SRU: remove /.hidden file
Affects | Status | Importance | Assigned to | Milestone | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
kubuntu-default-settings (Ubuntu) |
Fix Released
|
Undecided
|
Luka Renko | ||
Edgy |
Fix Released
|
Undecided
|
Unassigned |
Bug Description
Binary package hint: kubuntu-
Kubuntu Edgy has introduced new "feature": by default, all directories in / are hidden, beside /home and /media. Main reason was to hide stuff that would typically not be needed by typical user. This was implemented as part of media:/ simplifications (media:/ was major issue in dapper).
More details:
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During the beta cycles, there was no complaints that this might be an issue (or people were willing to accept this "simplification"), but after the release of Edgy, when most of existing Kubuntu user base has upgraded, we were faced by several bugs (bug 68719, bug 67582, bug 67314) and several heated discussions on IRC and Ubuntu mailing list:
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Note: this also impacts GNOME users with kubuntu-desktop installed as GNOME file dialogs/browser also respect .hidden file.
Since we had Celeste Lyn Paul from KDE Usability on UDS MtView, this feature was reviewed again and it was decided that hiding files in / is really not so good idea, as it may confuse current Linux users as well as complicate support for new Linux users. For example when users are asked by bug triage/support/irc to provide some file from /etc or /var/log and they cannot browse there with Konqueror or regular file open dialog (to attach the file).
This is why it was decided that the "feature" should be dropped for Feisty (and is already in Feisty):
https:/
Since we still get new complaints from Edgy users, we have discussed this on Kubuntu meeting on Dec 7 and it was agreed it would make sense to backport this to Edgy. This "bug" may not be seen immediately as complying with requirements set in StableReleaseUp
This patch changes k-d-s to not install /etc/kubuntu- default- settings/ hidden- root anymore and removes /.hidden symbolic link in case it points to hidden-root file.
I have tested this on up-to-date Kubuntu Edgy i386 and have simulated different combinations of /.hidden file: default- settings/ hidden- root
- /.hidden does not exist
- /.hidden is symbolic link, but points elsewhere
- /.hidden is regular file
- /.hidden points to /etc/kubuntu-
Only last case removes /.hidden symbolic link and gives user back pre-edgy state.