Also for list of improvements, I think it would be very nice to have a system that manages configurations for the more major CLI config apps, and/or replaces some things in the admin menu (e.g. services, sharing), but that doesn't prevent config changes simply by changing the file itself, and is expandable. Long term goal if one at all, I know, but may help solve some shortcomings in all distros.
Also, a switch to a faster init system may be nice, if a suitable replacement can be found. Personally, I like the look of what initng is doing (but have never successfully tried it) On Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 2:50 PM, Jack Doerner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I am personally of the opinion, having to get several people to switch > to linux, that foresight has the makings of a good switcher OS: it is > polished, themed nearly top-to-bottom, easy(ish) to install (less > confusing than livecd, even if not as functional), and stands out from > both of the major desktop competitors, while still being relitively > easy to learn. > > On the other hand, foresight is hindered by a few things that keep it, > as far as I see, mainly in the realm of more experienced linux users > (which is fine by me, but apparently not the target audience): > PackageKit, while a good idea, is in it's current state only minimally > useful (I only use it to search and tell me when updates are > available), and conary is far too complex to expect users to learn. > Conary is, however, the perfect package manager for experienced linux > users who understand it. Also a lack of completion in some areas of > gnome (e.g. no items in new menu for OO.org, can't automatically open > media/media players with all of the applicable players, etc.). New > users will very often notice these small shortcomings far more than > the great improvements, because the great improvements are frequently > "under the hood". I agree with the lack of QA. I think there needs to > be time-based limitations on how long a change must stay in the -qa > branch before it's pushed to fl:2, excepting security fixes. Also, > each change should have to be vouched for by X members/percent > (probably the first) of the qa team before the promotion. Both time > and required # of approvals could change based on a ranking system for > each change. > > Also, the theme is still too plasticky ;) > > On Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 1:37 PM, Cory K. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Kevin Harriss wrote: >>> On Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:44 AM, Paul Cutler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> We have an opportunity to get some help with Foresight's branding and >>>> artwork. >>>> >>>> As part of that help, we need to define Foresight's target audience. >>>> Going through this process will help develop an overall brand, >>>> including look and feel. >>>> >>>> I have started a wiki page for this discussion at >>>> https://wiki.foresightlinux.org//x/XIBU (Note, I will be heavily >>>> moderating this discussion). >>>> >>>> To set an expectation, Foresight's target audience is focused on new >>>> Linux users migrating from Windows. >>>> >>>> What needs to be done is to further define this, and even define who >>>> we don't want to be. This also includes a discussion of what we like >>>> about Foresight, and what we don't, or needs to be improved to get us >>>> to our goal. >>>> >>>> Please add your thoughts to the wiki page. If the page does get >>>> off-topic, I will start a parking lot section, and move ideas there as >>>> well if they don't pertain to the discussion. >>>> >>>> Please share your thoughts, everyone is welcome! Especially for those >>>> of us who use and develop Foresight every day, I want to make sure we >>>> have a wide range of ideas, to avoid the forest for the trees >>>> syndrome. >>>> >>>> If you have any questions, please let me know. >>>> >>>> Paul >>> I would say that we need to do a survey of users of foresight not just >>> developers. >> >> I would say that current users don't matter as they are already outside >> of the defined audience. "Switchers" (KPC users aside) >> >>> From helping people that have first used linux only because >>> they have bought KPCs with Foresight on them I wouldn't say that we are NOT >>> ready (linux in general) for windows users just thrown linux. My reason for >>> this are the following: >>> >>> - Linux is very different from the windows workflow >>> - Installing Applications is different >>> - We have a terminal >>> - Gaming >>> - Codecs >>> - 'Freedom' >>> >>> However, we are a good distro for people actively looking to switch from >>> Windows to Linux and now the costs/differences. I would say our current >>> target user base should be people looking for an alternative to Windows but >>> not the same thing as Windows. >>> >> >> All sounds good. I feel that the current "switchers" audience should be >> broken down a bit. Great thing about Foresights tools is that if these >> slightly varying user groups have different UI needs it seems like it >> would be rather easy to tailor to suit. Whether it be through differing >> disks or an option presented at install. >> >>> Our Strenghts: >>> >>> - User Guide >>> - Community >>> - Conary >>> - Default Applications >>> >>> Our Weaknesses: >>> >>> - Lack of packages >>> - PackageKit >>> - Lack of Medium to Advance Level Documentation >>> - Repo Browsing >>> - Conary (Yes it is a strenght and a weakness, mainly its unfamiliarity) >>> - Lack of QA Process (Its better but still not perfect) >>> - Different/New Workflow from Windows >>> >>> We are working on fixing some of these and a lot of these weakness can be >>> fixed or have their impact lessened for new users. For example, conary and >>> the work flow differences could easily be documented and added to the user >>> guide or in a seperate guide. If you need more explanination on some of my >>> listings just let me know and I will go into more detail. >>> >>> Kevin >>> >> >> I feel at present these things matter not until the audience is more >> clearly defined. Because one we know who we're aiming at, the above >> things come more into play. >> >> I would suggest 2 groups. I'll post again when I have a better >> description of the thoughts in my head. >> >> -Cory K. >> _______________________________________________ >> Foresight-devel mailing list >> Foresight-devel@lists.rpath.org >> http://lists.rpath.org/mailman/listinfo/foresight-devel >> > > > > -- > Jack Doerner > > There are worse crimes than burning books > One of them is not reading them. > -Joseph Brodsky > -- Jack Doerner There are worse crimes than burning books One of them is not reading them. -Joseph Brodsky _______________________________________________ Foresight-devel mailing list Foresight-devel@lists.rpath.org http://lists.rpath.org/mailman/listinfo/foresight-devel
