Bug 162628

Version:            (using KDE 3.5.8)
Installed from:    Ubuntu Packages

I was just thinking using removable storage (USB, FireWire, Bluetooth, or even network connections) to auto load a session or style for the interface.

For example the workstation would sit on a login screen or guest desktop and wait for a user to insert a jump drive.

When they do it automatically loads their desktop off the jump drive and open all applications that they had running. 

When a second drive is inserted the desktops merge or split down the middle. (cool special FX, i'm sure lots of glowing and alpha blending of wallpapers would be going on.). I would say make it one of the four desktops but that wouldn't be as cool or user freindly as if the desktop was being shared by profiles. Everything in the end-user market is going towards pretty special effects, I know that Linux is trying to get into this market and that is why i think that this idea is essential in overtaking or at least confronting M$.

I got this idea when i was thinking of setting up a bunch of computers in my house and carrying a jump drive with my profile on it (the problem is there is no way of doing this currently except by having a roaming profile over a network). When I plug it in it would  start playing my music and load my desktop and everything I've been working on (maybe an auto save feature so unexpected unplugs are not damaging). Then i could unplug it and move it to the bedroom and work then to the kitchen then the living room, or goto a friends house and plug it in there. applications could be stored on the jump drive so that compatibility isn't at risk, or at least make that an option. or a scripting language could be used to launch files in that computers default applications.

And when I talk about the network connection when you enter a wireless network and connect maybe your desktop splits in two and half of it turns into some cool interface that the person programed for their network or brings up network shares/music/ads what have you.

This would work for personal as well as open up a market in business to provide people with workstations at coffee shops or when shopping you could plug your drive in and the stores computer would provide a applet that lets you shop and then save your shopping list to the drive.

This would also allow beginners to get their foot into Linux, by making it easier to save files because you just have to save it to the desktop and it would save to the jump drive. When you insert a blank jump drive a wizard comes up to create a new profile. maybe a virtual pet on the drive. so many possibilities exist and don't seem to complex. they just need backing.

I ask you, the developers of KDE, to consider this project because it seems like you are heading in this direction with the applets, widgets, and customization of the K Desktop Environment.