This thread pokes quite nicely at the idea of an Ubuntu home server metapackage to complement the rest of the desktop. I think this could be a very edgy move if approached correctly.
First of all, I am amongst those who think this should have nothing to do with Ubuntu Server. Now that's out of the way, how about having both a desktop and a server preconfigured to detect and talk with each other? For example, new desktop users get logins set up on the server for all services at once instead of needing to prod it with commands for six hours. The server could handle remote calendars for Evolution (a concept which I have yet to wrap my own head around), generic file storage. Maybe client side scripts could automatically request that it download software to, for example, seamlessly have Workrave integrated across all connected computers. It could keep its IP known and continually update clients on what it is, just in case Internet access is necessary, and keep track of connected clients such that it knows certain accounts on various devices to all associate with the same user account on itself. (I have a little concept bumbling along for a sort of free, distributed mesh-like DNS system that relies on trusted hosts - eg: Friends' devices. That would be cool!) As something aimed straight at the Ubuntu desktop, this could use Avahi from top to bottom to expose services and be automatically configured by scripts on clients. Maybe Nautilus could list another Place which for the server's public files. It would not be just 'vanilla Apache and PHP and MySQL for your web development convenience. I think that could be a pretty powerful thing. There is a lot of software that needs repetitive configuration, a problem which could be overcome by a server that complements Ubuntu and is entirely powered by autodetection instead of needing convoluted guides and config files. I mention that this could be edgy, because right now the non-free competition are working really hard on their online services and big screen media centres. This sort of thing for Ubuntu would be an interesting shot back, encouraging the idea of individual users owning single low-power servers like Linutop, hooked up to their routers (perhaps placed right below them, or acting as routers themselves) to centralize all that stuff. All the devices in one's possession are then working on a convenient client-server model. In contrast to the competition's centralization, this would be a single personal server that can be trusted and that can be customized, has no subscription fees and prevents the confusing dilution that occurs when one's identity spreads over hundreds of competing online services, which is bound to happen as long as we continue to use the current poorly integrated web based applications. Basically, I agree that there should be a project dedicated to a pre-configured personal server system, because that would change the entire world... but calling it Ubuntu Server would very much limit its growing room. Bye, -Dylan PS: Sorry about the illegible stream of consciousness writing. Hopefully I have at least conveyed how exciting a dead easy one-click server that integrates with Ubuntu Desktop would be.
signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part
-- Ubuntu-devel-discuss mailing list Ubuntu-devel-discuss@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-devel-discuss
