Ubuntu
kubuntu-meta package

(WISH) Reduce the number of dependences in kubuntu-desktop

Bug #49774 reported by Edu
6
Affects Status Importance Assigned to Milestone
kubuntu-meta (Ubuntu)
Confirmed
Wishlist
Unassigned

Bug Description

Binary package hint: kubuntu-desktop

Hi,
as far as I know, is not recommended to remove the package kubuntu-desktop, but it has a lot of dependences. In example, it requires wlassistant (wireless assistant) but is only useful on laptops. In my case I use knetworkmanager..
So my suggestion is to reduce the number of dependences to the minimal (kdebase, konqueror, x-windows and so on, so people can personalize their installation and can make a succesful upgrade for next version.
Additionaly, the package can be splitted in two, an essential package and another installed by default wich can include the actual selection of packages (openoffice, wireless assistant, maybe some games....).

Sorry my english :)
Regards,
Edu

Revision history for this message
Sarah Kowalik (hobbsee-deactivatedaccount) wrote :

the current purpose of kubuntu-desktop is to be able to run one command (sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop) to be able to get all of a standard kubuntu install.

What you're suggesting I think is already implemented in kdebase. You dont *have* to have kubuntu-desktop as part of the upgrade, as far as I remember, but having to test every single possible combination of KDE applications installed probably isnt feasible - so we cant guarentee a clean upgrade.

However, the updater is being worked on to try to keep the metapackages, which should help with the issue.

Changed in kubuntu-meta:
importance: Untriaged → Wishlist
Revision history for this message
Edu (martinez-bernal) wrote :

Thank you for hear my suggestion :)
Really is not a big problem, i.e. I can live with kubuntu-desktop package until upgrade to new distribution, then install first the package, upgrade, and uninstall all that I want.

Regards
Edu

Revision history for this message
Nicolas Dumoulin (nicolas-dumoulin) wrote :

And what about add other meta-packages ?

First proposition :
Kubuntu-desktop could be reduced to *really* common and essential package, and add some (2 or 3) specialized meta-packages, such as kubuntu-laptop-addons that would contain wireless, bluetooth and other specific packages.

Other proposition :
Build separate wide meta-pakages for several purpose :
 - kubuntu-desktop for desktop computers
 - kubuntu-laptop for laptop
 - ...

Today, I can't remove unused packages that depend to kubuntu-desktop, because, this meta-package is essential.

Revision history for this message
Andrew Ash (ash211) wrote :

I like the first proposition. Having kubuntu-desktop depend on meta-packages like kubuntu-laptop-addons, etc, would serve the same effect as having it depend directly on those packages, wouldn't it?

It would also allow users to easily take off laptop-oriented software if using a desktop, etc.

Revision history for this message
Andrew Ash (ash211) wrote :

I think in order for this to get more attention and have the possibility of being implemented, it needs a specification created for it. First check whether the idea is already registered <https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+specs>, and if so, contact the specification's drafter about your ideas. Otherwise, you can start writing a spec yourself. <https://wiki.ubuntu.com/FeatureSpecifications>

Put a link here to a spec involving this issue. Thanks

Changed in kubuntu-meta:
status: Unconfirmed → Confirmed
Revision history for this message
Sarah Kowalik (hobbsee-deactivatedaccount) wrote :

i believe this is solved with using recommends, instead of depends, for the non-crucial apps.

This is still a work in progress, hence this bug is a dupe of https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/kubuntu-meta/+bug/119467

Revision history for this message
Luka Renko (lure) wrote :

Closing as duplicate as Recommends would address most of concerns here (being able to remove stuff that it is not needed).

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