I posted a bug that was a duplicate of this one without having seen it.
Now that I've found it, I will reopen the discussion here. I disagree
with Teej's assessment that "Ubuntu is not intended to be compared to or
mimic the Windows OS in any way" and here's why:
- 90% of the world's computer-using population use or have previously
used Windows. Nearly all Ubuntu users are current or ex-Windows users.
Making the transition as easy as possible will maximise successful
transitions.
- The behaviour of the Windows key has become ubiquitous among the vast
majority of computer users the world over, just as the left mouse button
is known to select things, the right mouse button brings up context-
sensitive menus, F1 brings up help, directories are known as folders and
the close button is always at the top right of a window. Changing any of
these things would drive users away. Applications not appearing after a
push of the Windows button simply confuses people as the behaviour (or
lack of) is unexpected.
- Most people don't care about the Linux ideology. Avoiding common UI
design implementations for the sake of "not mimicing Windows" simply
makes it harder for new users to get started. Gnome mimics Windows in
more ways than most Linux DEs (and is also the most successful). Why
should the Windows key be any different?
- Doing a quick Google search reveals that this is a very popular
modification for Ubuntu users:
* http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/5182/
*
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/ubuntu/use-the-windows-key-for-the-start-menu-in-ubuntu-linux/
*
http://blog.myjotnotes.com/2008/12/21/setting-up-the-windows-key-in-ubuntu/
*
http://gandhiakshay.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/map-windows-key-to-start-in-ubuntu/
* http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/10-things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-linux/
(item 7)
* http://iamyouruser.blogspot.com/2008/12/ubuntu-windows-key.html
*
http://fixlog.blogspot.com/2006/09/windows-key-to-access-ubuntu-start-menu.html
*
http://www.pcmech.com/article/linux-mint-the-ubuntu-that-should-have-been/ ("In
[Linux] Mint I can pop up the apps with the Super key alone and I dig that.")
Why are we forcing users to google the solution when it could just be
fixed by default? People clearly want it.
** Also affects: hundredpapercuts
Importance: Undecided
Status: New
--
Add function to WinKey button on keyboard
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/161960
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