KDE-Forum.org

Hi all. I don't really know if this is the right place, but it's a good start anyway, and it's a wish or question that I think is vital to kde and linux future.

As we all know, not all users are developers or advanced users, some does barely know how to start a computer and - believe it or not - there are those out there that shuts down computers by pressing the on-button on the case.
What I mean is, that those users often stays with Microsofts Window. Why? Because it is what they know, and for them it's as easy as it gets. And let's face it - Linux and KDE has come a long way, but not long enough. Yet!

My proposition is a pretty simple one, but with great consequences. Lets put an extra option to identify the user as guest, novice, experienced, advanced or administrator. The root option is good, but only workable in a server setup, not as good in a workstation setup.

And what do I mean with this? Simple. For example, Guests has no write access to disc, and has no file viewing rights (that is, can't use konqueror nor konsole, and not change any settings). Novices can only see his/hers home folder and cd/floppy drives in konqueror, and hardly change any settings., while more experienced users can view the entire hard drive and start applications by other means than via the kmenu, and so forth. I haven't figured all out yet, but there's plenty of administrators out there than know what I'm talking about. Making the computer work, no less, no more.

A set of restrictions, used globally. I know that the kiosk tool is a good start, but we can go further. I think, that this is the final thing, that this is the only area here linux is still inferior is Windows. Not in usability, but in 'easiness'. This calls for changes not only in KDE, but in linux itself.

Anyone that think this is a good idea? Pro or cons? And sorry my poor English.

Best Regards
Tommy Brander

yeah, I know the feeling. It's sad, but the fact is that some people out there need this. Perhaps not you, or even your friends. But the big grey mass of people that's still using an inferior alternative to Linux/KDE needs this, one could almost say that it's vital. Linux and KDE has both come a long way, but it's competitors aren't sitting idle by. If it's easier using them, you could bet that the majority of all computer users use that alternative.

no, not at this time (or not that I know about, anyway). I'm talking about restricting the users ability to view the depth of the complex linux system, something that definitively only will confuse a novice user.

Example: that it will only be possible for a novice user to see/traverse his own home directory, that /home/user will be his/hers root in konqueror/konsole. Sure, part of it is possible to do today, but I want it as an user-setting instead of a file restriction, whereas it will be more powerful.

Example: and that a novice user will ony be able to change (and therefore only see) settings relative to his/hers desktop. And that he will only be able to change 'novice' class settings, as the background image, but not more advanced stuff, as file sharing choices.

And so on... Anyone that knows what I mean, and that thinks that it's a good idea? Anyone out there that thinks that I shall shut up?

yeah sure, of course there are people complaining about control restrictions - if one uses Linux, there really is no other way to go than to edit text . files. And I'm not saying to restrict for all, but only for some. For those out there that don't want or need or gets confused by the many options KDE actually do delivier.

Sure, many KDE users complain about restrictions that follows by implementing a graphical interface, but most computer users aren't even on Linux yet. To reach them, there must be a better option.

And do we always want to do what other desktop environments does? Sure, KDE is aiming at being an all-purpose windows-like DE, but why not surpass it? Why not do something new?

but there is some other stuff also... to use a global user level setting to choose which options to display in kcontrol, and maybe even create a sorts of user guide/exam, that an user must (?) do before his or hers user level is changed.

I don't really know, don't have all the answers. It was meant for all to inject their wishings here, in how the 'easibility' of KDE and Linux in total, could be enhanced.

tnx