> I still think self contained applications like in OS X & Windows are way better
The single-folder application is a focus of Canonical's new package format project[0]. I would actually prefer a more LXC-style container format (similar to Docker.io) than another deb/rpm zip file, but that is personal preference.
If Canonical is successful in this new project I will certainly reconsider using Ubuntu. I can't comment on containers, I sort of know what they are and that's about it.
The single-folder application is a focus of Canonical's new package format project[0]. I would actually prefer a more LXC-style container format (similar to Docker.io) than another deb/rpm zip file, but that is personal preference.
[0] https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2013-May/0370...