Change default settings: appearance, columns, temp files and filters

[Conrad Knauer]

Binary package hint: synaptic

When I do a clean install of Ubuntu, I end up going into Synaptic and making a bunch of changes to the default settings; I thought that it was about time I filed a whishlist-type bug on this and so if they are useful to others too, they can be made into defaults :) My basic idea: Synaptic should be for those who want detailed info since Add/Remove is available as a simple interface. The changes, tested in Gutsy and Hardy circa alpha 3:

Settings -> Preferences

     General (tab) -> Appearance
          check (yes to) "Show package properties in the main window"

     Columns and Fonts (tab) -> Columns
          check (yes to) "Section", "Component" and "Download Size" (all are checked then); move Component to second from bottom of list and Section to bottom.

     Files (tab) -> Temporary Files
          select "Leave all downloaded packages in the cache" (The HardyFullDiskHandling spec at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardyFullDiskHandling should make this ok if its implemented)

Settings -> Filters

     add:
- Upgradable (consisting of "Upgradable" and "Upgradable (upstream)")
- Residual config (just "Residual config")
- New ("New in repository")
- Pinned ("Pinned")
- Orphaned ("Orphaned"; requires deborphan from Universe; very handy in clearing space though... Maybe suggest it somehow?)
- Not Installable ("Not installable")
- Automatic ("Automatic install" and "Automatic removable")

[Koen (koen-beek)]

Thank you for your suggestion.
However, the changes you are requesting aren't really a bug and require more discussion, which should be done on an appropriate mailing list or forum.
[WWW] http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community/mailinglists might be a good start for determining which mailing list to use.

[Jean-Baptiste Lallement (jibel)]

Thanks for reporting this bug and any supporting documentation. Since this bug has enough information provided for a developer to begin work, I'm going to mark it as confirmed and let them handle it from here. Thanks for taking the time to make Ubuntu better!