(k)ubuntu

so i finally buckled down and installed Kubuntu on a machine. the install was quick and painless. i then set about fidling with the KDE install.

there are some true gaffs, like how the tabbar is at the top of the konsole window. i really don't understand how anyone who actually uses a term app can come to the conclusion that the tabs are better at the top; i mean, where are your eyes 99% of the time in a term window? the bottom.

they have a number of themes in the Theme Manager, but i couldn't find one for the default theme they ship with and the other panels (style, colours, fonts, etc) are still in the tree view. they ought to be hidden IMHO

the kicker set up is pretty conventional with a few tweaks. reminded me how much i'm unhappy with the trash applet, though.

konqueror's set up could use some heavy tweaking, including (especially?) the about: page. in fact, i'd make the about: page a true starting destination (e.g. add a link there for adding software), theme it too match the KUbuntu website and make it the Home page.

kynaptic needs a lot of work. too much jargon, a toolbar that doesn't work like a KDE toolbar, i could find search or a settings dialog to do things like turn on Universe. the progress dialog is very basic, overly verbose when it comes to unnecessary information and worst of all it's modal. ug.

i haven't yet looked at the server side of it, but that's going to be a critical aspect.

regardless, i already know i need to find Riddell and have some discussions =)

marketing wise i think *buntu is doing well with the community but lacks a compelling message to people outside of "the Choir". their web sites are full of nice touchy feely and "how to get involved as an individual" information, but nothing that would grab the people i deal with on a daily basis. (i've tried it on them ;)

so yesterday whilst in a meeting i improvised and delivered A Story that reflects the genesis and current realities of *buntu for the business folk that were in attendance. eyes that were glazed lit up with interest and understanding.