Re: Menubar (and Empty Default Desktop) Proposals for GNOME 2.10

[Mike Hearn <mike navi cx>]

On Thu, 18 Nov 2004 23:56:02 +1100, Nigel Tao wrote:
> Another motivation for this is that (together with the new trash applet
> in 2.9) it allows me to work with an empty desktop.  Ubuntu defaults to
> an empty desktop, and that first impression gives me a sense of elegant
> simplicity (whilst still being actually useful) - and I would like to
> see GNOME 2.10 do likewise.

I disagree. People new to computers, and Linux especially, in my
experience are helped tremendously by having app launchers for common
tasks on the desktop. So much so that I have a "Web Browser"
launcher on my desktop scaled up nice and big so when friends want to use
my computer they don't have to ask me "how do I open the internet?"

In fact sometimes they still do anyway, the fact that GNOME isn't Windows
tends to seize their brains up, but I found if I ignore the question for a
few seconds they can figure it out. If the launcher is only in the
Applications menu or panel though it takes much longer and they may not
manage at all.

So I think having icons on the desktop is actually good for usability,
even if emptyness gives the impression of elegant simplicity. I know
putting commonly used stuff on the desktop is the first thing I do when
setting up Linux for a non-technical friend. I also switch on "home is
desktop" mode so they can find their files more easily.

It's worth noting that Windows has icons for common programs like Internet
Explorer on the desktop by default, because it's the most visible place
for them to go.

thanks -mike