Fedora Workstation WG summary, 2025-05-20

This meeting summary was generated by Google Gemini and then edited by 
Michael to correct a few errors.

May 20, 2025

Meeting May 20, 2025 at 08:40 CDT (somebody must have joined early)

Summary

Jan Grulich raised concerns about inconsistent packaging practices and 
proposed standardizing them, with Matthias Clasen, Tomáš Popela, 
Allan Day, and Nieves Montero Fernandez agreeing to make the 
documentation public. Matthias Clasen initiated a discussion about the 
Intel LPMD power management daemon, already in Fedora, with Tomáš 
Popela clarifying its purpose for newer Intel hardware, while Michael 
Catanzaro expressed a general sentiment about the continuous 
introduction of new daemons. Matthias Clasen also proposed installing 
evolution EWS by default for better Microsoft 365 integration, a 
suggestion supported by Tomáš Popela, Michael Catanzaro, and Felipe, 
with Tomáš Popela and Nieves Montero Fernandez volunteering to make 
configuration changes. Michael Catanzaro started a discussion on 
meeting minutes publication, with Chris Murphy suggesting continuing 
both Meetbot and Gemini summaries for about a month to allow for 
transition, acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Details

Standardizing Packaging Practices

Jan Grulich raised the issue of inconsistent packaging practices, 
noting that some packages use cherry-picking while others prefer 
merging, even when merging is feasible. To ensure consistency as 
packaging duties rotate, Jan Grulich proposed establishing standard 
practices to avoid issues like those caused by diverging branches. 
Matthias Clasen agreed on the need for documented practices and 
questioned where to put the documentation. Jan Grulich mentioned an 
existing internal Red Hat document, but Matthias Clasen suggested 
making the guidelines public, possibly on the Fedora wiki or the docs 
page. Tomáš Popela proposed making parts of the internal document 
public or using an easily editable format like Google Docs linked from 
a static page. Allan Day recommended using the project's documentation 
page. Jan Grulich clarified that the document suggests merging as the 
preferred method, with exceptions for cherry-picking in specific 
scenarios and when branches have already diverged. Matthias Clasen 
acknowledged the effort and noted that Nieves Montero Fernandez, the 
previous packager, had already discussed and agreed with the proposal. 
The consensus was to make the document public and treat it as a living 
document.

New Power Management Daemon (Intel LPMD)

Matthias Clasen brought up a discussion about a new power management 
daemon, Intel Low Power Mode Daemon, that was mentioned in the Matrix 
room. Tomáš Popela clarified that it has been part of Fedora for 
several releases. The current request, initiated by Hans, is to 
pre-install the package by adding it to the hardware comps ground and 
create a systemd preset. Tomáš Popela explained that this daemon 
allows Intel hardware, particularly newer generations, to enter deeper 
sleep states, preventing issues like overheating while suspended. 
Matthias Clasen expressed frustration with the frequent introduction of 
new power daemons by hardware vendors. The general sentiment was that 
while these changes are necessary, the continuous introduction of new 
daemons is not ideal. Matthias Clasen suggested following up with 
Tomáš Popela to ensure the changes are effective.

Gnome Online Accounts and Evolution EWS

Matthias Clasen introduced an issue regarding Gnome Online Accounts and 
EWS (issue 461), proposing to install evolution EWS by default for 
better Microsoft 365 integration. Tomáš Popela recalled that Milan 
had already done the work to split the lib package, and the current 
step involves adding the package to comps. Michael Catanzaro agreed 
that this seems uncontroversial and should be approved. The discussion 
then shifted to the best way to pull in evolution EWS core, with 
options including adding it to comps or using a conditional weak 
dependency or recommends in Gnome Online Accounts, Gnome Calendar, or 
Contacts. Felipe preferred adding a recommends. The understanding is 
that applications will need to handle the case where Evolution EWS core 
is not installed. Tomáš Popela and Nieves Montero Fernandez 
volunteered to look into making the necessary configuration changes.

Meeting Minutes Publication

Michael Catanzaro initiated a discussion about the future of publishing 
meeting minutes. While Michael Catanzaro likes the Gemini summaries, 
Chris Murphy noted that Meetbot, which was used for IRC meetings, is 
not ideal for the current video format. Chris Murphy suggested 
continuing both methods for a while, linking the Gemini notes from the 
Meetbot log, to allow for a transition period. Matthias Clasen inquired 
about the duration of this dual approach. Chris Murphy proposed a month 
or six months, acknowledging the arbitrary nature of the timeline. 
Michael Catanzaro suggested another month, suspecting limited direct 
usage of Meetbot logs but potential following of email announcements 
with Meetbot links. Chris Murphy highlighted that Meetbot minutes are 
sometimes consulted for clarifying decisions and logic. Concerns were 
raised about Gemini's ability to handle disagreements or voting 
accurately, suggesting manual addition of votes to Gemini summaries if 
needed. Michael Catanzaro noted Gemini's strength in summarizing 
conversations but its occasional lack of domain-specific knowledge, 
requiring some correction. The decision was to continue with both 
Meetbot and Gemini for approximately a month before revisiting the 
approach.

Suggested next steps

Jan Grulich and Nieves Montero Fernandez will look into adding the 
evolution-ews package to comps or as a Recommends for 
gnome-online-accounts.

Chris Murphy will continue publishing both Meetbot logs and Gemini 
summaries of the meeting minutes for approximately one month.


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