combo box terminology

[Ben]

drop-down is slightly different from combo box- a combo box refers to a 
text box that also has a pull-down list associated with it- so you can 
choose a term from the pull down, which will automatically be put into 
the text box, or just type into the text box. From a drop-down menu, i'm 
pretty sure we're going with drop-down, as that is (in my experience) 
the more commonly known term, and that term is also consistent with most 
style guides, include the GNOME style guide. However, if the general 
consensus is that we should use "pull down," it would be better to use 
that than to have inconsistant terminology in our documentation.

Kyle Nitzsche wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've often wondered whether most folks know what a "combo box" is, so 
> I've avoided it.
>
> "Drop down" is more descriptive, but I wonder whether "Pull down" is 
> better/less passive.
>
> And, "box" doesn't seem to add much.
>
> How about "Pull down list"?
>
> Cheers,
> Kyle
>
>
> On Dec 16, 2007, at 9:41 PM, Ben wrote:
>
>> i'm working on the standard terminology section of the style guide. I've
>> been borrowing heavily from the gnome style guide, but writing in my own
>> words, as we are releasing into the public domain. However, the combo
>> box it a bit tricky. The gnome guide says to use drop-down combination
>> box rather than combo box- i agree, but what do you all think?
>>
>> also, should it be:
>>
>> Choose <userinput>Ubuntu</userinput> from the <guilabel>Operating
>> System</guilabel> choices.
>>
>> or
>>
>> Choose <userinput>Ubuntu</userinput> from the <guilabel>Operating
>> System</guilabel> [combo box/drop-down combination box].
>>
>> I prefer the first.
>>
>> -- 
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>
>