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Idea #21453: Adding software-sources in Ubuntu is too diffcult and takes too much time.

bug This entry was marked as not being an idea the 23 September 09. If this is a bug report, please use the Ubuntu bug tracker.
Written by salathaendler the 15 Sep 09 at 15:30. Related project: Firefox. Status: Not an idea
Rationale
Adding software-sources to Ubuntu is really annoying and especially for users, that are not that much into computers, it is really hard to do.
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votes
closed
Solution #1: Developing a Firefox-Plugin to do the job.
Written by salathaendler the 15 Sep 09 at 15:30.
If one wants to add a new software to the repositories, there should be a button on the homepage which says "Add to repositories". Then, a new window should say something like "This website tries to add software to your sources-list. Warning: Third-Party software may harm etc..."
Then you have to choose between "Add to repositories and install" or "Just add to repositories".
Now you have to type in your password.

Maybe there should be a "Do you really want to.."-notice, too.

Propose your solution

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Comments
valpskott wrote on the 16 Sep 09 at 23:31
I really like this idea... I mean, first one has to add like two addresses and then go to terminal and write(copy/paste) a command that is far to long to remember til next time you need it, that includes the auth-key. Yeah, it's "failsafe", but most normal humans just can't summon the patience or yet the mental work out to perform this task.

Like, my mom, she likes options when it comes to software, she is also a fairly intelligent person, but going to the terminal will scare her away. As of now, Ubuntu comes installed with most kinds of software a normal person uses, and synaptic is fairly easy to get a hang of, but if someone wants a software that isn't provided from these sources, this is where you need to be a semi-hacker.

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 01:07
Apt-url can already add a third-party repository in one click...except that the feature has been deliberately disabled.

The current method is deliberately obtuse to prevent users from unintentionally adding repositories. Some third-party repositories cause serious upgrade conflicts, or may harbor unstable or obsolete (or malicious) packages.

A workable method of ensuring the security of third-party repositories is essential before lowering the barriers to entry. Say, that would be a good idea to submit (ah, it already has been submitted).

The preferred alternative for non-technical users is to file a packaging request so a packager or MOTU can evaluate the software and add it to the Ubuntu repositories.

Lachu wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 18:55
Apt-url, One Click Install and many others support this feature.

Also PackageKit will have possibility to control our software via webpage - it can check, what we have installed, ask to install software, etc.

PackageKit web plugin provide similar functionality as One Click Install, but cann't add new repository to system and it's possibly less secure than Yast One Click Install.

So Ubuntu developers should brink apt-url or Yast One Click installer to Ubuntu.

Lachu wrote on the 17 Sep 09 at 18:57
SecureShell(actually called partneship can add software repository to list). The problem is: it have only text based frontend(we can run it only in xterm window).

cheesehead (Brainstorm admin) wrote on the 23 Sep 09 at 15:23
Closing idea - failed to get two reviewer approvals


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