I've been using linux (for free) for a few months now and I think it's time I gave somthing back, especially since I've suddenly got a lot more time to concentrate on this kind of thing.

I've noticed that a lot of newcomers have trouble installing new software, so I'm planing on writing a simple wizard interface for rpms (with deb to follow) with some of the following:

• Double click an rpm file and it takes you though the process visually, similar to install shield etc.
  
• common interface for local rpm files and those in remote repositories
  
• If apt is installed it is used to resolve dependencies, check if newer verisons are avaliable etc before installing, even when installing from local rpm files.
  
• Checks items are added to the menu in kde/gnome and ask the user if they want to make one if there isn't.
  
• wizards to remove, refresh, upgrade etc.
  
  [*}Strict mvc arcitechture, interfaces for GTK, Qt. Possibly command line interface

Before I start I'd like to know if there is a similar project out there already. I'm planning on this being a big thing included in the main distros. I have worked in hci for a long time and, although I have mostly used java so far, am a very strong programmer. So far I'm aware of kpackage, grpm for rpm and synaptic, aptitude for apt.

I'll also, sometime need people to help test, do a website etc. I'm not really looking for people to sign up this moment, but if anyone's interested I'd like to hear.

I hope to start design work this week, and coding this month.