The place of the Ubuntu Software Center regarding Steam, Desura and others

[David Klasinc]

On 08/21/2012 11:52 PM, Nicolas Michel wrote:

> So I thought the best I would want as a user is to search for everything
> I want to install on my desktop from the Ubuntu Software Center.

This is something that would be very convenient and welcome, but I don't 
think it is such a big deal.

> Third argument against this idea: offering more visibility to
> closed-source softwares will weaken the open-source ones.

This should never be an issue. I have a great deal of respect for all 
open source authors, contributors and advocates, but only to the point 
where it comes to telling me what I should and shouldn't do and which 
software I should and shouldn't use. As long as open source is superior 
in quality and offers greater productivity we have nothing to fear.


> What do you think?

In general, the idea isn't bad. One advantage of Ubuntu over other 
systems is that all software is available in one place. Keeping this 
isn't a bad idea.

Implementation wise, I think the best way would be if PPA system can be 
extended to offer necessary support for selling software. This way 
Steam, Desura and alike could offer a simple PPA. PlayOnLinux could 
probably do this already.

Regards,
David