gnome-packagekit

I recently had the opportunity to try out gnome-packagekit, and I must say that I am impressed with its capabilities as a PackageKit frontend designed specifically for the GNOME desktop. For those who are unfamiliar, PackageKit is a system that streamlines software installation and updating processes on a user's computer. Its primary aim is to consolidate all the visual software tools used in various Linux distributions, utilizing the latest technology like PolicyKit to make everything simpler and more user-friendly.

PackageKit utilizes the actual working processes of distro tools like Yum, Apt, and Conary via compiled and scripted helpers, providing a standard set of abstractions for GUI and text mode package managers. This software is not meant to replace these tools; rather, it aims to make things more manageable by synchronizing the overall process in a customizable and familiar interface.

PackageKit runs on a daemon called packagekitd, which is only activated when the user is accessing a graphical or text-mode tool, and shuts off when no longer in use. You do not have to worry about memory consumption during unused periods of the day or evening, nor will it interfere with start-up processes.

Overall, I would recommend trying out gnome-packagekit and PackageKit for anyone looking to streamline their software installation and updating processes on their computers. The interface is simple and intuitive, and the integration of distro tools via compiled and scripted helpers makes things much easier to manage.