Several months ago I put my parents on a $200 Microtel PC with GNOME 2.4, just as it was released. After having used it for about 8 months their modem was damaged by lightning. I took it to my apartment to order the parts and ensure that everything else was working. During that time I noticed that they definitely did not understand how to use Nautilus to keep their home directory organized. There were obvious signs of an attempt to keep track of things, but in the end there were duplicate folders for the same purpose, and many documents that were part of the same project scattered in different folders. I opened Nautilus and almost immediately I could see the new Nautilus is the solution to this problem: spatial mode. Also, using /apps/nautilus/preferences/desktop_is_home_dir would make things even easier. The user doesn't even have to know or understand that they have a home directory or ever even look for their files. They are always right there at their fingertips. It also encourages organization because without filing your documents your desktop becomes cluttered.
I switched to this configuration a few months ago and I certainly won't be going back anytime soon. Yet, many if not most users will probably continue to use the navigational mode. If it just will not work for you, then by all means, don't use it. But I must say, it going back to check out the navigational Nautilus again I have found that my files are even better optimized for using it with the tree view than they were before. With this in mind I can wholly imagine a user combining both modes. Using spatial mode to manage their home directory while preserving the navigational mode for trekking into the root filesystem. I have found the new Nautilus satisfactory for both occasions, though most of my folders are tuned a bit differently from the defaults outside of my home directory.
Here are a few tips that I have compiled after a long period of trial and error:
- Spend a few hours cleaning up your home directory and any other major directories that you do a lot of file management in. Eliminate old files and folders; combine folders where possible.
- At least try desktop_is_home_dir if you can get your home directory down to a handful of folders.
- Make extensive use of the .hidden files, especially in your home directory.
I use it to hide mbox, Templates, bin, Mail, and evolution. All directories or files that I really would never use Nautilus to manage anyways and would almost never open.
- Customize every folder including size, position, and default view.
- Make a drawer of launchers to all of your most used places in your filesystem or a folder on your Desktop full of links.
- Get used to using Ctrl-L when you have to go "off-road".
- Use the terminal for certain types of file management; it is far more powerful than any file management system no matter the mode.
- Make good use of gnome-vfs. Being able to share files with machines running SSH without having to setup any kind of filesharing is fantastic. Yeah, I know this one has nothing to do with spatial Nautilus, but try it anyways.
Now on to the thesis statement I promised: In years past I felt like finding my files was like climbing a tree, but now, thanks to the new spatial Nautilus, everything is right at my fingertips. Cute, eh? "Climbing a tree." I'm sure glad I'm old enough to feel ways about things.
Before I go I want to issue a bit of a challenge. All the navigational fans have been making their points about the pluses and minuses of each mode in the comments to all these spatial stories. I want to see a whole editorial. Anyone, tell me why you love the navgational system, how it has helped you, and some tips for the best usage. It seems more often than not with navigational file management everyone assume that it is the defacto and that everyone understands why it is so great. Convince me. I want to learn.
About the Author:
Ryan Stutsman has worked and schooled in the hi-tech state of Indiana for years on end now. He is returning to school at Purdue University this fall where he will be majoring in becoming a career student. He has been using GNU/Linux for about 8 years now and tries to participate in the community where he is tolerated.
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- "Spatial Vs Navigational, Page 1/2"
- "Spatial Vs Navigational, Page 2/2"
