[ubuntu-za] Getting the basics right - a reality bytes wishlist

[Fredre Hattingh]

> Getting the basics right is what Ubuntu should be all about. Okay, so the
> human interface is cool, and the big chief himself, Mark Shuttleworth is
> promising even better looking wallpaper in the next release

It is strange how people differ in their computer needs I use wmii and
don't care about the wallpaper or the brown theme.

> 1. A better search engine.

Never had the need for one find is ok.


> 2. Internet integration. Ubuntu is hardly what one could call
> net-integrated. Okay it has an interesting installer that claims to use the
> Internet, but this is par for the course on Linux. I have a dialup and have
> battled to get the most simple Internet connection working. I am not alone,
> and am left battling with archaic DNS entries, and therefore plus one to
> Windows.

Like others said I think this is based on the hardware a person would
use. I use the Iburst modem and the setup
was painless


> 3. Spelling. Are you kidding me, do you expect me to believe that Sun
> couldn't offer the Ubuntu Community a better dictionary? The Open Office
> package needs a lot more localisation to fit into the Ubuntu ethos, and this
> means a South African English spelling dictionary!!!!

Agree


> 4. End to Format Wars

I don't think the War will ever come to an end


> 5. Better offline distribution. How many times have I got to say this - not
> everybody has broadband internet or even dialup. This means the distribution
> of the ubuntu universe sucks big time and is a huge disencentive to users
> wanting to convert from Windows. In fact, the ease of use with which the
> Microsoft installer gives to its users (who live in internet cafe's) is

I agree. If I could magically create software that just works I would
create a website that interfaces with the repository's. Each user can
then register and select something like "I have a standard Ubuntu
install" then search for an application to download and based on the
users current install and previous downloads the website will get all
the required packages zip them up and offer the user a download.