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When I install packages using --no-install-recommends, can I say only packages listed here (Ubuntu Package Search) as "depends" are installed?

I ask because I suspect some problems with boot might be caused by some packages not being installed. Some time back, I also had problems with Wireless Drivers and seemed to be missing something.

Diogo Gomes
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Jiew Meng
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1 Answers1

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That's correct. By default, Ubuntu installs recommended but not suggested packages. With --no-install-recommends, only the main dependencies (packages in the Depends field) are installed.

Lekensteyn
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  • Since installing using --in-install-recommends leads to problems (boot up in my case), if I install the Full Ubuntu Desktop then remove Applications (recommends & suggests) I don't need it should give the same result as doing it from a CLI system? Would there be any clutter/un-used applications left behind? If I use software center I suppose there will be things left behind? – Jiew Meng Oct 10 '11 at 22:40
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    Installing with --no-install-recommends vs. removing packages afterwards is not the same. The first skips all recommended packages where in the second case, some packages may still be installed (as dependency of another package). I suggest you using the Alternate installer which allows you to select packages you want to install. – Lekensteyn Oct 11 '11 at 08:59
  • if I do a autoremove afterwards, I will still not have a similar result I suppose? – Jiew Meng Oct 11 '11 at 12:47
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    autoremove only removes packages which are marked "auto" with no packages depending on them, so no, you won't get a similar result. – Lekensteyn Oct 11 '11 at 13:18