Slab

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== The Original Email ==

In a recent news article about the launch of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 later this month, I noticed that they are trying to promote graphical accessibility as the biggest feature of SLED 10. I'm starting to think that for Edgy, we should on a layout and usability perspective, think about how we arrange things, add more simpler tools for getting at stuff, and other stuff.

Although the article described "graphical accessibility" as the whole "Compiz and XGL requires less system resources than Windows Vista's Glass mode", my definition is how easy to use a desktop is to use. I think this, might be a good addition to our default desktop:

And this, is the topic of this particular thread on the Ubuntu Forums: http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=208131

Codenamed Slab, it's one of the dirty little secrets of SLED, and since it's easily obtained from Gnome CVS (under the slab module), we might just want to adapt it for Ubuntu. Basically, it's a suite of 3 tools, firstly the new "main menu" applet, which can be customized with favorite applications for one click access, can list recently used applications, and recently opened documents!

Then, we have Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions!

So, how do you like my idea? I love Slab to death, it's easily one of the best things you can ever have on a desktop, just do a few modifications and it will be all set for primetime!

== Screenshots ==

As seen on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
 * '''Launchpad Entry''': https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/desktop-slab
 * '''Created''': 2006-07-10 by Viper550
 * '''Contributors''':
 * '''Packages affected''': gnome-desktop, gnome-panel, tango-icon-theme, human-icon-theme tangerine-icon-theme, ubuntu-artwork,

== What is USlab? ==

USlab is a fork of SUSE Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu applet and application manager codenamed "Slab", but modified to fit in better in the Ubuntu enviroment.

== USlab 1.0 Beta 3 Download ==

Check out this thread of satisfied customers!

''http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=215970''


=== From Source ===

attachment:uslabbeta3.tar.gz

attachment:places.patch , if you want to replace the non-functional "Recently Used Applications"



1. Extract File

2. Go to slab folder extracted into USlab folder in a terminal

3. ./autogen.sh --prefix=/usr (since this was direct from CVS, you have to do this)

4. make

5. sudo make install

'''6. Log out and log back in'''

7. Add the new Main Menu applet "Default Menu and Application Browser" to your panel.

=== Via APT ===

Add to your sources.list:

'''deb http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz dapper main'''

Then run in a Terminal:

'''wget http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz/quinn.key.asc -O - | sudo apt-key add -'''

Then, run '''sudo apt-get install gnome-main-menu'''

(note, it will be updated soon with Beta 3, currently it has Beta 1...)

=== Changelog - Beta 2>Beta 3 ===
 * Larger Icon on Panel
 * Compiling problems fixed, yay!

=== Changelog - Beta 1>Beta 2 ===
 * Under the suggestions of Christoffer Sørensen, the menu button now reads "Computer"
 * Now identifies itself as "Slab Main Menu" in the Add Applets box

=== Changelog - Original>USlab Beta 1 ===
 * Install Software link now points to gnome-app-install
 * Logout button relabeled to "Exit"
 * Upgrade/Remove functionality removed (since they depend on SLED 10 applications)
 * Main Menu button relabeled to "Menu", computer icon changed to "distributor-logo" so we can have the good-ol' Ubuntu icon there still!
 * Still retains 95% Slabby Goodness!

== Introduction ==

Slab is the codename for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu and application managment system. It consists of 3 parts: main-menu (the new menu applet), Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions!

I originally discovered that it was in the Gnome CVS repository in this Ubuntu Forum thread:

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=208131

But then I thought...this would be PERFECT for a distro aimed at newer users of Linux!

So then my Evil...I mean Excellent plan begun...


== Rationale ==

Better Desktop is a project sponsored by Novell to do usability tests on portions of the KDE and Gnome. The new main-menu applet and control-center (codenamed Slab), were designed using this data to improve usability on the Gnome desktop. Ubuntu has been doing usability changes to Gnome as well to make things more usable. Slab would be the perfect addition to the desktop as it adds a nicer and cleaner menu system that looks alot more friendly. It even features intergration with Beagle, our desktop search system!


--Note360- Do note that their is a awsome menu from chandlers.
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=222546
At the moment it is being updated on the hour.

== Scope ==
This specification deals with improving the usability of the default Gnome desktop included with Ubuntu. Many operating systems have been moving away from cascading menus for accessing applications, so it may make sense that Ubuntu should do that too.

== Use Cases ==

 * Joe enjoys using Gaim and OpenOffice Writer for his instant messaging and word processing (which are the only things he does on his computer). He hates having to cascade through menus each time he wants to access those applications. Using Application Browser's "Add to Favourites" function, he can add his favourite applications to the main menu panel for easier access.

 * Sandy is working on a document, but accidentally forgot where she saved it. Using Main-Menu's recent documents listing, she can easily find the last files she worked on...leading her to her lost file.

== Design ==

Slab is actually 3 portions, the Application Browser, Control Center, and the Main Menu applet. The main menu applet also features a drop down menu offering access to recently used applications, recently used documents, and their favourite applications. The More Applications button opens up Application Browser, which can be used to easily find the application you want. Words cannot describe how easy it is to use, so here are some screenshots for your consideration:
Line 31: Line 116:
== Required Changes ==
Of course, we would have to change some things to main-menu and control-center to make it work and intergrate better with Ubuntu:

== Implementation ==

We would not only by default offer Main Menu in the corner as a replacement for the current menu applet, we would also put links to Control Center and Application Browser right next to the menu, but also on the desktop for easier access.

I'm starting to think that Chanders's "Ubuntu System Panel" should be included alongside Slab as a power-user option in addition to Slab...

=== Dependencies for Compiling ===

 * libgnome-desktop-dev
 * libpanel-applet2-dev
 * libgtop2-dev
 * libdbus-glib-1-dev
 * network-manager-dev
 * libhal-storage-dev
 * libiw-dev
 * libgnome-menu-dev
 * libresmgr-dev
 * libavahi-core-dev

== Intergration Problems ==
Line 36: Line 140:
'''DONE''', ''As of Beta 3, the button now reads Computer, but keeps the Ubuntu icon''
Line 38: Line 144:
=== Package Managment Intergration ===

By default, it intergrates with XenSource, SLED 10's new RPM managment system, offering options to upgrade or remove the application in the right click menu.
EvandroFernandesGiovanini: Is there a specific reason you think this is a good idea? I think it would be nice to be consistent with SLED unless there's a good reason not to.

ChristofferSørensen: I agree, let's keep the "Computer" name.

Yes there is, we've always (well, since Hoary) had the Ubuntu icon grace the main menu, and it even got a redesign on Dapper! We don't want to let a great icon go to waste suddenly. Also, we should keep things clear, I personally think that "Menu" would make a better label. - viper550

=== Package Management Integration ===

'''DONE''', ''Zen Updater functionality removed''

By default, it integrates with Zen Updater, SLED 10's new RPM managment system, offering options to upgrade or remove the application in the right click menu.
Line 44: Line 158:
ChristofferSørensen: It is easy to change it to Add/Remove Programs and I think we should use that instead. Using Zen Updater makes no sense.

ChrisWoodall:
Inorder to change the add/remove to synaptic or add/remove here is what you do:

1. Open up the configuration editor (gconf)
2. Go to desktop -> gnome -> applications -> main-menu
3. Click on system-area and then edit value next to package_manager_item to

Code for synaptic:
/usr/share/applications/synaptic.desktop
   
Code for Add/Remove Applications:
/usr/share/applications/gnome-app-install.desktop

4. Logout and in again
5. CONGRATULATIONS Synaptic / Add/Remove now works with the slab
Line 46: Line 178:
We might want to look into this particular mod of control-center: We may want to look into using this implementation of the ubuntu control center:
Line 49: Line 181:

ChrisWoodall:
Inorder to change control center to the Ubuntu Control Center:
1. Open up the configuration editor (gconf)
2. Go to desktop -> gnome -> applications -> main-menu
3. Click on system-area and then edit value next to control_center_item to

Code:
/desktop/gnome/applications/main-menu/system-area/control_center_item

4. Logout and in again
5. CONGRATULATIONS Ubuntu Control Center now works with the slab

=== Lack of Places ===

'''DONE''', ''Next Build will include a patch I found to replace "Recently Used Apps" with Places''

In the normal Ubuntu layout, the main menu has 3 sections, Applications, Places, and System. Control Center and Application Browser satisfy the Applications and System sections, and the Logout and Shutdown menus are actually on the main menu panel itself....

My idea is that we replace the Status segment (which is pretty useless, there are easier ways to find network status and disk space readings), with a Places list (emulating our current one) but in list forn.

EvandroFernandesGiovanini: I disagree that displaying disk space and network status information elsewhere is easier. Novell's usability testing showed that people were having trouble finding that information in the old setup.
I also don't think Places needs to be there by default. Beagle integration is a major feature for slab, and with beagle people don't have to worry about the filesystem to do their work. Of course, there will always be people that do care, and for them maybe slab could be extended, or a new panel applet could be developed (a "Places" applet that pops up a simple menu with nothing but your bookmarked folders).

ChristofferSørensen: Disk space should be here. For thin client users it should only show avaliable space in your home directory, however. Network status should not be visible for thin client users. It doesn't really make sense. ["Jeffschroeder"] Network status should be *more* important for thin client users seeing as how nothing will work if the network isn't...

Or...we could add an extra catergory to the dropdown menu for Places, or if we can't implement it properly, we could replace "Recently Used Applications" with it. -Viper550


=== Recently Used Applications ===

'''DONE''', ''Recently Used Applications will be replaced with Places on the next beta''

The Recently Used Applications portion of Slab requires a patch to gnome-desktop and gnome-panel. Someone on the Ubuntu Forums will be providing debs of the patched versions from what I hear. I'll keep you informed on this.

ChristofferSørensen: I find the favorite and recently used applications a bit confusing. Are your favorite applications not those that you use all the time? If so, there's no need for Favorite and we can get rid of one item in the drop down box.

TomHaddon: From what I've heard, you'd think this was the case (that recently used and favorite are the same thing), but Novell's user testing found it wasn't the case. Can't remember exactly where I head this, but I think it might have been on Ted Haegar's podcast - http://www.novell.com/company/podcasts/openaudio.html

ChristofferSørensen: I heard the gnome-main-menu podcast and Favorite Applications are like bookmarks. Now, I think I understand it better. The user will always have his Favorite apps easily available no matter what applications he has run recently.

=== Icon Sizes ===

In order for all the applications to appear consistantly (size wise) in Control Center and Application Browser, we would have to make 48x48 versions of each Application icon (if not already) and even larger versions of icons for settings modules. If the user sees a big icon in one place, but a small one in another place, they will be very confused...

This picture I made explains it all:

attachment:missing%20icon%20table.jpg

(note, since I do use Fedora Core 5, some of the options in there might not actually be on Ubuntu or may have a Bluecurve icon)

== Connect to Server ==
In the default Ubuntu menu, in the places menu, there is a "Connect to Server" button. This ought to be included in the Slab Menu, since many users use it, and it is noowhere to be found in Slab. You can run the same command from Nautilus under "File" but not enought people know about it there. I think that putting this in Slab will help its chances for inclusion in Egdy, or Edgy+1.
----
CategorySpec

What is USlab?

USlab is a fork of SUSE Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu applet and application manager codenamed "Slab", but modified to fit in better in the Ubuntu enviroment.

USlab 1.0 Beta 3 Download

Check out this thread of satisfied customers!

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=215970

From Source

attachment:uslabbeta3.tar.gz

attachment:places.patch , if you want to replace the non-functional "Recently Used Applications"

1. Extract File

2. Go to slab folder extracted into USlab folder in a terminal

3. ./autogen.sh --prefix=/usr (since this was direct from CVS, you have to do this)

4. make

5. sudo make install

6. Log out and log back in

7. Add the new Main Menu applet "Default Menu and Application Browser" to your panel.

Via APT

Add to your sources.list:

deb http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz dapper main

Then run in a Terminal:

wget http://www.beerorkid.com/compiz/quinn.key.asc -O - | sudo apt-key add -

Then, run sudo apt-get install gnome-main-menu

(note, it will be updated soon with Beta 3, currently it has Beta 1...)

Changelog - Beta 2>Beta 3

  • Larger Icon on Panel
  • Compiling problems fixed, yay!

Changelog - Beta 1>Beta 2

  • Under the suggestions of Christoffer Sørensen, the menu button now reads "Computer"
  • Now identifies itself as "Slab Main Menu" in the Add Applets box

Changelog - Original>USlab Beta 1

  • Install Software link now points to gnome-app-install
  • Logout button relabeled to "Exit"
  • Upgrade/Remove functionality removed (since they depend on SLED 10 applications)
  • Main Menu button relabeled to "Menu", computer icon changed to "distributor-logo" so we can have the good-ol' Ubuntu icon there still!
  • Still retains 95% Slabby Goodness!

Introduction

Slab is the codename for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10's new menu and application managment system. It consists of 3 parts: main-menu (the new menu applet), Control Center and Application Browser, a nice simple and easy to use interface which uses our existing menu system to present all options for preferences and applications right in front of you with nice big icons! The 2 sections are also searchable with this neat little search box, automatically narrowing down options to what you want based off title and descriptions!

I originally discovered that it was in the Gnome CVS repository in this Ubuntu Forum thread:

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=208131

But then I thought...this would be PERFECT for a distro aimed at newer users of Linux!

So then my Evil...I mean Excellent plan begun...

Rationale

Better Desktop is a project sponsored by Novell to do usability tests on portions of the KDE and Gnome. The new main-menu applet and control-center (codenamed Slab), were designed using this data to improve usability on the Gnome desktop. Ubuntu has been doing usability changes to Gnome as well to make things more usable. Slab would be the perfect addition to the desktop as it adds a nicer and cleaner menu system that looks alot more friendly. It even features intergration with Beagle, our desktop search system!

--Note360- Do note that their is a awsome menu from chandlers. http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=222546 At the moment it is being updated on the hour.

Scope

This specification deals with improving the usability of the default Gnome desktop included with Ubuntu. Many operating systems have been moving away from cascading menus for accessing applications, so it may make sense that Ubuntu should do that too.

Use Cases

  • Joe enjoys using Gaim and OpenOffice Writer for his instant messaging and word processing (which are the only things he does on his computer). He hates having to cascade through menus each time he wants to access those applications. Using Application Browser's "Add to Favourites" function, he can add his favourite applications to the main menu panel for easier access.

  • Sandy is working on a document, but accidentally forgot where she saved it. Using Main-Menu's recent documents listing, she can easily find the last files she worked on...leading her to her lost file.

Design

Slab is actually 3 portions, the Application Browser, Control Center, and the Main Menu applet. The main menu applet also features a drop down menu offering access to recently used applications, recently used documents, and their favourite applications. The More Applications button opens up Application Browser, which can be used to easily find the application you want. Words cannot describe how easy it is to use, so here are some screenshots for your consideration:

Application Browser

attachment:appbrowser.png

Control Center

attachment:controlcenter.png

attachment:mainmenu.png

Implementation

We would not only by default offer Main Menu in the corner as a replacement for the current menu applet, we would also put links to Control Center and Application Browser right next to the menu, but also on the desktop for easier access.

I'm starting to think that Chanders's "Ubuntu System Panel" should be included alongside Slab as a power-user option in addition to Slab...

Dependencies for Compiling

  • libgnome-desktop-dev
  • libpanel-applet2-dev
  • libgtop2-dev
  • libdbus-glib-1-dev
  • network-manager-dev
  • libhal-storage-dev
  • libiw-dev
  • libgnome-menu-dev
  • libresmgr-dev
  • libavahi-core-dev

Intergration Problems

Interface Adjustments

DONE, As of Beta 3, the button now reads Computer, but keeps the Ubuntu icon

We could change it so that the applet displays the word "Menu" instead of "Computer" and change it to use distributor-logo as the icon instead of computer.

EvandroFernandesGiovanini: Is there a specific reason you think this is a good idea? I think it would be nice to be consistent with SLED unless there's a good reason not to.

ChristofferSørensen: I agree, let's keep the "Computer" name.

Yes there is, we've always (well, since Hoary) had the Ubuntu icon grace the main menu, and it even got a redesign on Dapper! We don't want to let a great icon go to waste suddenly. Also, we should keep things clear, I personally think that "Menu" would make a better label. - viper550

Package Management Integration

DONE, Zen Updater functionality removed

By default, it integrates with Zen Updater, SLED 10's new RPM managment system, offering options to upgrade or remove the application in the right click menu.

We would have to make a decision, should the functionality be removed, or we could make it so that it intergrates automatically with our current "Add/Remove Programs" tool? I am kinda crossed between both actually...

ChristofferSørensen: It is easy to change it to Add/Remove Programs and I think we should use that instead. Using Zen Updater makes no sense.

ChrisWoodall: Inorder to change the add/remove to synaptic or add/remove here is what you do:

1. Open up the configuration editor (gconf) 2. Go to desktop -> gnome -> applications -> main-menu 3. Click on system-area and then edit value next to package_manager_item to

Code for synaptic: /usr/share/applications/synaptic.desktop

Code for Add/Remove Applications: /usr/share/applications/gnome-app-install.desktop

4. Logout and in again 5. CONGRATULATIONS Synaptic / Add/Remove now works with the slab

Control Center and Application Browser Improvements

We may want to look into using this implementation of the ubuntu control center:

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=207894

ChrisWoodall: Inorder to change control center to the Ubuntu Control Center: 1. Open up the configuration editor (gconf) 2. Go to desktop -> gnome -> applications -> main-menu 3. Click on system-area and then edit value next to control_center_item to

Code: /desktop/gnome/applications/main-menu/system-area/control_center_item

4. Logout and in again 5. CONGRATULATIONS Ubuntu Control Center now works with the slab

Lack of Places

DONE, Next Build will include a patch I found to replace "Recently Used Apps" with Places

In the normal Ubuntu layout, the main menu has 3 sections, Applications, Places, and System. Control Center and Application Browser satisfy the Applications and System sections, and the Logout and Shutdown menus are actually on the main menu panel itself....

My idea is that we replace the Status segment (which is pretty useless, there are easier ways to find network status and disk space readings), with a Places list (emulating our current one) but in list forn.

EvandroFernandesGiovanini: I disagree that displaying disk space and network status information elsewhere is easier. Novell's usability testing showed that people were having trouble finding that information in the old setup. I also don't think Places needs to be there by default. Beagle integration is a major feature for slab, and with beagle people don't have to worry about the filesystem to do their work. Of course, there will always be people that do care, and for them maybe slab could be extended, or a new panel applet could be developed (a "Places" applet that pops up a simple menu with nothing but your bookmarked folders).

ChristofferSørensen: Disk space should be here. For thin client users it should only show avaliable space in your home directory, however. Network status should not be visible for thin client users. It doesn't really make sense. ["Jeffschroeder"] Network status should be *more* important for thin client users seeing as how nothing will work if the network isn't...

Or...we could add an extra catergory to the dropdown menu for Places, or if we can't implement it properly, we could replace "Recently Used Applications" with it. -Viper550

Recently Used Applications

DONE, Recently Used Applications will be replaced with Places on the next beta

The Recently Used Applications portion of Slab requires a patch to gnome-desktop and gnome-panel. Someone on the Ubuntu Forums will be providing debs of the patched versions from what I hear. I'll keep you informed on this.

ChristofferSørensen: I find the favorite and recently used applications a bit confusing. Are your favorite applications not those that you use all the time? If so, there's no need for Favorite and we can get rid of one item in the drop down box.

TomHaddon: From what I've heard, you'd think this was the case (that recently used and favorite are the same thing), but Novell's user testing found it wasn't the case. Can't remember exactly where I head this, but I think it might have been on Ted Haegar's podcast - http://www.novell.com/company/podcasts/openaudio.html

ChristofferSørensen: I heard the gnome-main-menu podcast and Favorite Applications are like bookmarks. Now, I think I understand it better. The user will always have his Favorite apps easily available no matter what applications he has run recently.

Icon Sizes

In order for all the applications to appear consistantly (size wise) in Control Center and Application Browser, we would have to make 48x48 versions of each Application icon (if not already) and even larger versions of icons for settings modules. If the user sees a big icon in one place, but a small one in another place, they will be very confused...

This picture I made explains it all:

attachment:missing%20icon%20table.jpg

(note, since I do use Fedora Core 5, some of the options in there might not actually be on Ubuntu or may have a Bluecurve icon)

Connect to Server

In the default Ubuntu menu, in the places menu, there is a "Connect to Server" button. This ought to be included in the Slab Menu, since many users use it, and it is noowhere to be found in Slab. You can run the same command from Nautilus under "File" but not enought people know about it there. I think that putting this in Slab will help its chances for inclusion in Egdy, or Edgy+1.


CategorySpec

Slab (last edited 2008-08-06 16:21:07 by localhost)