[Followup-To the Usability list] Hi!
In reference to Nautilus bug #143746 [1], I would like to discuss the current drag & drop behaviour of files in Nautilus. Currently Nautilus's behaviour changes, depending on whether the file is dragged onto a directory on the same file system or a directory on another file system. I will try to list the pros of this solution and why I think a consistent action (e.g. "always move") is a better solution. Pros for the current behaviour ------------------------------ * It was claimed that when dragging a file onto a different file system, most users want to copy the file anyway. I think this is certainly not the case for local file systems (like moving a file from /home to /var) and often not true for remote or removable file systems. Some remote file systems work much like a local one. For example, NFS mounts are often treated like a local file system. Especially in larger organizations it's quite common to mount home directories from a central file server. Also, when moving files to removable device (or a remote location that is often used the same way), I often encounter two different situations: Either I want to give a file to someone else. In this case, copying is indeed the correct action. Or I want to work on a file on a different computer. In this case, I don't want a local copy to stick around, since this will become confusing (see below). * It was also claimed that moving a file across file systems is not "safe". This is true in the sense that if there is a crash between the point the move has finished and the file has been deleted on the source side and the next sync on the target side, the file will be lost. For local file systems, a sync after the move, but before the file is deleted, helps. Another solution is to put the file in the Trash folder on the source side after moving it, so it won't be lost. * It was also pointed out that "data loss" may occur, if someone intended to just copy the file (for example onto an USB stick for another person) and it is moved. I think with a consistent drag & drop behaviour this risk is minimized. Also the Trash solution mentioned above could help. * Other operating systems (I remember Windows XP) also use the same inconsistent approach as we do. I don't think this is a good reason to keep bad usability around, though. Pros for the "always move" behaviour ------------------------------------ * The current behaviour is unexpected. Users need to distinguish between "partitions" or "remotely mounted file systems". While most users will probably grasp the difference between a local move and a move onto an USB stick, it's hard to see why a drag inside my (NFS mounted) home directory is different from a drag between my home directory and the /tmp directory. * The current behaviour can be confusing, since "old" versions of files are left lying around. If move a file onto an USB stick to work on it on a different computer, I suddenly have two versions of the same file and have to find out, which version is newer. In the worst case I have edited both versions (having forgotten about a copy) and have to merge them or accidently delete the changes from one of the files. * When dragging I currently always have to check whether a move or a copy will be performed. I have several mounts and partitions that I work with regularily. I now press the shift key by default when moving files around. (A feature for advanced users.) I should not need to care on what file system or file server a certain directory is mounted on. This is what my system administrator is for. I just want a plain, consistent view on all the files, directories, and devices I work with. * The action of "dragging means moving" is more natural that "dragging means copying". Drag & drop is a real world metaphor. In reality I usually don't copy stuff just by taking it and moving it around. That stuff is suddenly copied is unexpected, especially if you've used drag & drop on the same file system before. There are ways to enforce moving files or getting asked about your preferred action. But these are all power user features. The most simple and forward action (just moving stuff around) should be the most easily understood. - Sebastian [1] http://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=143746 _______________________________________________ Usability mailing list [email protected] http://mail.gnome.org/mailman/listinfo/usability
