I'm trying to install a flatpakref file for the first time using the command 'flatpak install (file path)', but I'm hitting a roadblock. I keep getting an 'authorization error: the name org.freedesktop.PolicyKit1 was not provided by any .service files', which makes me think I need to install the policykit1 package. I've done a bit of research and found that policykit1 allows non-privileged services to interact with privileged ones, but as a newcomer, that raises some concerns about security. How can I determine if policykit1 is safe without just trusting random sources online? Is there a reliable resource designed for beginners to understand this better? Additionally, I'm puzzled as to why I'm facing this issue, considering I thought flatpaks bundled all necessary dependencies. If that's true, why is it asking me to install something manually?
3 Answers
When it comes to understanding if PolicyKit is safe, the truth is, unless you're checking the code yourself, you might be relying on other people's opinions. If none of the resources out there convince you, consider playing it safe until you feel more comfortable with it.
Keep in mind that much of your concern is part of the learning curve in Linux—it's always a good approach to stay cautious.
PolicyKit (Polkit) is a tool that manages which non-privileged users can perform specific privileged tasks. So generally, if it's properly set up, it should be safe for your user to install flatpaks. The safety largely depends on how the settings are configured.
As for why you're facing this issue, it might depend on your Linux distribution. Most major desktop distros come with Polkit pre-installed, but yours might not have it set up by default.
There’s a lot more to integrating Flatpak with your system than just the application itself. If you're missing components like Polkit, it's a sign that your setup might not be fully configured. Many desktop environments automatically include these necessary pieces, so consider checking your distro's instructions for installation packages.
While Flatpaks include their own components, they rely on your system to provide the integration tools, like Polkit.
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