Improve elementary OS for metered data networks

[danirabbit]

Metered networks are those in which users pay for the amount of data they use. In these situations it is especially important that data is only used on demand. We have the ability to detect metered networks via networkmanager, but we currently don’t do anything with that information to reduce data usage

Outcome

Data transmission should be reduced where possible on metered networks such as avoiding checking for updates, waiting to download images on request, etc. Students will create new UIs where needed to request permission from the user to proceed with a download. Students may also identify and correct areas where data usage isn't clearly communicated to the user.

issues like those on this project board should be resolved: https://github.com/orgs/elementary/projects/48

Requirements

• Familiarity with object oriented programming
• Comfortable developing on Linux with a comprehensive developer guide, or willing to learn quickly
• Able to learn how to develop in an existing Vala codebase with help from our community of developers
• Familiarity with the widget toolkit GTK, or a willingness to learn

Difficulty: 💪 Moderate

Students will have to be creative and somewhat self directed in identifying areas for improvement and defining project scope. It would help if the student has firsthand experience with being on a metered network to fully understand the issue. Mentors will support the student in design thinking, but the student will need to think about appropriate ways to communicate potential data usage and ask the user for permission to use data; there won't be obvious one-size-fits-all solutions. The difficulty and scope of this project will be largely defined by the student's ambition 🚀

[danirabbit]

I am available to mentor this project :)

[cassidyjames]

I am available and happy to mentor this project! I attended the GNOME Parental Controls & Metered Data hackfest and can work to guide and mentor a student.