From kde-bugs-dist  Wed Dec 31 21:35:24 2003
From: Nathaniel Taylor <hvdc () onetel ! net ! uk>
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 21:35:24 +0000
To: kde-bugs-dist
Subject: [Bug 71220] file|properties|permissions tab advanced should be
Message-Id: <20031231213524.9086.qmail () ktown ! kde ! org>
X-MARC-Message: https://marc.info/?l=kde-bugs-dist&m=107290653709320

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http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=71220     




------- Additional Comments From hvdc@onetel.net.uk  2003-12-31 22:35 -------
I agree absolutely that:

	the original method, as used in Nautilus too, of showing the full 4 octal digits in a convenient grid form is by far the most simple, useable and elegant format;  please do revert!

	"Advanced" is used in various desktop environments, occaisionally being true (advanced stuff) and useful (hides large amounts of in-the-way options), but often being a nuisance and a misnomer

Let us consider the two broad categories of user: moderately familiar unix user and fresher from other desktop environment.  
	To the unix user, the current (kde3.2-beta2) system is annoying and time-wasting. Such a user has a clear idea of what permissions are wanted and can click them into a grid quickly.  Anything involving special bits, or files/directories with execture but not read permission, etc. has to be done in "Advanced"
	To the novice, the new method may be a little easier initially, but there are two reasons why this doesn't matter!  
i) A "Help" tab and use of full words (owner, group, read, etc) would allow this user to use the grid and eventually to have the same speed as the experienced users, with full control of all permissions
ii) KDE users who cannot cope with simple things like logical permissions are very unlikely to use other than a packaged kde supplied with some OS distro.  Distributors aiming at such users can make "simplifying" changes themselves if needed, and there should not be a need for default KDE to be dumbed down to the point of slowing and annoying the many experienced users who are likely to compile it or download rpms.


As brief points in favour of the grid interface over drop-down menus, 
a) crossed boxes form a pattern whose meaning will soon be recognisable to a user at a glance, rather than the wordy menus that need more attention
b) all options are immediately there; special bits, x-only, user can't write, others can (!), etc.
c) corresponds to the underlying OS in a direct, easily understood form