Ubuntu/Kubuntu Naming and Configuration

[drizek]

Building off of the discussion in the other thread about integrating the two, i propose that instead we

1) Rename them to Ubuntu-KDE and Ubuntu-Gnome(or something similar)
2) Rework the configuration GUIs so that they are both configured identically the same way.
3) Symlinking common commands to default DE apps

1) This involves renaming the two "distros" and putting both of them under the ubuntu banner.

Advantages

-Reduces confusion by new users who think Ubuntu and Kubuntu are two seperate distros.
-Gets rid of the impression that kubuntu is "second class".
-Encourage more KDE users to switch to Ubuntu.
-Artwork such as wallpapers can be used by both.
-Creates an image of Ubuntu coming in blue and orange "flavors", which i think is pretty cool.
-I dont have to type k/ubuntu anymore
-And most importantly, better numbers on distrowatch ;)

2) This one is probably even more important. The hardware configuration dialogs on both distros should look and work the same. That way a screenshot showing how to configure your network in Gnome will also apply to KDE users, and vice versa.

This will also involve (superficially) renaming both adept and synaptic to something like "Ubuntu Package Manager"

Advantages

-Better desktop agnostic documentation
-Easier transition between the two DEs.


3) This is a follow up on #2. How many times did you copy paste stuff into a terminal and then had to go back and change "sudo kate" to "sudo gedit" cause you were using gnome instead of KDE? We should create a symlink for a command like "editor" to the default text editor of that DE.

Advantages

-Noobs wont be confused when their command line spits out "bash: gedit: command not found"
-Experienced users wont have to manually change it anymore.

[aysiu]

I like the idea, except...

1. It would take a lot of work to implement.

2. A lot of existing documentation would suddenly become worthless in its current form.

3. Instead of typing k/ubuntu, you'd be typing ubuntu-gnome/ubuntu-kde.

[dermotti]

I like have 3 distinct options that are backed by the ubuntu solid base.

Therefor i think its a terrible idea :-)

[drizek]

1. I dont think it would really as far as the logos go. All youre doing is basically just dropping the K from kubuntu and adding "with gnome" and "with kde" on things such as CD's. The main distinction between the two should be the color.

2. In reference to #3, just because editor is symlinked to gedit doesnt mean you cant still type gedit to launch the application. As far as #2 goes, i suspect that the configuration GUI would be different enough in edgy that all documentation would need to be reworked to some extent anyway.

3. The idea is to just type "Ubuntu" and let the user pick their DE. The download page can have a short summary of the differences between the two with screenshots and things.

[Jucato]

I would have opted for a plain "No" vote, since my opinion is not as "Terrible" as the options state.

1. I don't see any reason to fret over possible konfusion. Some people might think that Kubuntu and Ubuntu are different distros (some people like people in DistroWatch). Some people might think that Kubuntu is just a project within Ubuntu (some people like Canonical). I see no problem, though. Because in the end, it will all boil down to one thing: the Ubuntu name, spirit, philosophy, trademark, etc.

On the other hand, making artwork consistent between the different *buntus doesn't require a change of names. I dream that one day, Ubuntu will be able to develop it's own widget style, icon set, and wallpaper than can be ported/imitated into the other DE's. That will make one hell of a consistent look.

2. Almost impossible to do because GNOME and KDE work in very different ways under the hood. The only possible solution to this if Ubuntu were to develop their own brand/style of a Control Panel that would work on top of each DE's respective configurations. Think of it as another layer on top. Superficially renaming Adept or Synaptic would be bad, and would definitely hurt their respective developers' feelings. Remember, that "superficial" name would be the one that most users would often see and would probably remember.

3. It's not really the fault of newbs that they get "gedit" instructions when they should have been "kate", unless of course they failed to mention what they were using. It's the burden of the one giving the advice to at least give the correct advice. Mistakes could happen, but that's only human. This suggestion actually makes sense, except for one thing. While this will make things consistent among the *buntus, it would break the consistency among different Linux distributions.

About typing K/Ubuntu, there's no problem with that. Just type what you're using. People will understand. Or at least they will/should. :D

You're ideas aren't terrible. But I had no other choice on what to vote on. :D