If you want to install programs in a template from the graphical package manager Software, we need to follow a few steps to circumvent a bug in that program. Tested on the following templates:
debian-12
debian-13
fedora-43
fedora-38
(we can assume it’s working between fedora 38 and 43)
Template with “xfce” in the name do not have the program “Software” installed, it would be counter productive to explain how to install it using the command line to avoid installing program with the command line.
To proceed:
start the template
run a terminal in your template
edit the file /rw/config/rc.local to add the following content at the end of the file
Now, if you start Software in the template, it will be able to download and install packages
Why is it required?
There is a “bug” in “Software”, because templates do not have a network interface, it decides that it is offline. The workaround here declares a network route that goes nowhere, but it is enough to make Software work.
What about security?
Packages are installed exactly like using the command line. The template is not connected to the internet, nothing changed except we added a fake network route.
Perhaps “add snippet below at the end of /rw/config/rc.local” is a better way to say this? (I’m assuming this is confusing because editing this file doesn’t result in adding the snippet anywhere automatically)
I cant see these updates, but its worth saying that Debian generally
does not have any issue with package managers. I mean that apt and aptitude and synaptic (included in debian-13-xfce), all work fine in
Qubes with no modifications.
The issue here is specific to gnome-software: it’s Gnome - expect
nothing less.
I never presume to speak for the Qubes team.
When I comment in the Forum I speak for myself.
Gnome software is just a frontend for apt, it’s installed by default in templates, it’s beneficial for many users who might want to browse the software library to figure what they can install.
