[Bug 906388] Re: updates should not remove software from computers without installing an equivalent replacement

[manny]

** Description changed:

  Removal of software in this form without proper notification and
  equivalent replacement is un-user-friendly, un-expected and bad
  practice.
  
  Java is being removed in countless computers and many are not even aware of or know how to deal with this abrupt change.
  http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/12/java-to-be-removed-from-ubuntu-uninstalled-from-user-machines/
  
  OpenJDK is now the official Java SE 7 reference implementation.
  http://robilad.livejournal.com/90792.html
  
  security team has made 2 suggestions:
  https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-security-announce/2011-December/001528.html
  
  >"1- Install the OpenJDK packages that are provided in the main Ubuntu
     archive. (icedtea6-plugin for the browser plugin, openjdk-6-jdk or
     openjdk-6-jre for the virtual machine)
  2- Manually install Oracle's Java software from their web site.
  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your
  understanding."
  
  Are non tech users expected to know why their apps suddenly stopped
  working and to "manually" re-install this software?
  
  Users are not expecting an update to remove software without a
  replacement. This is inconsistent.
  
  i.e. If we remove an old browser (for security concerns) we need to
  provide at least an functional equivalent.
  
  -What should happen:
  
- option 1:
+ option 1 (passive):
  Java is replaced with openJDK by default. Notify the changes in the update notes.
  
- option2:
+ option 2 (active):
  A pop-up notifies the user of the change and suggests to either install openJDK (default option; 1-click install) or go to the java website for manual install (clicking link opens browser).
+ 
+ Overall abrupt changes need to be better notified and handled.

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/906388

Title:
  updates should not remove software from computers without installing
  an equivalent replacement

Status in “update-manager” package in Ubuntu:
  New

Bug description:
  Removal of software in this form without proper notification and
  equivalent replacement is un-user-friendly, un-expected and bad
  practice.

  Java is being removed in countless computers and many are not even aware of or know how to deal with this abrupt change.
  http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/12/java-to-be-removed-from-ubuntu-uninstalled-from-user-machines/

  OpenJDK is now the official Java SE 7 reference implementation.
  http://robilad.livejournal.com/90792.html

  security team has made 2 suggestions:
  https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-security-announce/2011-December/001528.html

  >"1- Install the OpenJDK packages that are provided in the main Ubuntu
     archive. (icedtea6-plugin for the browser plugin, openjdk-6-jdk or
     openjdk-6-jre for the virtual machine)
  2- Manually install Oracle's Java software from their web site.
  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your
  understanding."

  Are non tech users expected to know why their apps suddenly stopped
  working and to "manually" re-install this software?

  Users are not expecting an update to remove software without a
  replacement. This is inconsistent.

  i.e. If we remove an old browser (for security concerns) we need to
  provide at least an functional equivalent.

  -What should happen:

  option 1 (passive):
  Java is replaced with openJDK by default. Notify the changes in the update notes.

  option 2 (active):
  A pop-up notifies the user of the change and suggests to either install openJDK (default option; 1-click install) or go to the java website for manual install (clicking link opens browser).

  Overall abrupt changes need to be better notified and handled.

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