Providing a less dramatic upgrade for LTS-users.

[Jo-Erlend Schinstad]

Den 15. des. 2011 14:25, skrev Chris Wilson:
> I don't think turning off Unity after the upgrade is the way to go,
> partly because there isn't anything to replace it with since Gnome 2
> is no longer maintained, but mainly because any disruption to the
> user's workflow caused by the transition (and you're right in thinking
> there will be) will only be temporary until they learn how to use
> Unity, which isn't too difficult once you get down to it.

First of all, you're wrong. The classic desktop is available and 
supported in Ubuntu. The indicator applet is also available, though from 
a third-party repo, but that's easily handled.A few weeks ago, I made 
this screenshot, for instance. It is Gnome 3 in 11.10: 
http://ubuntuone.com/0FQKR9MBQp5lMTgtg3jRg5. I did that in only a couple 
of minutes. Not a big deal at all. Otherwise I wouldn't have suggested it.

But the notion that it is easy to learn how to use Unity is only valid 
when people are willing to learn. A lot of people are not. I've taught a 
number of really basic users how to get stuff done in Ubuntu, for 
instance. I feel confident that a high percentage of those will stop 
using their computers until I can teach them Unity. LTS users are 
special, and I am only recommending this for LTS-upgrades, only for 
upgrades and switching to Unity should be possible by the click of a 
button at the center of the screen. Fresh installs should use Unity.

> I think a better solution would be to notify the users of the new
> interface during the upgrade process, preferably as close to the
> beginning as possible, but of course spin it in a positive manner,
> such as "Ubuntu's had a facelift and now looks even better then ever".
Preferably, users should've read the release notes before upgrading to 
begin with, so such a notification should be pointless. But we don't 
live in an ideal world, and as I said in my original post, a large 
number of users are either afraid or unwilling to explore their systems. 
I don't think that should be required in order to keep using Ubuntu. I 
agree that most people should find Unity easy to learn, but I think the 
friendly thing to do is to let the user choose. For those who know what 
it is, it'll be one click. For those who doesn't, it will be one click 
to try it and one click to keep the classic or switch to the new one. 
This gives a sense of control that tends to dispel the fear and 
uncertainty that some users do feel when things suddenly changes.

> Then provide a link to a resource where the user can learn all about
> Unity while their system upgrade, perhaps the Ubuntu Tour website with
> an added interactive tutorial to lead the users through their new
> workflow for the first time.

"The upgrade was successful. Welcome to Ubuntu 12.04LTS. Click _here_ to 
RTFM" :)

Jo-Erlend Schinstad