[White Lotus]

Bodhi Smart Bar | Bodhi Awesome Bar | Bodhi Convenience Bar

Hello All,


I am an end user and like KISS (Keep It Straight an Simple) Policy.

People try to avoid ternimal because of lack of confidence, and they do not like to remember too many commands.

I got an idea about Bodhi Smart Bar | Bodhi Awesome Bar | Bodhi Cnvinience Bar

... right on the desktop (just like in browsers)

You can...

1. Change system settings (atleast some)
2. Open settings dialog box
3. Install / Uninstall applications
4. Run application
5. Search Net
6. and more ...

This filter is a dynamic filter with key words and auto-complete feature and searches any line to para that contains the word being typed.

It will dynamically filter choices character by character (just like Ubuntu Software Center)

A proper master data file with maximum similar words and terminology (along with brief explanation – if possible) should be made, using maximum keywords.

If terminologies for Different versions of Linux / Windows / Mac like (system monitor, task manager) are combined together (using keywords)than it will be very easy for new users to get used to the terminology of Ubuntu and bodhi Linux.

e.g.

1. Change Settings:

Change mouse from left handed to right handed, simply type.
mouse left

and it changes to left handed one. No need to go to settings, mouse, and change it thorugh gui.

2. Open Settings dialog box
e.g.



To open System Monitor simply type

System monitor or Task manager (as called in Windows).

if i type Task Manager, Along with some options like

display
file manager
System monitor is also displayed. (if possible - along with keywords like Task Manager | System Monitor)

So we do not have to remember commands. Using terminal can be a fun to many linux users and a faster way to work. But many end users (who are generally non-technical) have this mental barrier of avoiding terminal).

Using keyboard will incerase speed, as in above e.g. To change mouse from right handed (default) to left handed.

3. Install Software

Similarly type install opera and if the url / hot link foe download is already there in repos, then the software is installed.

PPA's are good, but they are option frozen after some updates and new ones are to be added (if I am not wrong).

Most software offer automatic updates like opera / firefox. They check periodically updat]es.

4. Run application

Type Firefox or swriter (for LibreOffice Writer).

5. Search Internet

One can even search net from this bar simply type firefox:g bodhi linux

This will search google (g for shortcut) for search 'string bodhi linux'

--

For minimalistic OS this can help one to save some Mbs and time for creating GUI's.

There is no word 'NO' is programming dictionary, but I do not know how much is practically possible / useful and needed by other users.

Experts' opinion might throw some light on this.

Thanks.

[aeonius]

Bodhi uses the Enlightenmet desktop. If I understand what you're suggesting here, is to use/create a whole new desktop environment.

I'm pretty sure that people here would like to keep using Enlightenment. Bodhi is Bodhi due to Enlightenment.

If you're suggesting an app from which to launch *everything*, bodhi has such an app, its called Everything. (ALT+ESC)

The idea isn't bad, it's just not Bodhi... I think.

[Hendra]

I think that idea can be applied to some kind of module to place on shelf?
It looks to me like a more featured start menu

[Jeff]

Linux Newbie,

First off welcome to the forums.

Fun idea, but a good deal of the things you are asking for are already accomplished in our 'run everything' module that is loaded by default in Bodhi. If you wish you can place a gadget for launching this on your desktop/shelf (right now it is called via a key binding).

In fact the only thing the run everything module does not currently do is find and install software. At some point down the line I want to add this feature to it though (we have discussed it before, just have other things higher priority to iron out first).

Cheers,
~Jeff

[White Lotus]

Thank you Jeff for taking time to read and reply to my thoughts.

I understand you have a lot of priorities before adding more convenience or other addon features.

I know that all things cannot be considered, but I hoped that something might be picked



@Aeonius
I know things can be accessed from everything. In any OS or linux distros you can definitely change the settings through GUI.

What I am talking is about convenience from a single place and by simple words and not commands to work faster

@Hendra
I have recently installed KDE in Ubuntu and it's start menu is also similar to which i have said. Windows 7 start menu does have a search feature, but KDE menu is better

I like to work with keyboard then by clicking mouse.

Some of my friends working Coreldraw and (specially Autocad) use a lot of short buts and hardly use mouse. They work very fast.

But to work in this way, you have to remember a lot of shortcuts / commands
--------------------------
My Idea was

1. To work in a simple way without using terminal

2. Use less mouse

3. Feel more comfortable during first use - this is good for newbies (like me) who do not devote much time to google for everything or read instruction manual - Typical End Users - consider this attitude for spreading it to atleast home desktops.

4. Integration / synchronization

I know that I am not a pro and this is just a thought. Being from a research background, it happens sometimes that at the end of research (while submitting thesis), you end up with the different solution then the expected one. The research goes in altogether different direction.

In Linux, as I know, people believe in flexibility and freedom. So many articles describe it as programmers paradise. Programmers compile and customize distros to their liking.

Many great brains build their own distros, apps, tweaks, which sometimes are available for only a particular distro.

Debians / Ubuntus use deb packages, SuSe, Fedora and others, RPM, Puppy Linux Pups, SliTaz some other.

This is choice for programmers but confusion for non-technical end users.

Seeing that this is an open-source and spirit of sharing, sometimes I feel that instead of synchronizing / integrating the work, people build another clone with some extra features.

I feel it is like re-inventing the wheel. Is it not better to have a common install package which will save time and bring the best to the world?

Thanks for the replies.

[Jeff]

Hrm. I re-read your first post and then your second and the things you are asking for I still feel are already done by run everything. It allows you to find documents/load apps/change settings all without ever touching the mouse (or by typing and then clicking). I also does an as good (or better) search job than the kde/windows menu feature. You can also launch the run everything dialog from the E menu.

I am always open to new ideas, I just feel like you are asking for something we already have.

~Jeff

[aeonius]

Linux Newbie, on 07 August 2011 - 04:31 PM, said:

@Aeonius
I know things can be accessed from everything. In any OS or linux distros you can definitely change the settings through GUI.

What I am talking is about convenience from a single place and by simple words and not commands to work faster

Yes, I do believe thats "Everything". If you would type for example "sy" it shows the synaptic package manager on a tile you can click. Or "wall"to alter your wallpaper. No commands, just the first few letters of a word.

Linux Newbie, on 07 August 2011 - 04:31 PM, said:

Seeing that this is an open-source and spirit of sharing, sometimes I feel that instead of synchronizing / integrating the work, people build another clone with some extra features.

I feel it is like re-inventing the wheel. Is it not better to have a common install package which will save time and bring the best to the world?

To create a distro that is perfect and fits everyones needs? Sorry to say, but there will never be such a thing. Different people will always want different things. Things I like, you might not. Which is a good thing too... the world would be a sad place if we all liked the same things.

[White Lotus]

Jeff, on 07 August 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

Hrm. I re-read your first post and then your second and the things you are asking for I still feel are already done by run everything. It allows you to find documents/load apps/change settings all without ever touching the mouse (or by typing and then clicking). I also does an as good (or better) search job than the kde/windows menu feature. You can also launch the run everything dialog from the E menu.

I am always open to new ideas, I just feel like you are asking for something we already have.

~Jeff

I think I need to explore Bodhi more, do some home work before posting to forums.


Thanks

This post has been edited by Linux Newbie: 08 August 2011 - 08:55 AM

[White Lotus]

Aeonius, on 07 August 2011 - 07:52 PM, said:

To create a distro that is perfect and fits everyones needs? Sorry to say, but there will never be such a thing. Different people will always want different things. Things I like, you might not. Which is a good thing too... the world would be a sad place if we all liked the same things.

I understand that there cannot be a perfect distro.


As Jeff Said, "be open to ideas. "

Though, In my case, things can already be done what I am asking.




Thanks

[White Lotus]

Hi all,

At first, I could not figure out how to use keyboard short cuts for everything, I did not see any space / bar to enter text. So I browsed the forums and found some useful tips

http://www.bodhilinu...-of-everything/

Just type shortcuts and things are filtered. (e.g. ev co opens everything config), its easy

Apart from this issue, (and not to defend my stand ), there is a reply from @ mrokosz which shows the mentality of end users,

Quote

Jeff (Schallenberg ),
I think this everything concept, is hard to understand to average user, so far I never used it, because is not intuitive, unlike all the other staff that can be done without reading or knowing anything. I do not know about the others, but after I click run everything, or any other everything staff, I just want to get out of there. Reading Your post it looks like it is worthed to do some reading and get familiar with all this everything staff. My suggestion is to put this into some kind experienced user menu part or do step by step wizard. For inexperienced linux user, not a programmer it way beyond common understanding.
Michael Rokosz

I think once you devote time, initial headache (to learn) can transform into 'convenience' . I still need to understand Key Bindings, Shelf, Drawers, etc

I have to learn a lot not just Bodhi/Ubuntu but also Enlightenment.

[Timmy]

You mentioned your friends workflow with Corel Draw and Auto CAD. How do you think they got to where they are today?

Lot's of practice, mistakes and headaches my friend, that's how we learn!

[fore17]

Linux Newbie, on 08 August 2011 - 05:28 AM, said:

I think I need to explore Bodhi more, do some home work before posting to forums.

Well, always post.
Even after reading wikis and the like, doubts may arise. Commenting on them helps us and maybe also other users who read the posts.
Regarding the "run everything", I'd like to tell that I never used it until I translated the "quick start guide" into another language. That's because I also thought (by prior readings) it was not as kiss as I would like it to be.
From the Run Everything, a 2 minute reading, I understood its not as difficult as that and I'm using it now, all the time.

[White Lotus]

@ Timmy

Quote

You mentioned your friends workflow with Corel Draw and Auto CAD. How do you think they got to where they are today?


Lot's of practice, mistakes and headaches my friend, that's how we learn!

They Paid someone to learn tips and tricks, specially Auto CAD

They had to learn as DTP, web designing, engineering drg is going to be their bread and butter.

In this case, there is no pressure to run learn for living, yes ofcourse, liking for that subject is necessary, so that work does not become a burden.

(hope the moderators don't mind, as replies are drifting from the main topic, though they are indirectly linked)

@fore17

Thanks for encouragement

I have realized that after searching, doing R & D and then successfully troubleshooting takes time (atleast for me).

Bookmarks and sending links by emails are not enough.

I need to organize all that I have collected.

I was thinking to make an offline website using front page alternative. Is there any other other easier way?

Cheers

[jarope]

Linux Newbie, on 09 August 2011 - 05:51 AM, said:

I have realized that after searching, doing R & D and then successfully troubleshooting takes time (atleast for me).

Bookmarks and sending links by emails are not enough.

I need to organize all that I have collected.

I was thinking to make an offline website using front page alternative. Is there any other other easier way?

Cheers

Have you tried the wiki's and guides? Our Documentation team is very hard working and I would say has "everything" covered already. there was no pun intended...



Jarope

[White Lotus]

jason, on 16 August 2011 - 08:19 PM, said:

Have you tried the wiki's and guides? Our Documentation team is very hard working and I would say has "everything" covered already. there was no pun intended...

Jarope

Its not just restricted to Bodhi/Linux. It includes everything which you search for troubleshooting. Since this is very individual, so I think I will have to create it for myself.


It includes links to wiki and documentation of Bodhi linux.

I don't know when will I get time to create.

[White Lotus]

I got an app similar to smart bar for Max Os. It is called Launchbar.

[White Lotus]

jarope, on 16 August 2011 - 08:19 PM, said:

Have you tried the wiki's and guides? Our Documentation team is very hard working and I would say has "everything" covered already. there was no pun intended...



Jarope

Hello Jerope,

I found Zim Wiki. May be this could be of any help to me.

an excerpt

Quote

Zim is a graphical text editor used to maintain a collection of wiki pages. Each page can contain links to other pages, simple formatting and images. Pages are stored in a folder structure, like in an outliner, and can have attachments. Creating a new page is as easy as linking to a nonexistent page. All data is stored in plain text files with wiki formatting. Various plugins provide additional functionality, like a task list manager, an equation editor, a tray icon, and support for version control.


Zim can be used to:

• Keep an archive of notes
• Take notes during meetings or lectures
• Organize task lists
• Draft blog entries and emails
• Do brainstorming

Zim handles several types of markup, like headings, bullet lists and of course bold, italic and highlighted. This markup is saved as wiki text so you can easily edit it with other editors. Because of the autosave feature you can switch between pages and follow links while editing without worries.

I have also created Linux Beginner Search Engine and may be in future, a Super Tux Toolbar to ease out my search. Right now, it is half complete and named Lmint. I do not know if I would be able to complete it or not.

[no2bl]

Jeff, on 07 August 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

Hrm. I re-read your first post and then your second and the things you are asking for I still feel are already done by run everything. It allows you to find documents/load apps/change settings all without ever touching the mouse (or by typing and then clicking). I also does an as good (or better) search job than the kde/windows menu feature. You can also launch the run everything dialog from the E menu.

I am always open to new ideas, I just feel like you are asking for something we already have.

~Jeff

The arts of these command line interface is "accurate and complete" after hitting <CR>. Same thing we expect on shell command line. I happen to appreciate AutoCAD command line. Some of us (older folks) might remember IGDS (original of Microstation), and maybe VMS command line or even on IBM3270 terminal screen apps. etc. yap, Norton commander too. It is a command processor "shell" between the keyboard and the system or Apps, it by passed the GUI.

Anyway, after reading and I thought maybe my impression of "run everything" was wrong. All along I see it as a "GNOME-DO". So, I gave it a try, just a few minutes. Yes, it is like "GNONE-DO", it is OK, but not quite White Lotus is suggesting.

I tried run everything with some examples from White Lotus's post. I think Run Everything can be enhanced to do what we want. Let see the following examples,

1. Change Settings:
<alt-esc> mouse -- there I have 4 icons (options) for me to pick, double click "Mouse", set what I need apply, close. Not so effective. A good command processor will just take "mouse left" instruction, maybe sending "left" to the "mouse", complete the task without asking, No feedback needed either. Yes/Done/Mission accomplished please continue you work... kind of thing.

<alt-esc> mouse left -- done. See the diff?


2. Install software
<alt-esc>apt-get install screen -- should work the same way as on terminal, or just pop up a terminal windows with that command running, when done close windows.

<alt-esc>install screen -- maybe just pop up dialog box showing the install process. Y/N selection if necessary, complete the task, done, close.

3. more examples,
<alt-esc> chrome gmail.com -- fire up chrome go www.gmail.com
<alt-esc> shell -- fire up a terminal, just like "cmd" on Windows
<alt-esc> system config printer -- fire up printer configuration.
<alt-esc> google run everything -- search "run everything" using default browser.
<alt-esc> default browser chrome
<alt-esc> default editor vi
<alt-esc> help -- you get the ideas...


Well, <alt-esc> manage command processor --- allows user to map user commands (alias maybe) for the command processor.

The "Run Everything" is now a command processor, on top of it shortcut/interface to program. It escapes out of desktop GUI and go under to get the thing done. Any taker?


.no2bl.

[White Lotus]

no2bl, on 18 November 2011 - 02:17 AM, said:

Anyway, after reading and I thought maybe my impression of "run everything" was wrong. All along I see it as a "GNOME-DO". So, I gave it a try, just a few minutes. Yes, it is like "GNONE-DO", it is OK, but not quite White Lotus is suggesting.

I tried run everything with some examples from White Lotus's post. I think Run Everything can be enhanced to do what we want. Let see the following examples,

...
The "Run Everything" is now a command processor, on top of it shortcut/interface to program. It escapes out of desktop GUI and go under to get the thing done. Any taker?


.no2bl.

You are the one who has understood to concept.
thanks

Isn't it simple, minimalistic, effective, quick, end user friendly, fun, and very low on memory consumption. With CSS3 and HTML 5, much can be done. It avoids digging menus / sub menus / sub-sub menus . It avoids creating many menus and removes fear about typing blunders (as you get search suggestions - auto complete). If explored properly, it can replace a GUI like E17, which is WM has replaced DE

You are getting my point and line of thinking. I thought the minimalist concept is the the main focus of Bodhi, but I guess, Jeff created it mainly to use / (may be) promote E17 and so are his plans about E17 versions of Arch and Fedora and E 17 on ARM. He is in love with E17.


In case of Arch, it may be done by adding E17 (bodhi version - since arch may have E17 in repos) to arch repos, since arch is also on minimalist concept (AFAIK) and the bugs can directly reach E17 team, not via Bodhi.

Seeing his love for E17, I think, Jeff may be or should be active in development of E17 or some part of it like EFL.

not trying to peep into Jeff's life, Just an opinion