Hi. Vanilla GNOME has a workflow that at first glance is very different from other operating systems/desktop environments. However, this workflow, in my opinion, is very poorly described by the project and the community. Newcomers coming to GNOME from other OS/DEs mostly do not understand how to work in GNOME, which leads to two consequences: 1) They try to remake GNOME in Windows/macOS; 2) They change DE. Moreover, changing DE can be accompanied by hate/toxic comments. This damages the reputation of GNOME. Yes, GNOME is still the most popular DE, but I think that the GNOME’s workflow should be disclosed in more detail. It should be shown that yes, GNOME has its own unique workflow, but it is comfortable and productive – just try it! If you want - compare with other OS/Des! If you have any difficulties, we will help you get the hang of it!
As I wrote above, GNOME for a new user is very different from the workflow in Windows and macOS. If we want a new user to understand and accept the vanilla GNOME workflow (not modified by extensions like Dash-to-Dock/Dash-to-Panel), then I believe there should be an information resource aimed at adoption of new users and making the GNOME workflow easier to understand. GNOME is an opinionated DE, and that’s not a bad thing, but I think that opinion should be explained and justified to the end user.
I see the purpose of this resource as explaining the features of the vanilla GNOME workflow. For example, explaining what Activities is, what is the advantage of using Activities over the dock (macOS) and taskbar (Windows)? Why should you try working with dynamic virtual desktops, what is the convenience of this functionality?
It is important to pay attention (but not to make it the main focus) to comparing some GNOME functionality with the functionality of other OS/DEs. Why? Because still most new GNOME users are users who previously used Windows, macOS, or GNU/Linux with other desktop environments (KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, XFCE, etc.). This factor should not be underestimated. Comparison, associative connection can help a new user understand the logic of the workflow in GNOME.
For example, “macOS and Windows have desktop icons. GNOME does not, but we can offer you an alternative: the Favorites menu in Nautilus, or file search in the Activities. This is 1) more aesthetically pleasing than a desktop littered with shortcuts 2) (almost) as fast and convenient as opening a file.”
Or, for example, “In Windows, to switch between applications, you have to drag the cursor to the taskbar, which on a large screen can be far from the current cursor position. In GNOME, you do not have to drag the cursor to the taskbar - just open the Activities with the Super (Win) button and click on the window. The window you need will be much closer to the current cursor position and you won’t have to move it anywhere. It’s even possible that the window you need will be right under your cursor in Activities - just click on it!”
The emphasis should be on the functionality available in vanilla GNOME, if possible without resorting to extensions.
Yes, GNOME has an application called GNOME Tour. It helps you master basic actions in GNOME, but it doesn’t help you understand the logic of these actions, which are often alien to new users.
I admit that I may not have been very successful in describing the advantages of the GNOME workflow in the examples above.
What do you think about it?
