PolicyKit integration

...as it would:

a) allow to give some special users update/install privileges

b) solve the theming problem: atm when you use synaptic, it will use root's theme settings if the user uses a local theme, which potentially looks very out of place

or is there a plan to move to PackageKit for Intrepid (I kind of hope this is not the case as the PK GUI tools don't work as good)?

Another use-case is for users who would like to view currently installed packages (and possibly build a markings file) without the intent to commit changes.

I do this very often (e.g. view installed packages, dependencies, etc). The ability to make markings file could be useful in a user/administrator relationship. The user needs new packages, builds the markings file, and submits it to the administrator for approval.

I happen to share computers with other people:

1) I would like someone to do system updates, but not necessarily do other things, like removing packages

2) When I troubleshoot problems from someone else's account (in his/her presence) and want to use Synaptic, I have to either switch users or (if that particular user has root priviledges) swap places with that person can enter his/her password. With PolicyKit, I could just select my account and type my password when some action needs higher privileges.

3) I usually like to configure Synaptic to resemble gnome-packagekit as much as it can, but other people might prefer other settings. Right now the Synaptic configuration is stored in /root directory, so there is only one configuration for all users.

Implementing PolicyKit would solve all those issues.

Thank you for taking the time to report this bug and helping to make Ubuntu better. I am closing this bug as Fix released because the bug has been fixed in the latest development version of Ubuntu - Precise Pangolin, synaptic is run with pkexec (policykit exec) in Precise.
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