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

[manny]

Public bug reported:

removal of software in this form without a replacement is un-user-
friendly and un-expected.

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"


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:
Java is replaced with openJDK by default. Notify this change is possible.

option2:
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).

** Affects: update-manager (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: New

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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 a replacement is un-user-
  friendly and un-expected.

  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"

  
  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:
  Java is replaced with openJDK by default. Notify this change is possible.

  option2:
  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).

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