Suggestion: Wording of the package types info popup in the Software Manager could be improved

[Jack-Balcombe]

I've noticed that in Linux Mint 22.2, there is a new information popup in the Software Manager which explains the difference between system packages and Flatpaks:

I think this is a great addition which will help new users avoid confusion when installing software and improve the Linux Mint onboarding experience. However, the wording of this popup is a bit misleading imo, and could be improved:

• The popup states that system packages receive bug fixes and security updates but no newer versions. However, although this is true for many system packages, it is not true for all of them. For example, browsers constantly receive new versions even if they are installed as system packages. Also, some system packages receive version upgrades during point releases, and others receive version upgrades if the user upgrades to a new major version of Linux Mint (every 2 years). This is not stated in the popup - new users may be confused into thinking all software they have installed as system packages will never receive feature updates.
• The popup says that system packages are "safe" and "managed by your Linux distribution." However, if users add external repositories or PPAs (eg. Google Chrome), packages from them still show up as "system package" in the Software Manager. These packages are not managed by Linux Mint, not necessarily safe, and generally receive feature updates frequently. They should really have their own section in the popup describing them and not show up as "system package" in the Software Manager.
• Finally, idk if this is just me, but the wording of the popup feels like it is slightly biased against Flatpaks. It might be a good idea to change the wording a little and highlight some more of Flatpak's strengths, such as the sandboxing or allowing you to install apps even if they have conflicting dependencies. The current wording for the popup also doesn't properly explain what a Flatpak is.

It would be great if the wording of the popup was improved to resolve these issues. Thank you!

[Jack-Balcombe]

Here's an example of what the updated descriptions of package types could be:
(note: this would require the Software Manager to display packages installed from external repositories or PPAs as "external package" rather than "system package")

Package types

System

System packages are managed by (and created specifically for) your Linux distribution. They use shared libraries and resources.

They are safe, small, stable, and have deeper system integration, but are not updated as frequently as Flatpaks. Most system packages only receive feature updates when you upgrade to a new version of your Linux distribution. However, they still receive bug fixes and security updates regularly. There are some exceptions, such as browsers, which receive regular feature updates.

External

External packages use shared libraries and resources, like system packages, but are maintained and updated directly by their owner.

They are similar to system packages, but may contain newer versions of software and receive regular feature updates. Their security is not guaranteed by your Linux distribution, so it's essential you trust the maintainer before installing an external package.

Flatpak

Flatpaks are an alternate packaging format for graphical applications, where each app comes with its own libraries and resources. They allow developers to create one version of an app that works across most Linux distributions. They are maintained and updated directly by their owner, with no control from your Linux distribution.

Flatpaks usually provide the most up to date version, and give you more control over what they can access on your system. However, they take up more disk space, and may not integrate with your system as well as a system package would. Their security is not guaranteed by your Linux distribution, but by the Flatpak maintainer. It's essential you trust the maintainer before installing a Flatpak.