##(see the SpecSpec for an explanation)

 * '''Launchpad Entry''': UbuntuSpec:desktop-lucid-user-account-management
 * '''Created''': 2009-10-23
 * '''Contributors''': RobertAncell
 * '''Packages affected''':

== Summary ==

This specification describes a centralized user account system to allow all applications accessing user accounts a consistent view.

Fedora has a similar goal for fedora 13 and the project is very advanced : [[http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/UserAccountDialog|Wiki page]]

== Rationale ==

Currently user account information is managed and stored in multiple locations including:
 * /etc/passwd
 * Login images in ~/.face or ...
Multiple applications access this information:
 * gdm
 * user switch applet
 * gnome-system-tools
 * system-tools-backends
 * gnome-about-me
 * ConsoleKit
 * ...
Each application tends to have the same code to access all this information and don't reliable handle users being added and deleted.

== User stories ==

== Assumptions ==

== Design ==

Provide a central D-Bus server with control over the following:
 * user information (name, uid, icon, ...)
 * group management
 * user addition/deletion
 * notification of user changes
 * switching to that user
 * integration with telepathy?

== Implementation ==

=== UI Changes ===

=== Code Changes ===

=== Migration ===

== Test/Demo Plan ==

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CategorySpec