Ubuntu
firefox package

Why did all packages link to snap package instead?

Asked by hansioux

I am using Ubuntu 23.04 (Lunar Lobster).

After an update, the deb version of firefox was removed, and since I have prevented snap from installing firefox, I was left without a browser. After some digging, I realized mozillateam's launchpad now defaults to 1:1snap1-0ubuntu3

If people wanted to use the snap package, they would have had it from the initial install. We came to use the deb package on launchpad because the snap package isn't working for us.

For me specifically, since the firefox snap does not include the necessary X11 libraries for some of the input systems that I need to use, I am unable to type in the languages that I need to communicate using firefox from the snap package.

Without the firefox deb package, I'm forced to either change the way I type, or change to a new browser. Neither options are ideal.

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Answered
For:
Ubuntu firefox Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

You can use the deb version of Firefox. not problem
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/04/how-to-install-firefox-deb-apt-ubuntu-22-04

Revision history for this message
Filipe Silva (filipe-silva) said : 		#2

Thanks for the alternate solution but I think this has not been explained clearly yet.

I filed a bug (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/firefox/+bug/2051024) for the same issue and, in there, I describe how mozillateam PPA doesn't work on Ubuntu 23.04, however, while consulting https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/mozillateam/ppa/ubuntu/dists/ I see that "lunar" bundles are there and were updated on Jan 22nd. Now, after a closer look, I see that the "Packages" files are actually empty. Is this why apt now redirects to 1:1snap1-0ubuntu3?

Revision history for this message
hansioux (hansiouxtw) said : 		#3

How is this question answered? Providing the deb link doesn't resolve the issue for me one bit. There are plenty of people who use ubuntu with limited internet access, and downloads from the internet is absolutely not a solution. We get around the issue with local repository mirrors, but snap doesn't offer that capability. Therefore the only way to keep firefox on those machines updated is through these repos. Not only did this change strip away the ability to maintain firefox browsers on those machines, it removes the installed versions of firefox all together. That is a terrible approach to making changes.

You people have ignored my question and invalidated Filipe Silva's bug report. I think the least people can do is offer a why this change was made without first informing the users.

Revision history for this message
Manfred Hampl (m-hampl) said : 		#4

Have you tried changing the repository priority by setting a higher value for ppa:mozillateam/ubuntu in the apt configuration?
see https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PinningHowto

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask hansioux for more information if necessary.

To post a message you must log in.