For the most part Ubuntu's package installations work great, especially when non-geek types want to install a certain program. It's easier and more intuitive than performing a Windows installation by far. However, these advantages cease when a specific package wanted by the user is not in the repository. At this point, the user needs to do several things:
1) Go to the program's website
2) Find the program's repository commands
3) Either run the commands via the terminal or add them to a dialog box that's several layers beneath the surface of the GUI (System -> Admin -> Software Source -> Third Party Software)
Step #1 is inescapable, but the other steps could be easily simplified to the point where non-geek types could add a repository to their system without breaking a sweat.
I propose the following:
A file that, when opened in Ubuntu, automates the addition of repositories. I imagine this as a simple text file with the repository commands inside. The file would have a .rep extension.
Optionally, the .rep file could also include the names of packages from the new repository to install.
As an example, here's what the .rep file would like for Inkscape:
--------------------
:gutsy_repositories
deb
http://ppa.launchpad.net/inkscape.testers/ubuntu gutsy main
deb-src
http://ppa.launchpad.net/inkscape.testers/ubuntu gutsy main
:gutsy_packages
inkscape-0.46-0
--------------------
The steps to install would turn into this:
1) Go to the program's website.
2) Click the link to the program's repository file.
3) Read the security warning that advises only to add the repository if you're sure you want the programs within it.
4) Choose whether to install the packages given in the .rep file (default yes).
5) After entering your admin password, Ubuntu adds the repositories listed in the file, and installs the packages if directed to.
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