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- Aros default UI improvement: 2 - Better name for AHI Prefs
Aros default UI improvement: 2 - Better name for AHI Prefs
Last updated on 33 minutes ago
Poll: Are you in favor of renaming the preferences to something more usable and understandable for users?
Yes [6/10]60 %
No (If no please comment) [2/10]20 %
Indifferent [2/10]20 %
arosbeginnerMember
Posted 4 days agoI'm a beginner user, coming from Windows. But instead of shutting down the system and deeming it useless, I'm here to constructively make suggestions for UI improvements.
I believe an open mind is needed, and as someone has already said, if all other operating systems have converged on certain UI dynamics, I believe there's a reason.
I make suggestions piece by piece, and I'd like to avoid relying on personal tastes, as stated in the AROS wiki, but instead make small, concrete improvements.
Make AROS Nightly the basic distribution for every user, while other distributions can customize and add software and options.
I'm also in favor of simplification, so for example, I'd leave fewer themes in Nightly but well-made and without gross defects. But I'll make the rest of the suggestions over time.
I'd like to achieve one small result at a time and enter a historic community with due respect.
I believe an open mind is needed, and as someone has already said, if all other operating systems have converged on certain UI dynamics, I believe there's a reason.
I make suggestions piece by piece, and I'd like to avoid relying on personal tastes, as stated in the AROS wiki, but instead make small, concrete improvements.
Make AROS Nightly the basic distribution for every user, while other distributions can customize and add software and options.
I'm also in favor of simplification, so for example, I'd leave fewer themes in Nightly but well-made and without gross defects. But I'll make the rest of the suggestions over time.
I'd like to achieve one small result at a time and enter a historic community with due respect.
2 users reacted to this post
coffeecat, aha
OlafSchMember
Posted 4 days agoI am also for to have something optimized for beginner to make it a easy starting point but I am not sure if nightly are the right place. As a beginner I would for example expect a browser to be preinstalled. That are pretty big applications and a nightly is recompiled every day.
I know for example that a browser was part of contrib on 68k long ago and is removed because it made compilation very long. As far as I know this happened to all contrib packages.
Second problem, nightly are to test commits. These can lead to unforeseen effects. For example multiview on newest aros 68k nightlies had a bug I reported. That was then corrected. Assuming this would have been the version someone downloads he or she would think aros is buggy. That would not be a good idea in my view.
Nightlies are for testing and should stay that. For beginners there should be a static tested and optimized package, that includes a basic set of applications.
I am one of the aros distribution creators and work with aros already more than 10 years so I think I have a little experience there.
I know for example that a browser was part of contrib on 68k long ago and is removed because it made compilation very long. As far as I know this happened to all contrib packages.
Second problem, nightly are to test commits. These can lead to unforeseen effects. For example multiview on newest aros 68k nightlies had a bug I reported. That was then corrected. Assuming this would have been the version someone downloads he or she would think aros is buggy. That would not be a good idea in my view.
Nightlies are for testing and should stay that. For beginners there should be a static tested and optimized package, that includes a basic set of applications.
I am one of the aros distribution creators and work with aros already more than 10 years so I think I have a little experience there.
Edited by OlafSch on 03-09-2026 09:46, 4 days ago
arosbeginnerMember
Posted 4 days agoYour distribution is only for 68k, but I use x64, and we're thinking of other riscv or arm users.
I'd like the official AROS website to have a single distribution, the same for all environments, with the same graphics and settings, and as a base for users.
This isn't currently the case unless you go back to the source, i.e., the development version.
Am I mistaken, and maybe there is?
I'd like the official AROS website to have a single distribution, the same for all environments, with the same graphics and settings, and as a base for users.
This isn't currently the case unless you go back to the source, i.e., the development version.
Am I mistaken, and maybe there is?
deadwoodAROS Dev
Posted 4 days ago@arosbeginner
Make AROS Nightly the basic distribution for every user
Be aware that this is directly against project's vision.
https://aros.sourceforge.io/download.html
The nightly builds are only meant for developers and testers. The nightly builds are not configured to be easily used, are not always stable, and they are missing most of the applications essential to a regular user experience.
https://aros.sourceforge.io/documentation/faq.html#what-are-the-nightly-builds
What are the nightly builds?
AROS nightly builds are development builds produced from the current state of the AROS source tree. They are primarily intended for developers, testers, and people who want to follow and experiment with the latest developments in AROS. As such, they should be regarded as a moving development snapshot rather than a polished, end-user-oriented release
3 users reacted to this post
retrofaza, OlafSch, terminills
OlafSchMember
Posted 4 days ago@arosbeginner - Your distribution is only for 68k, but I use x64, and we're thinking of other riscv or arm users.
I'd like the official AROS website to have a single distribution, the same for all environments, with the same graphics and settings, and as a base for users.
This isn't currently the case unless you go back to the source, i.e., the development version.
Am I mistaken, and maybe there is?
indeed there is no set of base versions identical for all platforms except the development versions (nightly). But as I explained I would more advise that for every platform there is a standardized, static and tested base version or distribution created and only from time to time updated. AROS is not a static platform and it can be that the ARM Rpi 3 version and the 68k version have a problem because of a commit, that is solved again 1-2 days later. But experience should not depend if you are lucky to download at a good day.
Also as I explained as a beginner I would of course expect some basic stuff like browser that would blow up the nightly and make compilation time much longer.
So my advice define rules and collect ideas how a beginner friendly distribution could be look and what software should be in and then this could be done by people owning the hardware. There should be both 32bit and 64bit versions. On one page there should be links where to download it.
Edited by OlafSch on 03-09-2026 10:36, 4 days ago
terminillsMember
Posted 4 days ago@arosbeginner - Your distribution is only for 68k, but I use x64, and we're thinking of other riscv or arm users.
I'd like the official AROS website to have a single distribution, the same for all environments, with the same graphics and settings, and as a base for users.
This isn't currently the case unless you go back to the source, i.e., the development version.
Am I mistaken, and maybe there is?
The AROS Nightly should probably be considered closer to LFS than a distribution in its own right. It's the upstream base that distributions can build on, rather than something intended to provide one standardized end-user experience across every architecture.
What you could do instead is create an AROS distribution information site. Keep an updated inventory of what's included and available in the AROS Nightly builds, then provide proper reviews and package lists for each distribution.
From there, you could build a comparison grid showing each distribution against upstream AROS — which architectures it supports, what packages it includes, desktop configuration, drivers, development tools, additional software, and so on.
That would give users the "one place to see everything" you're looking for without requiring upstream AROS itself to become a distribution.
4 users reacted to this post
retrofaza, miker1264, deadwood, Telematix
ntromansVeteran Member
Posted 3 days agoYou've got two extreames here; the nightlies are a bit too 'raw' for an inexperienced user whilst the distros are almost too complete a casual test of the sysetm (the're large and need a level of commitment in terms of downlaod time, installing an learning to use).
Neither of these are for someone who comes across AROS in an article, want to have a quick look to try it out. If it doesn't happen qucikly and easily for them, they'll probably loose interest just as fast,
So for these potential users have a streamlined distro with just the core apps (but clear information on how to progress to larger installations); quick to download to a live drive (USB/SD) and boot straight into. Launch into a brief system guide and maybe a configuration ustility to set up the look and feel right (from a menu of styles from classic through to full-flat minimalist) from first boot.
Is there any way network/wifi hardware detection could be automated as graphics hardware is? I suspect most of the questions on prefs is to do with setting those up. Of course the RPi and 68k distros have no issue here as they target specific hardware. Also have AHI set sensible defualt values when the hardware is detected.
Is it possible to make it such that a bootble USB drive could be produced simply by just copying the files to USB rather than writing an image to USB using Rufus etc., burining an iso or setting up a virtual machine, all of which woudl be a barrier to casual usage? I really like that fact for RPi you can just download the ssytem and copy staright to SD.
The PITA that is UEFI boot only machines is another barrier here; clear information prior to downloading on what machines will and will-not work would be helpful here.
Just a few musings...
Cheers,
Nigel.
Neither of these are for someone who comes across AROS in an article, want to have a quick look to try it out. If it doesn't happen qucikly and easily for them, they'll probably loose interest just as fast,
So for these potential users have a streamlined distro with just the core apps (but clear information on how to progress to larger installations); quick to download to a live drive (USB/SD) and boot straight into. Launch into a brief system guide and maybe a configuration ustility to set up the look and feel right (from a menu of styles from classic through to full-flat minimalist) from first boot.
Is there any way network/wifi hardware detection could be automated as graphics hardware is? I suspect most of the questions on prefs is to do with setting those up. Of course the RPi and 68k distros have no issue here as they target specific hardware. Also have AHI set sensible defualt values when the hardware is detected.
Is it possible to make it such that a bootble USB drive could be produced simply by just copying the files to USB rather than writing an image to USB using Rufus etc., burining an iso or setting up a virtual machine, all of which woudl be a barrier to casual usage? I really like that fact for RPi you can just download the ssytem and copy staright to SD.
The PITA that is UEFI boot only machines is another barrier here; clear information prior to downloading on what machines will and will-not work would be helpful here.
Just a few musings...
Cheers,
Nigel.
1 user reacted to this post
miker1264
arosbeginnerMember
Posted 3 days agoWe're going off topic, but my opinion is that we need an AROS 1.0 or at least release versions.
Once version 1.0 is released, the official website should provide a basic distribution with a browser, shell commands (wget), and other minimal standard features automatically generated.
After that, there are the distributions.
Once version 1.0 is released, the official website should provide a basic distribution with a browser, shell commands (wget), and other minimal standard features automatically generated.
After that, there are the distributions.
2 users reacted to this post
OlafSch, miker1264
terminillsMember
Posted 3 days ago@arosbeginner - We're going off topic, but my opinion is that we need an AROS 1.0 or at least release versions.
Once version 1.0 is released, the official website should provide a basic distribution with a browser, shell commands (wget), and other minimal standard features automatically generated.
After that, there are the distributions.
That's not really your decision ... You are free to do what you want outside of the main project and support and design however you want. However it is no ones place to try and delegate what the main project does. Most of the people working on AROS are doing so in their spare time because they enjoy the project and someone coming in trying to force their views on the project is extremely counterproductive. If you want to create a theme and name every app whenever you want to name it within the license go right ahead. However aros.org is the parent to the AROS project and what happens there is not delegated by what some thread on AROSWorld determines.
3 users reacted to this post
Argo, deadwood, olivier2222
arosbeginnerMember
Posted 3 hours agoThanks for the clarification, I'll take it into account.
However, it wasn't my intention to tell developers what to do. My intention is to create discussion groups to propose improvements, which anyone can then read and, if they want, make a comment.
I think constructive discussion can bring value and serve as a starting point for discussions that engage the community. Many topics have emerged, including what aros is and isn't, what puts us off using it, and more.
I think these things are exciting for the community and make the system a little more ours and with more hope for the future.
However, it wasn't my intention to tell developers what to do. My intention is to create discussion groups to propose improvements, which anyone can then read and, if they want, make a comment.
I think constructive discussion can bring value and serve as a starting point for discussions that engage the community. Many topics have emerged, including what aros is and isn't, what puts us off using it, and more.
I think these things are exciting for the community and make the system a little more ours and with more hope for the future.
pixieMember
That's not really your decision ... You are free to do what you want outside of the main project and support and design however you want. However it is no ones place to try and delegate what the main project does. Most of the people working on AROS are doing so in their spare time because they enjoy the project and someone coming in trying to force their views on the project is extremely counterproductive. If you want to create a theme and name every app whenever you want to name it within the license go right ahead. However aros.org is the parent to the AROS project and what happens there is not delegated by what some thread on AROSWorld determines.
I didn't knew someone expressing their opinion somehow would make it their decision, I mean, more than yours or mine for that matter. Those people working on their time can read, see if it's a good idea, or move along, no one is pressing a gun to their head.
Besides I don't understand why would someone thinks a thread on arosworld would delegate anything to aros... but at least developers can have a better understanding what their community thinks, and that would be a good thing everywhere else's... clearly, not to you.
Developers being forced on their views... please...
terminillsMember
Posted 55 minutes ago@pixie -
That's not really your decision ... You are free to do what you want outside of the main project and support and design however you want. However it is no ones place to try and delegate what the main project does. Most of the people working on AROS are doing so in their spare time because they enjoy the project and someone coming in trying to force their views on the project is extremely counterproductive. If you want to create a theme and name every app whenever you want to name it within the license go right ahead. However aros.org is the parent to the AROS project and what happens there is not delegated by what some thread on AROSWorld determines.
I didn't knew someone expressing their opinion somehow would make it their decision, I mean, more than yours or mine for that matter. Those people working on their time can read, see if it's a good idea, or move along, no one is pressing a gun to their head.
Besides I don't understand why would someone thinks a thread on arosworld would delegate anything to aros... but at least developers can have a better understanding what their community thinks, and that would be a good thing everywhere else's... clearly, not to you.
Developers being forced on their views... please...
Anyone can have whatever opinion they want… however the project is designed a specific way and that won’t change based on a thread on a website.
My messages don’t come from a vacuum they come from other developers. Are they always the most pleasant worded no… but sometimes after giving people an example of how to achieve their goal without expecting anything from upstream and being told multiple times that’s not how things work… if we continue down the same path all it has the potential of doing is giving people false hope.
OlafSchMember
Posted 33 minutes agoI do not really understand what these discussions are about. There is certainly a kind of confusion with the different partly incompatible ABIs that existed in parallel. My view, as I already wrote, all distributions should use the official main branch in future for reasons I already wrote. Additional there is the discussion about changing of nightly. Of course nightlies are not perfect for end users but this is not they are for. They are test versions for developers to see if commits work and find errors. Not more not less. There should be official beginner distributions in future, perfect fitting for specific targets. Perfect fits are RPi there because of relative static hardware but I think VMs on PC could be also targets, like VMWare. That could also have standardized software and optimized icon sets. So that new users could first time see and test Aros without too many problems. Expecially configuring Aros on a PC certainly can be too much for start. And of course documentation explaining it in detail understandable even for someone without any Amiga experience.
Edited by OlafSch on 07-09-2026 05:51, 31 minutes ago
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Users who participated in discussion: amigamia, terminills, deadwood, Argo, AMIGASYSTEM, pixie, ntromans, OlafSch, arosbeginner, r-tea, x-vision, coffeecat