Launchpad Entry: https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/kubuntu-automated-install
Created: 2006-06-09 by RichJohnson
Contributors: RichJohnson
Summary
This specification is a braindump that could potential help the newest of users to not only Kubuntu but also Linux. This could also be implemented and used further with KubuntuMarketing. This implementation would allow a first time user to install Kubuntu in a manner that would make their learning curve that much smaller. There would be multiple installation options for the new user. This could be used to help a new user switch from Windows or from Mac and allow them to figure out the basics quickly. There are specifications similar to this, and some have even referred to Kubuntu. However, after researching them, they were Ubuntu specific and even the mock-ups were Ubuntu specific.
Rationale
This specification can also tie-in with the Kubuntu/NonComSupportSpec also, as well as be used as a tool for KubuntuMarketing. This will help a new user to either computers, Linux, or Kubuntu, or even help the user who has decided to ditch Windows because they are no longer supporting his/her cracked versions. This could help show that person that Free Software doesn't have to be stolen, cracked, or leeched. This will help that new person with the installation process by utilizing what is known as layman terms (words that everyone can understand), or even images if they could help out in certian situations. How does this new user know what a 104-key keyboard looks like? Once the user has Kubuntu installed now a wizard like program could show them around, demo the desktop and applications, or link them to demos. There could be a small script that could be initiated so they can learn what the Linux versions of their favorite software from Microsoft of Mac is.
Use Cases
- Tux, our new Linux user has just downloaded the latest version of Kubuntu Linux. Tux has just received his/her first computer, and heard that Kubuntu was the greatest operating system on the face of this great earth. So he boots into Windows for the first few hours of his/her computer's existance and downloads Kubuntu. While downloading and burning, Tux gets familiar with his/her computer and learns some minor Windows functions, glitches, mistakes, or whatever. Tux reboots his/her computer and the Kubuntu installer starts up. Press enter to install, definately very easy, but is it really "New User Informative?" Tux doesn't understand the networking questions, the keyboarding questions, or what his/her hostname or SSID is. In comes this specification. It will generalise the questions and possibly add images that would aid Tux in getting Kubuntu installed and working correctly on his/her computer.
- Tux got his/her Kubuntu desktop up and running, but doesn't see the Windows XP start button he/she got used to while waiting for Kubuntu to download. A pop-up displays the Kmenu and lets them know "This is where everything is, just like the Windows Start menu." Tux gets into Kmenu, but doesn't see Internet Explorer. Well, the Kubuntu Desktop God lets Tux know that Internet Explorer is a bad myth, and that Konqi has killed off the evil spirit. Ok, so Tux has his/her internet fix now, but what about Microsoft Office, Nero or Easy CD Creator, iTunes, Microsoft Explorer, and so on. There is the Kubuntu Desktop God icon on the desktop. Tux clicks it and fires up a program that will let him/her know the programs that function similar to the programs he/she was used to on Windows or the Mac.
Is this your first time installing and using Kubuntu or Linux? |
Yes | No |
If yes is selected then there could be follow-up questions as if they plan on using it as a desktop, web programming, development |
What do you plan on using this installation for? |
Desktop | Design | Develop |
Depending on what they select, other packages would be installed by default, easing their use of Kubuntu |
Design
I am not a fan of wizards, but I know a lot of new users who are since it simplifies a lot of things for them. I had an old NEC computer in 1993/1994 that had "Merlin" a wizard who would show you everything about the computer. I mean everything. You could click him and ask him anything, and he would answer. How about Konqi? Have the dragon as the wizard and utilize it for questions, support, and possibly tie it into Kubuntu/NonComSupportSpec.
Implementation
This could be implemented, only if selected during the initial installation. This way here it isn't installed for every person who does a Kubuntu install, only those who select the "New User" install. It would be a desktop/KDE implementation.
Code
This would be up to the code team. I am not a coder, and would appreciate any coding comments from the community below.
Data preservation and migration
Data preservation wouldn't be an issue, and migration shouldn't be either since it would be a new implementation for Edgy Eft possibly.
NOTES Please place any notes, comments, or suggestions in this area. Please apply a @SIG@ to any reply, as that would be greatly appreciated.