[packagekit] gpk-application user interaction

[Tim Sarbin]

Is it just Fedora being weird, or does gpk-application output a
seemingly meaningless list when searching for packages or groups (from
the perspective of a joe user)? When I click on "Graphics" I expect to
see a list of graphics applications. Instead, I see a giant list of
packages (sometimes multiple entries of the same thing, but different
versions) with no real way to know what is what. Obviously ~I~ know what
these things are, but I can't expect my grandma to say "Oh, I need to
check the box by 'GNU Image Manipulation Program' and click 'Apply' to
install a paint program.".

I understand the functionality of the app from a "knowledgeable" Linux
user's standpoint; but would it not be beneficial to maybe have two
modes -- advance (which shows what is shown now), and basic? The basic
mode would be a lot less wordy, show one version for each app, use the
application's actual icon, and be presented in a way that is not
overwhelming to the casual Linux user (large scrolling lists tend to
confuse people). For example, I launch Add/Remove which is configured to
start in basic mode. It shows a list of my currently installed software
in some sort of sane way, and also has a button called "Install new
software...". I click the install new software button, and a nice window
comes up in big-icon view showing the categories (navigation done
similar to Nautilus I guess). I double click on the icon called
"Graphics", subtitled with "Applications to create and manipulate
graphics" or something. When I do that, it shows a bit-icon tiled list
of APPLICATIONS (NOT packages, even though that is what they are
underneath) that can be installed. Right near the top I'll see "GIMP"
subtitled something like "Fully featured graphics editor.". Right beside
that icon is a link called "Install". Clicking this link will, in the
background, do it's voodoo. The UI itself after clicking "install" would
simply remove the hotlinks and change to a progress info thing.. like
"Installing (x%)...". Once done it will say "Installed".

Just some ideas I have, let me know what you guys think. If it's worth
anything I can write up a full spec. If it's not worth anything I wont
waste any time on it!

Thanks,
Tim Sarbin