Comment 12 for bug 122039

my problem is that if ubuntu-desktop is removed it will mean that new
features added between releases as recommends of ubuntu-desktop will not be
pulled in. I don't mind some bundling, but there is no reason that anything
non-essential is marked as a dependency, it should be a recommended package
instead. For example, if i don't have and will never have a printer attached
or a scanner or a CD/DVD drive why can't I remove all the related packages
without damaging the upgrade-ability of my system?

On Dec 30, 2007 7:36 PM, FrankyT <email address hidden> wrote:

>
> Actually I'm thinking it's almost a non-issue, having gotten around to
> doing some testing. I do have a few recommendations however.
>
> I had seen earlier in the thread, and elsewhere, that removing the
> ubuntu-desktop package by itself does nothing, because it is a meta-
> package. I had trouble getting a confirmation on that however so I tried
> it on a box i was rebuilding (bye bye vista!).
>
> Removing one piece of Ubuntu-desktop prereq software (lets say xsane)
> does remove xsane and the ubuntu-desktop meta-package (since you no
> longer have all the sub-components), but DOES NOT remove any other
> packages referred to by Ubuntu-desktop. this is the behavior I was
> unclear on. Like others I was concerned that this action would remove
> gnome and everything else GUI oriented.
>
> so my recommendation is to make that information more easily available.
> perhaps a message box or some other form of user notification that this
> action is not inadvertently harmful to the rest of your desktop
> environment.
>
> I can see that others on the thread are complaining of bloat in the
> default package. I can understand that, coming from a windows
> background, but being a bit of a n00b, if a competent one, I do
> appreciate at least some of the bundling. besides, it you install ubuntu
> server, it's really easy to install the gui with apt-get, since you only
> need to call the one package
>
> I agree with others above who have requested an install-time
> software/services selection tool. that way we could check/uncheck boxes
> to install optional packages. the one thing synaptic is bad at is
> suggesting a n00b what they want and need. canonical handles this by
> bundling common supported software, to make sure that whatever we need,
> it is ready to go.
>
> so to sum up:
> 1) notify the user that removing xsane and ubuntu-desktop will not remove
> gnome or any other dependent packages.
>
> 2) give better control to advanced users over what software is
> installed, before it is installed, so that they can pick and choose the
> packages that are right for them.
>
> Happy new years folks
>
> --
> [Gutsy] unnecessary packages in ubuntu-desktop dependencies?
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/122039
> You received this bug notification because you are a direct subscriber
> of the bug.
>