[desktop-discuss] Re: SuSE Enterprise Desktop 10 reviews

[Doug Scott]

> Exactly! That's the only way Solaris can reach more
> desktops than it's doing now.
> I particularly dislike JDS implementation of GNOME
> for its Redmond look and feel.

I actually quite like the new look. Yes the Layout is classic Redmond style. Personally I dont like
the default gnome layout. Maybe an alternate gnome JDS layout could be done for people who
do.

> I'm not a sysadmin or even a Solaris guru. But I
> happen to like Solaris somehow
> and wish to see it support most of the desktop/laptop
> needs for a normal user.

Currently you can get things like battery status and temp/cpu meters from Caspers frkit. What else is needed?? (Sorry assuming you have a AMD64)

> Targetting only niche server market, while ignoring
> desktop users, will not benefit
> Solaris in the long run.

I would currently call the Unix/Linux desktop market more niche at the moment. Sun makes much more cash from the server market, so I don't see them targeting the servers any less. I also dont think they are ignoring the desktop market. They have put a lot of resources into it recently.

> 
> DISCLAIMER: I'm not a troll, but a serious Solaris
> user who loves *NIX systems.
> 
> Here's what I would like to see in Solaris x86:
> 1. Optimized for at least the 686 architecture. Debug
> free kernel.

The CPU flags are quite easy to change. Just be careful not to add mmx/sse instructions to the kernel. The registers for mmx/sse are not saved on a context switch. I don't really know how much of a speed up you would get. Alan Hargreaves, has blogged before on doing non-debug builds. I don't know what the current status is. Also, a couple of the distros have non-debug kernel. You might want to see what they have done.

> 2. Easy kernel customization and build process, like
> Linux.

Rome, wasn't built in a a day. 'bfu' does need some work... Linux customization and build is better, but I find rather sucky as well.

> 3. Bring back admintool if you can't build something
> like YaST2. SMC s****.

NO. Not admintool. Anything but!!! Sorry whoever wrote it :)
SMC, nice idea, but...

> 4. Project managers, are you listening? Stop shoving
> Java just about everywhere. Java Desktop System is a
> prettly lame name indeed. Many potential converts,
> coming from both Windows and Linux Worlds, don't
> really consider Java and Desktop compatible. For
> them, it's an oxymoron.
> For an example, look at how well Novel SLED10 GNOME
> has been implemented.

Jxxx Desktop System - marketing gone wild. Just call it 'JDS', and correct anybody who calls it anything else.
Novel SLED? Isn't a sled something that goes downhills ??

> 5. Hardware accelerated graphics. No, XGL is not
> necessary. DRI would do for now.

DRI, would be nice...

> 6. Better overall system responsiveness. Give
> preference to desktops/laptops too.

Again DRI, would be nice...

> 7. Something like HAL, or a port would do wonders.

Just around the corner. I just included it so it would not be left out.

> 8. A solid, reliable and native package management
> system. Third party reliability is not very credible,
> though I really appreciate the work of Sunfreeware
> and Blastwave.

Actually there is nothing really wrong with SVR4 packaging tools. Most of the flack they get is unjustified. What is really needed is a good app which can add and update packages from an online repository. This would fantastic. 

It would also be nice that Open Solaris (Not Solaris), included or had a menu to download and configure, the indivual development environments. Such that, I I wanted to do some work on JDS, I could simple go to a menu/app and select the JDS Development Environment, and it would automagically download and configure the CBE setup. 

> 9. Implement better support for WiFi, Bluetooth,
> DigiCams etc.

WiFi, and DigiCams are getting better. Bluetooth, not quite sure on this one.

> 10. It's really amazing that while latest Solaris
> Express releases come on 5 CDs or
> 1 DVD, still it doesn't install most used opensource
> packages. Instead, what we get is outdated and
> redundant software. It's calling for improvement.
> Also, consider better package selection management in
> install process.

The companion is being worked on. The /usr/sfw stuff will always be slower as Sun have to give support for these. Some of their paying customers don't like change :(

Yes, the installer could use some tidying up. It really craps me off that I cannot deselect drivers I don't want. I hardly think I need fibre channel drivers for my laptop.
 
> 11. Power management is almost nonexistent. Implement
> this!

Again, frkit. It is not official, but it does work well (for AMD64 atleast). I know Casper will thunder down on me if he now has it working for intel.

> 12. Since Sun Studio is freely available now,
> consider packaging it with Solaris.

Agreed. Well atleast Open Solaris :) The latest Netbeans would also be good.

> 
> I read that virtual consoles are being worked on.
> This is definitely good.
> 
> PS: Sorry if this isn't the most suitable for posting
> this, but I needed to express
> my feeling regarding Solaris on Desktops/Laptops. I
> couldn't contain it anymore.

It is always good to vent.... Discussion is good.

Doug
 
 
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