I need to install qemu-system, qemu-utils, and virt-manager on Debian or Ubuntu. I understand that QEMU used to provide a larger meta-package, but its components are now split because users may not need every feature. The QEMU website explicitly documents qemu-system, but I have not found an equivalent official endorsement for qemu-utils or virt-manager. I prefer software with a clear connection to the upstream project and would like to know whether these packages are official, trusted distribution packages or whether there is an updated QEMU recommendation for installing them.
2 Answers
On Debian or Ubuntu, installing virt-manager through the normal package manager is the usual approach. It will bring in the required QEMU, libvirt, and supporting packages as dependencies. You can then install any additional qemu-system components or qemu-utils package that your chosen architecture and workflow require. Using the distribution repositories also gives you signed packages, dependency handling, and security updates.
QEMU generally does not formally endorse every package produced by each Linux distribution. Debian and Ubuntu package QEMU components separately, and packages such as qemu-utils and virt-manager are maintained and integrated by the distribution. The absence of a link on the QEMU website does not mean the packages are unofficial or expired; it usually just means they are distribution packaging decisions rather than upstream QEMU products.
My definition of endorsement is simply that official documentation recommends or acknowledges the package. I was specifically looking for an upstream reference to qemu-utils or virt-manager.