Re: Hi folks (and some random thoughts)

[Brian Crescimanno <darksheer fotographix com>]

On 10 Aug 2001 07:38:26 +0200, Christian Rose wrote:
> Brian Crescimanno wrote:
> > One of the main points of lack of usability is the current "bolt-on"
> > feel of Nautilus and a browser.  Windows has seen success because the
> > file manager and browser were integrated into the desktop.  Not only
> > that, they were integrated with each other.  I think one of the main
> > goals of the usability project, and of the Nautilus project as well,
> > should be to really get Nautilus up to speed as an all purpose file
> > manager...integrating it fully with mozilla rather than providing
> > minimal support.
> 
> This is probably far down on the list for most Nautilus hackers. I've
> got the impression that they are currently focusing on improving
> performerance, fixing bugs and the like, and since many users are not
> using Nautilus as their main web browser but rather mostly as a file
> manager, the web browser component has very low priorities.
> It has been discussed that Nautilus could instead of embedding Mozilla
> directly embed a fully functional Mozilla-based web browser like Galeon,
> but support for this has yet to be added in both Galeon and Nautilus.
> And again, low priorities.
> I'm sure that Nautilus developers are interested in your feedback on
> Nautilus however, so my recommendation would be to also send mail to
> nautilus-list lists eazel com with your thoughts.

*see my reply to Adam's message about this...

> > Also, the fuctionality of the file manager needs to extend down into all
> > file management realms of the Desktop.  For example, when you attempt to
> > open a file from an application, a window that looks like it's part of
> > the file management system should open.  This window should also have
> > basically the full functionality of the file manager (such as in windows
> > or a mac when you are presented a list of files to open, it is presented
> > in the "small icon" format with the ability to highlight and delete
> > files, select multiple files, etc.  All this, from a small window that
> > is basically just a small component of the file manager rather than a
> > separate style window.
> 
> This is in the works, but rather as an application on top of gnome-vfs
> directly than as an application on top of Nautilus. Web page:
> http://bug-buddy.org/gnome-file-selector/

Beautiful.  From a usability standpoint, that looks like a great
applications.  I think as a group, we should definately embrace this
project and help it along as much as possible so that it can be
integrated into GNOME quickly and easily. :)

> > As far as the browser interface is concerned.  We should see if the
> > Galeon developers might be interested in sharing some of their
> > experience and knowledge to the Nautilus development team to help
> > Nautilus develop a full configuration interface for their Mozilla
> > widget.  Allowing the browser to be fully customizable will allow
> > Nautilus to be used as an all purpose file manager / web browser..and
> > the tight desktop integration will increase speed and application
> > familiarity for users.
> 
> Ah. You thought about the same thing.
> A minor but important difference would be that it is probably better to
> use component technology than duplicating the code. But in general I
> fully agree, using existing work from Galeon would be great.

Again, take a look at my reply to Adam about this...

> > Another item we should consider addressing is creating a full definition
> > for commonly used keyboard shortcuts (for example, make sure that
> > ctrl-c, ctrl-v, etc) are available throughout all GNOME applications.
> > Also, ensure that they are available across all GNOME applications so
> > that you never have to worry about copying from one application to
> > another.
> 
> I think this is in the works too. A mini GNOME Human Interface Guide
> document is being worked on that will probably mention something about
> keyboard shortcuts.

As Adam stated in his reply, it is in the works, and I'm now on that
list as well, so related topics will be posted there. :)

> Ooops, must leave now for work...
> 
> 
> Christian