I don't think that's it; I hadn't touched the sources, except to add another repository (so I could install OpenOffice.org 3). The problem was present right from when I first installed, it seems. I'm sort of thinking that I should just do a clean install. That seems to fix everything. I also have a proper 8.10 release this time too. Sandy GJB wrote:
It could be something to do with setting the software repositories correctly before starting these managers up.
I think there should be something called "Sources" or similar on the system menu. It may need these set right before first starting.
Maybe just starting is sufficient to get some basic settings and repositories but needs to be restarted before they become effective. Just a theory.