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Idea #2117: Make latest version available

bug This idea was marked as implemented the 9 July 11. Available starting Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope.
Written by mbv the 1 Mar 08 at 10:58. Category: Others. Related project: Nothing/Others. Status: Implemented
Rationale
I'd sometimes like to have the latest version available of some software package. At this moment, I'd like to try out Pidgin 2.4 to see if it is any good. In the past I've installed Thunderbird 2.0 while 1.5 was the latest in the repo's, and Eclipse 3.2 while 3.0 was in the repo's. Also videocard-drivers are a real pain in the ass (try dual-screen with 3d-acceleration on an ATi card), so I'd like to check out the latest FGLRX-package without all the hassle.

What I propose is an option in e.g. Synaptic, that allows me to install the latest version available, like Debian backports. I don't expect them to be fully tested, just a .deb version of the latest patch released by the 'vendor'. I'd then try out that version, and if I dislike it (e.g. it crashes) there should be an option to go back to the supported version.

That would look like:
- start Synaptic
- go to the installed packages
- go to my favorite package
- right-click, upgrade to latest vendor release
- apply
- show a dialog box: "This package is not tested by Ubuntu, do you want to continue or keep the old version?"
Tags: (none)

459
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Auto-generated solution of idea #2117
Written by mbv the 1 Mar 08 at 10:58.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #2117 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!
7
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Partner with software providers to provide packages for Ubuntu
Written by mydoghasworms the 5 Nov 09 at 05:11.
By starting a program, such as "Ubuntu Package Partner", to get various software providers to provide packages of their software specifically for Ubuntu (maybe with the partners displaying a logo on their website), it will help in two ways:

1. It will take the load off Ubuntu package maintainers
2. Ubuntu users will be able to benefit from the latest releases of the most popular applications.

My suggestion is: Start by enlisting the help of smaller software communities. As the initiative gains momentum and becomes popular, bigger software providers will want to get on board as well.

Also approach those that are already providing packages for Ubuntu, as they obviously support the distro.
34
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): add the PPA adress if it exists on package metadata
Written by Ssdg the 5 Nov 09 at 17:27.
By storing the "official" and up to date PPA/compatible debian repository in the package's metadata, it could enable synaptic or aptitude to offer users to add the repository as an option.

So "average" users won't be bothered with potential bugs and "power users" will get an option to be up to date.

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Comments
peterjs wrote on the 1 Mar 08 at 11:15
There already is a backports repository and if that's not good enough, install Debian Sid and be done with it.

andrewfenn wrote on the 1 Mar 08 at 14:32
That's not going to happen, the whole way Ubuntu is setup is against this idea. Checkout Ubuntu's policy of upgrades. You'll realise there is a reason they did it this way in the first place.

tzulberti wrote on the 1 Mar 08 at 16:59
If you want that you could have a PPA, and make de deb youself (or with a gruop).

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 1 Mar 08 at 20:39
Nothing is stopping you from installing the bleeding-edge latest. Go ahead. You won't void your warranty. Your mother won't mind.

If you don't want the 6-month cycle, then try another distro.

Ubuntu provides a great mix of usability and stability, and the 6-month cycle is a big part of that.

mbv wrote on the 2 Mar 08 at 16:05
@Cheesehead: I understand that the 6-month cycle is needed for stability, and it is a way better balance than Debian. But it would be nice to try the new hardy-version without all the hassle :) Or just try the newest version of FGLRX (which was outdated, due to stability reasons, at the release of Gutsy).

@peterjs: Maybe I should have said that a bit clearer: I'm actually pointing at something like a user-friendly way to install backports.

MilesTeg wrote on the 3 Mar 08 at 08:52
see also idea #73
http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/73/

it goes in the same direction

flip314 wrote on the 9 Mar 08 at 07:54
There's a backports repository, but not all apps can be backported because they require libraries that cannot/will not be backported.

If you look at the Pidgin 2.3 backport request (for example, since you mentioned pidgin -- https://bugs.launchpad.net/gutsy-backports/+bug/175096) you'll see that there's a problem backporting necessary libraries. in this case it looks like they can modify the pidgin source to not need the newer library version, but that doesn't always work.

saivann (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 9 May 08 at 21:35
flip314 is right, this is not always possible, but when it is, backports is designed to do it and already do it.

I think that the way you suggest that it might works in your description would actually be a improvement as nobody would need to know what is "backports" anymore, more easy and self-explained so user knows what he's doing. Voting +1 !

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 9 Jul 11 at 16:46
PPAs now fill this role.


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