Level 2 in GhostBSD, described as suggestive automation, could involve the system offering contextual help or recommendations based on observed patterns, without taking direct action or enforcing outcomes. It remains passive but attempts to guide the user toward certain choices. Here are a few examples of what this might look like:
1. Contextual Recommendations
After installing new software, the system might suggest optional configurations or complementary packages. For example:
"You installed LibreOffice. Would you like to enable automatic document backups or install spell-check dictionaries for additional languages?"
2. Intelligent Search Enhancements
When a user opens the settings menu or types in a system search bar, it might auto-suggest related tools or documentation based on previous activity:
"You searched for display settings. Would you like to adjust screen brightness, configure multiple monitors, or learn about power-saving options?"
3. User Guidance Based on Logs or Errors
After a failed boot or repeated application crashes, the system might propose relevant solutions:
"The last session ended unexpectedly. Would you like to review recent log entries or run a diagnostic scan?"
4. Learning from Patterns (Without Acting)
If a user consistently changes certain settings after login—such as setting the audio output to a different device—the system could notify:
"We noticed you often switch audio output to HDMI. Would you like to set this as the default device?"
Ethical Considerations at Level 2
While this level respects user control, it begins to anticipate and influence decisions. If handled poorly, it can become annoying or intrusive, especially if the user cannot disable these prompts. The key ethical line here is consent and transparency. Users must be able to:
- Understand why a suggestion was made
- Opt out easily
- Trust that no behavioral data is being misused or shared
It does make me think about deprecating older tools and creating new ones.
