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Ubuntu going too far?
Topic Started: Dec 15 2009, 08:38 AM (219 Views)
Phaedrus
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I`m really not sure about the way Canonical are going with Ubuntu. They have made Ubuntu the most popular distro by offering a simple ready to use version of Debian Linux, that makes it easier for new Linux users and a viable alternative for many Windows users.
I think they may be going too far in this direction now. The Add and Remove Software applet in versions prior to Karmic (which offers a simple (albeit small) alternative to Synaptic Package Manager) was good for noobies and Windows migrators. Now since Karmic, this has become an all out Software Centre which again I guess is more familiar for Windows migrators. leaving the Synaptic and GDebi for power users.
In Lucid i see they are actually replacing Synaptic and GDebi :bugeyes Noooo!!!
What are they thinking?! What happens if I want to install a .deb ? Will the new app centre handle .debs like Gdebi? or will will I have to use the command line to install debs?
The concept of repositories/Synaptic is one of the things that make Linux a superior OS.
Will it be possible to install Synaptic for those that want it I wonder?
Canonical dumbing down Linux to cater for new users is one thing, but by removing things like Synaptic they are going to lose users that know and love these aspects.

I see they are dropping Gimp as part of their default install too :shakehead
Edited by Phaedrus, Dec 15 2009, 08:50 AM.
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Gina
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As it stands I don't think they are losing synaptic for Lucid but it is mooted as a possibility for later versions. I haven't heard anything about gdebi. AFAIK they have no intention of removing the ability to install .deb packages simply as now. Yes, they are thinking of adding advanced features to Ubuntu Software Centre but this is in it's infancy.

Gimp is not being removed from the repositories, just from the default install and CD. They are not removing from the DVD or other larger ISOs such as Ubuntu Studio.
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Phaedrus
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Well from what I`ve been reading both Synaptic and GDebi will be replaced in 10.04.
eg:
http://www.ghacks.net/2009/12/11/what-will-ubuntu-10-04-bring-to-the-table/

I know Gimp will still be in the repo`s....although it looks like the Ubuntu Repo`s themselves as we know them now (as Synaptics` sources) will be dropped. :shrug

Gimp has always been part of the standard install of many many distro`s from way back. It is the Linux imaging app and should be available at boot and not have to be installed afterwards.

On the upside distros like Mint should be looking forward to a mass migration of disgruntled ex`buntu users :)
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Gina
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That doesn't agree with what's in the Ubuntu Forums and website, I'm afraid. Anyway, I'll post the link in the Lucid development forum and see what replies I get. There are a few devs who read and post there.
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Phaedrus
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There`s lots of talk about this on the forums. Most seem to think Synaptic and Gdebi will be gone by 10.10
That being the case I`m guessing like Gimp, they will simply not be part of the standard `buntu install and you will need to install them...............using USC of course lol
Maybe that will always be the case and USC wont start restricting what can and cannot be accessed and installed on a Ubuntu system......I`m not too hopeful though I have to say.

Its looking like my Ubuntu days are coming to an end and I`ll be switching distros if it pans out the way it looks right now.
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Gina
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There have been people saying they will switch to another distro if Ubuntu goes the way they fear it will. I'm keeping an open mind. Have to say, I prefer USC to Add/Remove that's it's replaced so far and realise it's very early days yet for USC.
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Phaedrus
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I`ve got no objection to USC as such. A few distro`s already use software centres as a simple interface for adding and removing software (Mint again for example), but Synaptic is also available too.

The bottom line for me I think is, that IF Synaptic and GDebi are to be replaced, the USC needs to be able to perform the functions of those apps that it is replacing. It needs all the functionality of Synaptic and also handle downloaded .debs.
Edited by Phaedrus, Dec 15 2009, 02:21 PM.
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Gina
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I think there will be a big revolt if they try to get rid of Synaptic - I shall be rather surprised if it ever happens. It's only a suggestion ATM. If it does I can see the REAL LINUX aficionados leaving Ubuntu in their droves! IMO it already has one disadvantage - the name - tooooooooo many UUUUUUs for my liking :rofl
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Phaedrus
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:lol
I suppose Synaptic is just a GUI for Apt and if the USC can integrate with apt the same way as Synaptic (and can handle .debs too), then there`s no problem removing Synaptic.(and Gdebi). USC becomes just another GUI for apt
I think whats got my (and others) heckles up is the software center as it is now offers no way near the same functionality as Synaptic, and obviously doesn`t handle .deb files.
I believe this is the eventual plan though for about v11.04
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter
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Gina
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Had a couple of replies about this with this link about USC

Replies here
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Phaedrus
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Thanks Gina.
Like I`ve said already both Gimp and Synaptic should be installed by default IMO and if USC cannot handle debs (yet) Gdebi should be installed also.
I have read the USC wiki and see where the plan is going for 11.04.

BTW I am typing this from Mint 8, which is very nice :)
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Gina
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I tried Mint a year or two ago and liked some of it - eg. the colour scheme. I forget what I didn't like ATM. Might take another look.

EDIT - Downloading Mint 8 now :)
Edited by Gina, Dec 15 2009, 07:03 PM.
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