On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 8:43 PM, Lewis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > TO: Mark Shuttleworth, > > > > I agree with the fact that Linux (Ubuntu in this case) desktops must become > art. It's been critical for me that Linux become extremely user friendly, > not only for ease of use by newbies, but also by those who may want to try > Linux but don't have, and never will have, the inclination to delve into the > heart of the OS. All most people want the OS to do is work and do what they > want and not create nightmares when they need to add something. > > > > At this point, several Linux Distros have accomplished that task nicely – > for the most part – but the one factor that will really make Linux stand out > is the artistry of the appearance and performance of the operating system. I > like my Vista Ultimate because I can put an animated desktop on it and still > use the system (yes, icons can still be on the desktop). The Vista Ultimate > system will actually run mpg files as desktops, so I can have my spinning > planet earth or my beautiful waterfalls and still do my work. Also, as a > computer business owner, my personal desktop has impressed my customers so > much, several have said they purchase new computers and went ahead and opted > for Vista Ultimate instead of XP Pro simply because of the appearance of my > desktop. > > > > I know Ubuntu can display animated desktop, but you can have icons on the > desktop at the same time, and it involves some kind of root code line (or > something like that) to make it work; and it's really just using a > screensaver as your desktop. Not very handy, not the least bit impressive > and more trouble than most people are willing to extend. I hope the > programmers will rise to the challenge and make a way for mpg files to be > used as desktop, the way Vista does. The nice thing about that is that I > could then import my Vista mpg's and use them in Linux. Do that and people > will be really impressed! > > > > For example, have you notice how may cars a manufacturer can sell by giving > it an impressive name, a special paint job and some fancy extra accessories? > It's still a machine with an internal combustion engine, seats to sit in and > a steering wheel, but people will parade it around like it's a diamond on > wheels, and lots of people will jump on the band wagon to get one. That's > what you need to do with Linux. It's already the most stable, and useful OS > in the world, now make it look the way people want it to look and you'll > open whole new vistas (pun intended) for Linux. > > > > Also, one more thing…. Give the desktop icons and start bars some 3D > appearance and functionality. Just look at Windows (again – especially XP > and Vista) and you'll see what I mean. Vista does a nice job of jazzing up > the progress bars, and making the "Start" icon look really 3D… take a hint … > please! > > > > Love Ubuntu and will keep working with it. > > > > Lewis M. Fulkerson > > CowboyTech System > > http://www.cowboytechsystems.com > > http://www.living4thee.com > > > > 115 Holly St. > > Perry, OK 73077 > > (580) 336 -7258 > >
Very good points. This is something I hope will inspire all of us to give more priority to the visual desktop in the upcoming xubuntu release. Here, I would like to take the opportunity to send out a second call: is anybody out there who has a more depth understanding about the underlying code of the usplash and could help me implementing a new progress bar? Thanks, jmak -- xubuntu-devel mailing list [email protected] https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/xubuntu-devel
