Is it safe to use gdebi instead of Ubuntu Software Center to install .deb files?

Question

I've noticed that Ubuntu 10.10 manage single .deb files with Ubuntu Software Center. Since I find it too heavy to load I've installed gdebi with: sudo apt-get install gdebi and I've set it as default application to open any .deb file.

My question is: is it safe/supported this kind of operation? I mean: does gdebi still relates to internal apt-get to satisfy deps and install .deb files?

Answer 1

It should be just fine to use gdebi the way you are using it.

Both accomplish the same thing. Gdebi does relate to internal apt-get to satisfy dependencies and install .debs. It worked in previous versions of Ubuntu, it will work in Maverick.

Answer 2

Gdebi is still part of the standard Kubuntu installation and it still works the same there as it used to. As I understand it, the reason why it was removed in Ubuntu has nothing to do with problems with Gdebi, but rather with improvements to Software Center that made it extraneous.

I say, go for it.

Answer 3

It is PERFECTLY safe. I frequently prefer to use the lightweight GDebi instead of Software Center, especially during the SC installation bug period.