[valtam]

The widget needs to be as minimal as possible. The approach here is to allow people to glance at a space on their desktop and get simple, concise information. For example, if they're rendering a video and want to know their cpu usage, or how may updates there are.

For there to be transparency, compositing has to be enabled, and in LL it's turned off by default due to some older pc's not able to handle it.

Thanks @firenice03 for your suggestions, I like the idea of making the widget even smaller.

[firenice03]

For there to be transparency, compositing has to be enabled, and in LL it's turned off by default due to some older pc's not able to handle it.

Thanks @firenice03 for your suggestions, I like the idea of making the widget even smaller.

Forgot about composting  :o
And liking the compacted look  8)

[LL-user]

Great initiative, Jerry!

Especially addressing the update notification discussion again and keeping it as light as possible.

A few questions/ideas:

• How often will there be a check for updates? Might it be even configurable?
  
• Considering the main target (Windows refugees) and even for seasoned Linux users, is it really that helpful to see the kernel used? I utilize conky extensively on almost half of my desktop to be able to check all kinds of system parameters - not kernel version and LL version though (next point).
  
• Same applies for Linux Lite version?
  
• The time and date information is redundant and easier/always visible via the panel. So why really displaying it here again?
  
• Isn't there a panel plugin to show the very basic system information (CPU/memory) which is no doubt helpful?
  
• Leaves us with the update notification :) Isn't there a chance to utilize Shaggy's awesome work he's done already on that part? It's just a little but always visible icon on the panel and can be configured. And one good specific tool for one specific task :)
  

[torreydale]

I like where this is going.

[technomancer]

Great Idea ! Maybe some rounded edges on the widget ?

[valtam]

Great Idea ! Maybe some rounded edges on the widget ?

Yeah, I was thinking of subtly rounding the edges, give it some polish. It may even end up with a suitable background image :)

[valtam]

Great initiative, Jerry!

Especially addressing the update notification discussion again and keeping it as light as possible.

A few questions/ideas:

• How often will there be a check for updates? Might it be even configurable?
  
• Considering the main target (Windows refugees) and even for seasoned Linux users, is it really that helpful to see the kernel used? I utilize conky extensively on almost half of my desktop to be able to check all kinds of system parameters - not kernel version and LL version though (next point).
  
• Same applies for Linux Lite version?
  
• The time and date information is redundant and easier/always visible via the panel. So why really displaying it here again?
  
• Isn't there a panel plugin to show the very basic system information (CPU/memory) which is no doubt helpful?
  
• Leaves us with the update notification :) Isn't there a chance to utilize Shaggy's awesome work he's done already on that part? It's just a little but always visible icon on the panel and can be configured. And one good specific tool for one specific task :)
  

The widget will be configurable in so far as people's ability to work with conky. The update check will be set at a default of 180 mins, it really only needs to check when you start your computer, LL isn't a server OS that stays on 24/7 and needs to check for updates at regular intervals.
I'm happy to leave the kernel version out, agreed most Windows folk would look at it and go wtf is a kernel :) The Linux Lite version will stay, it serves a couple of purposes there.

What do others think about having the time and date in there?

The update notification you're referring to is written in python, one of my weaker languages. It is GPL2, so there is the possibility there for someone to take on the project.

Thank you for your feedback :)

[LL-user]

Sounds perfect to me! :)

Nice info out of the box, but easy to adjust/configure for people who can edit a text file/ already run conky.

Unfortunately not proficient in python...

[Coastie]

Only thing I think might be helpful is the updates info. Can it be in the panel? If not, can it be minimized or closed then autostart at boot up? Would want to be able to make background transparent.

[valtam]

Only thing I think might be helpful is the updates info. Can it be in the panel? If not, can it be minimized or closed then autostart at boot up? Would want to be able to make background transparent.

For those who have compositing enabled and working, our widget will be transparent.
This is a desktop widget, so it can't sit in the panel or be minimized. It will autostart at boot up for those who want it to. Cheers.