One way to increase Linux adoption in India is to cater to our needs and usage patterns. Based on that I’ve created a list of features for a customized version of Ubuntu for India.

Things I can think of :

-Interface

- An optional Microsoft Windows like theme to help users habituated to Windows migrate to Linux.
- Color schemes, system sounds and icons that represent India.

-Localization

- Easily install any Indian language
- Localized search from desktop (similar to Google Desktop) using Google’s local search or Guruji.com.
- Ability to choose City/State during and/or after installation. Provide information such as Local News, Movie theaters, events, restaurants, etc, probably in a sidebar similar to Google/Vista sidebar.

-Media

- Codecs and DVD support by default. (No codec issues in India, yet)
- VLC player by default for all videos.
- Banshee for all music.
- Enable support for Raaga.com.

-Installation

- Support for older hardware – Provide options to install lightweight version of the OS for older systems.
- Provide Help/ Documentation for each program installed by default.
-A tutorial explaining Partitioning, Dual-Boot, Linux File Systems, when CD is inserted either from Windows or from Installer.
-Slightly difficult to implement — Hardware compatibility check before the user installs the OS.

-Other

- Make OpenOffice save to .doc by default
- Install Internet Explorer using Wine but enable a (first-time) warning message when user clicks IE telling the user that its not a native app. and that the user might experience some problems using it.
- Install language fonts for Firefox – useful for native language newspapers like Eenadu/Manorama.

Will be editing this page to add any ideas that come along. Feel free to suggest your ideas. If you’re interested in being part of this project, email me.