Ubuntu Package Approval

This page describes the approval processes for different types of Ubuntu packages.

 

Packages in the main section of Ubuntu are approved in the same manner as programs bundled with Windows. If you have access to install software on your Ubuntu PC or laptop you can install anything from main apart from software related to network scanning and games. This is the section of Ubuntu that's fully supported by Canonical. You can determine where a package comes from by running the command "apt-cache policy", for example "apt-cache policy bash" tells you where the bash package comes from.

 

The following isn't finalised yet:

 

The Universe section of Ubuntu is for software that doesn't have full support from Canonical. This software is approved for things which are relatively simple, have no Internet access and no security implications (no SUID programs and not a cryptographic program etc). Desktop environments in Universe is one specific type of package that needs specific approval because of complexity. Again network scanning tools and games are not approved.

 

Multiverse and Restricted repositories are prohibited without legal approval and the same goes for random PPAs on the Internet.

 

Even if a PPA has software under an approved license it requires specific approval to be used as we have to verify the integrity of the source and the integrity of the organisation running the PPA.

 

It's generally accepted that on a Windows work PC it's acceptable to play Freecell or Minesweeper when on a break. Games of a similar nature may be installed on Ubuntu from the main and universe repositories, but they must not use the Internet and be games of a simple nature and constrained duration like solitaire, minesweeper, or chess.