Software Updater - Third Parties

Asked by Ken Simmons

I have noticed in a recent Ubuntu Desktop download the "Software Updater" app included is an astonishingly large file 900+ MB for a "doubled up" app- there are two apps that provide the same service installed, one black and one blue.. This third party install seems to be required and offers no way to remove it? Seems like a lot of people have problems with it beside me and it want to give "updates" several times a day? It just seems odd that their are so many "Potentially Harmful" apps included with this install where the Hash checked out.

Any plans on resolving it? I think for one every app should have to list it's "permissions", and they don't. I also think every app should give you the file name so you can remove it through the terminal UI if you want; and it should in that process remove any of its other "dirty bits" or extension files it installs with it. And also, there should be a confirmed "security authority" that approves of it with contact information to include address and name other than just some random e-mail. Finally, maybe all third party vendors should be required to carry a large enough insurance liability to cover damages any person or business can associate through the use of their app (it's expected of other businesses that serve the public). I have a few other suggestions, but one thing is certain, a valid review process is missing from the Ubuntu OS release process. Why can't they design a version that's stripped down and then each person picks from a series of "trusted and safe" apps to put in their download package instead of letting random individuals choose what goes into another persons system?

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Bernard Stafford (bernard010) said :
#1

"Finally, maybe all third party vendors should be required"
Ubuntu their is no warranty it is 'Open Source'
NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR ARISING BY STATUTE, CUSTOM, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE, WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF TITLE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORINESS, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Customer responsibilities

    Customer will not (i) use the Services other than in connection with the Customer systems for which Customer has purchased the Services or (ii) resell the Services.
    Customer is responsible for the back-up of its data and software. Canonical will not be liable for any loss, corruption, or damage to data or software.
    If Customer engages Canonical to install or use any third party software or materials as part of the Services, Customer will have and maintain sufficient rights or licences to such software to allow Canonical to perform the Services.
    Where Canonical provides access to online resources as part of the Services, Customer (i) will comply with Canonical’s reasonable instructions and (ii) will not cause any adverse impact to the Services.

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Bernard Stafford (bernard010) said :
#2
Revision history for this message
Johnson (celeryooiiy) said (last edit ):
#3

It seems like you have a series of concerns and suggestions regarding the Ubuntu Desktop download and installation process. While I can't directly address specific issues with the Software Updater app or the inclusion of potentially harmful apps, I can provide some general information.
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1. **Software Updater Size:**
   The size of the Software Updater app might vary based on the included dependencies and updates bundled with it. Sometimes, the size could be influenced by the inclusion of additional libraries or features. However, it's unusual for such an essential system tool to be excessively large.

2. **Multiple Apps Providing the Same Service:**
   If you're seeing two apps that seem to provide the same service, it could be due to different desktop environments or package configurations. Ubuntu, being a versatile distribution, supports various desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, etc. The different apps might belong to different environments.

3. **Removing Unwanted Apps:**
   In Ubuntu, you can use the terminal to uninstall software. The `apt` package manager can be used to remove unwanted applications. For example, you can use the following command:
   ```bash
   sudo apt-get remove <package-name>
   ```
   Replace `<package-name>` with the actual name of the package you want to uninstall.

4. **Permissions and App Information:**
   It's a good idea to have detailed information about the permissions an app requires. Ubuntu's Software Center does provide some information about applications, but your suggestion for more detailed permissions information is valid. You can often find this information on the software developer's website or in the package documentation.

5. **Security Review Process:**
   Ubuntu, like many Linux distributions, has a robust security model. Software included in official repositories undergoes a review process, but it's always good to exercise caution when installing third-party software. The responsibility for app security lies with both the distribution maintainers and the user.

6. **App Approval by Security Authority:**
   While there may not be a single "security authority" for all apps, open-source communities, package maintainers, and distribution maintainers play a crucial role in ensuring the security of software. You can often find information about maintainers and contributors in the respective package repositories.

7. **Liability for Third-Party Apps:**
   Enforcing liability requirements for third-party app developers may be challenging, given the open-source and community-driven nature of many Linux distributions. However, users should be cautious and download software from trusted sources.

8. **Customized OS Versions:**
   Some Linux distributions do offer minimal or "stripped-down" versions, allowing users to customize their installations. However, the default installation often includes a set of applications considered essential for most users.

If you have specific issues or concerns with a particular package or the overall Ubuntu experience, consider reaching out to the Ubuntu community forums, where you may get more targeted assistance and feedback. Developers and experienced users often frequent these forums and can provide insights into your specific concerns.

Revision history for this message
Johnson (celeryooiiy) said :
#4

At last, perhaps all outsider merchants ought to be required"
Ubuntu their is no guarantee it is 'Open Source'
Neither one of the gatherings MAKES ANY Portrayals OR Guarantees OF ANY Sort, WHETHER ORAL OR Composed, WHETHER EXPRESS, Suggested, OR Emerging BY Resolution, CUSTOM, COURSE OF Managing OR Exchange Use, Concerning THE Topic About OR Generally Regarding THIS Understanding. EACH PARTY Explicitly Renounces All Inferred Guarantees OR States OF TITLE, Palatable QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY, Sufficiency, Readiness FOR A Specific Reason AND NON-Encroachment.

Client obligations(https://allcelebritynow.com/)

    Client will not (I) utilize the Administrations other than regarding the Client frameworks for which Client has bought the Administrations or (ii) exchange the Administrations.
    Client is liable for the back-up of its information and programming. Sanctioned won't be at risk for any misfortune, defilement, or harm to information or programming.
    In the event that Client draws in Sanctioned to introduce or involve any outsider programming or materials as a feature of the Administrations, Client will have and keep up with adequate freedoms or licenses to such programming to permit Standard to play out the Administrations.
    Where Accepted gives admittance to online assets as a component of the Administrations, Client (I) will consent to Standard's sensible guidelines and (ii) won't make any unfriendly effect the Administrations.

Revision history for this message
James William (jameswilli) said (last edit ):
#5

To address the concerns regarding the large and seemingly redundant "Software Updater" app included in the recent Ubuntu Desktop download, a comprehensive solution is needed. Firstly, there should be a streamlined review process in place during the OS release to ensure that included apps are essential, secure, and do not duplicate services. Additionally, every app should transparently list its permissions, provide a clear file name for easy removal through the terminal UI, and remove any associated files during uninstallation. Implementing a confirmed security authority with contact information for approval and requiring third-party vendors to carry sufficient insurance liability for potential damages caused by their apps would add accountability. Furthermore, considering user feedback, Ubuntu could explore a stripped-down version of the OS where users can selectively choose from a curated list of trusted and safe apps. Lastly, for users on iPhone seeking video editing capabilities, they might find the solution in the [CapCut APK download on iPhone]( https://bestcapcutapk.com/capcut-for-ios/ ) ," allowing them to access this app on their iOS device.

Revision history for this message
Johnson (celeryooiiy) said :
#6

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