missing out on.

The whole point is, is that users who use Easy Ubuntu, will not benefit from the real deal if they're just using it because it's simple walk around the park. The users will need to know the valued lines of knowing linux and what keeps it stable and fresh when they use it again.

All guru's from the 90's and today, know that open source is a valued key product for linux in it's wide network use. If the user is not in the open source on what is going on in that source, then it's a dud user who is just using linux because it's easy, and will never open a new book to see what is on the other side to keep them informed of what is required to make their box run smooth and simple, and smooth and simple is really what Ubuntu and Linux is all about.

[robotgeek]

The development of Easy Ubuntu is quite far more extended in easy than it's probably expected to be, and not that it's a bad thing to newbies from a fresh install of Linux, but the operation of know linux and how to use it is not suppose to be a babysitting job.

<snip>

All guru's from the 90's and today, know that open source is a valued key product for linux in it's wide network use. If the user is not in the open source on what is going on in that source, then it's a dud user who is just using linux because it's easy, and will never open a new book to see what is on the other side to keep them informed of what is required to make their box run smooth and simple, and smooth and simple is really what Ubuntu and Linux is all about.

I understand what you are saying, and it's probably a good idea for users to read what they are doing. Most of what I have learnt was when stuff did not work and I had to read up.

However, I feel that this is not the right area for the discussion of this. I think it would be better to take this up in the Community Chat area.

[Steve Myers]

Open discussion is deffinently tolerated in this particular topic, however, we can move on with the discussion of this thread.

Hopefully this will be discussed in a later time of use in the Development.

[Adrian]

Maybe some of you want to participate in this thread:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=129058

"Easy Ubuntu - good or evil?", in the Community Chat area.

[Zeroangel]

Since I have no clue of what this is, I don't think it is going to make it in EasyUbuntu anytime soon.
Eh. I should've clarified. UDF = packet writing. Ie: Writing/Erasing to a DVD on the fly as you would a 2.4GB floppy disk. But I guess nobody uses that feature anyways since you in particular don't know about it.

[r4ik]

The development of Easy Ubuntu is quite far more extended in easy than it's probably expected to be, and not that it's a bad thing to newbies from a fresh install of Linux, but the operation of know linux and how to use it is not suppose to be a babysitting job.

When a user learns to use a tool, it will not come easy no matter what you think. All development packages are hands on and users are encouraged to learn them to better their experiences at linux in general.

In order to learn how to use linux, you're going to have to suffer the concequences of learning the command line and reading alot to know the production in linux, how it's stable, what is compatible, what version a repo will rely on to work, how often to update, what packages are required to make one application run, when development is coming, how often news is updated for users to know what is to come, these things are so vital to a user, such as myself, and knowing these things will get you REAL far in linux and staying in the "now" stage instead of wondering what you're missing out on.

The whole point is, is that users who use Easy Ubuntu, will not benefit from the real deal if they're just using it because it's simple walk around the park. The users will need to know the valued lines of knowing linux and what keeps it stable and fresh when they use it again.

All guru's from the 90's and today, know that open source is a valued key product for linux in it's wide network use. If the user is not in the open source on what is going on in that source, then it's a dud user who is just using linux because it's easy, and will never open a new book to see what is on the other side to keep them informed of what is required to make their box run smooth and simple, and smooth and simple is really what Ubuntu and Linux is all about.

The development of Easy Ubuntu is quite far more extended in easy than it's probably expected to be, and not that it's a bad thing to newbies from a fresh install of Linux, but the operation of know linux and how to use it is not suppose to be a babysitting job.

When a user learns to use a tool, it will not come easy no matter what you think. All development packages are hands on and users are encouraged to learn them to better their experiences at linux in general.

In order to learn how to use linux, you're going to have to suffer the concequences of learning the command line and reading alot to know the production in linux, how it's stable, what is compatible, what version a repo will rely on to work, how often to update, what packages are required to make one application run, when development is coming, how often news is updated for users to know what is to come, these things are so vital to a user, such as myself, and knowing these things will get you REAL far in linux and staying in the "now" stage instead of wondering what you're missing out on.

The whole point is, is that users who use Easy Ubuntu, will not benefit from the real deal if they're just using it because it's simple walk around the park. The users will need to know the valued lines of knowing linux and what keeps it stable and fresh when they use it again.

All guru's from the 90's and today, know that open source is a valued key product for linux in it's wide network use. If the user is not in the open source on what is going on in that source, then it's a dud user who is just using linux because it's easy, and will never open a new book to see what is on the other side to keep them informed of what is required to make their box run smooth and simple, and smooth and simple is really what Ubuntu and Linux is all about.

Agreed.
But one thing does not rule out another tools can be an encouragement to take the step into the command-line just because it feels safe to have that tool in case someting goes wrong.
Command-line handling is not to be learned overnight so anything that is helpfull to get the terminal from rare to medium baked to well done must be welcomed.
The community can be helpfull here by keep telling people there is a Terminal/command-line and how to use it.

Quoted twice sorry.

[triipriit]

This is an odd request, but can anyone upload the latest version to anywhere where it can be downloaded worldwide?
Because the main site is down...

I would really appreciate it!

[teolemon]

EDI Back online at the usual adress

[trailboss]

Newbie here,
So far most everything works ok,,,easy install and I am testing it but not online yet, but it would be nice to have support for dialup modem drivers. Since Wine was made to allow windows programs to work on linux,,,,why not have Wine added in to the next release? It's not like you will have to do programming and it will better solve some problems like I am having with my dialup modem, and it will allow windows driven drivers and programs to work right out the box. What more can you ask for.
thanks
Trailboss

[dragonfyre13]

Newbie here,
So far most everything works ok,,,easy install and I am testing it but not online yet, but it would be nice to have support for dialup modem drivers. Since Wine was made to allow windows programs to work on linux,,,,why not have Wine added in to the next release? It's not like you will have to do programming and it will better solve some problems like I am having with my dialup modem, and it will allow windows driven drivers and programs to work right out the box. What more can you ask for.
thanks
Trailboss


That's not exactly the way that wine works. It allows you to run some windows programs on linux, if configured correctly, but windows drivers cannot run on linux unless you use another program like ndiswrapper. Wine also has some major configuring needed to run most programs, so it is not very user friendly.

[chapium]

I'd like to see EasyUbuntu make the side buttons on my mouse acts as back and forward in firefox/nautilus. It does this by default in windows and the guides i have found on it are overly complex.

[IainWood]

Im gonna throw in my tuppence worth here as a new convert

Let's face it , if you want major software companies to produce their software for Linux you need more HOME users to use it, (I'm talking about the all suffering Dreamweaver issue here)

To do that you need the install (and any subsequent software installs) to be reeeeaallly simple. I'm talking point and click for .sh files and stuff like that. Most home users should NEVER use the terminal!!!

At the moment I'v found breezy to be pretty good (barring a nvidia driver problem!) the install was fairly straightforward. and it came with a bunch of useful software, however something like Automatix which sets up all the codecs etc would be great to have as an option in the install as i got very annoyed when i couldn't play an Mpg.

My advice, make installing new software easier point and click, the terminal should only be neccesary for advanced users. (gotta admit synaptic is good, but too often i have had to download software that it dosn't list and do stuff to them with the terminal)