Introduction
Any system requires periodic maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Linux distros are constantly updating and upgrading software, some distros on an almost daily basis. Security updates are particularly important to keep on top of. When updating is neglected, Java reliant websites like Kronos will start telling you your Java version is out of date. You can perform updates anytime you like. Performing a general update once a week is recommended or, at the very least bi-weekly. If you hear of special security concerns involving the internet immediate updating may be necessary.
How to
There are a number ways to perform an update but here, for the sake of variety, we offer two. The first is a very easy way. The second method is powerful, precise, and fine-tuned, but can also be scary for anyone who has never worked from the command line in a terminal. If you find it intimidating, you can just forget you ever heard about it for the time being and use Method 1. When you start to get comfortable the second method will be here to try, and you may just find it's not so bad after all. Hopefully so, as this second method is much more thorough. It also removes software packages that are no longer used after they have been replaced by new ones, keeping the system clean and lean. Eventually you will want to use it, at least once in a while.
Method 1: The Easy Way
- Open the application menu. To do this on our netbooks, click on the icon that looks like a bird in flight at the bottom left corner of the screen. For our desktop computers click anywhere on the screen where there is no open window.
- Go to System Tools --> Software Updater, or click on the Software Updater icon in the dock of the admin login.
- The Software Updater window will open. After checking for updates, Software Updater will inform you either that your system is up to date or that updated software is available and ask if you want to install it.
- If updated software is available, click "Install Now".
- As the installation process begins you will see a progress bar. If prompted for a password enter the admin password. If you really want to know the details of the installation you can click the triangle before "Details."
- After installation succeeds, a message will appear informing you that the software on the computer is up to date. You can click "Settings" if you want to adjust the settings for this program, otherwise click OK.
- You're done!!!
Method 2: Command Line Interface (CLI)
This method involves manually entering commands directly into the terminal. For the uninitiated this method may seem daunting.
- Open the terminal Go to Menu --> Accessories --> LXTerminal or click on the terminal icon which looks like a computer monitor with a blank screen in the dock. When the terminal opens you'll be presented with a command line starting with something like "admin@NB3:~$"
- Type the command After "admin@NB3:~$" (etc) manually type "sudo apt-get update" without the quotation marks. Sudo means super user do. The first time you sudo you will be prompted for the admin password. Note that in the terminal you will not see anything as you type the password. Don't worry. It's getting input. Type the password and hit "Enter". You will see the computer checking various online sources for any updates.
- Type the next part Manually type "sudo apt-get dist-upgrade" without the quotations. The computer will present you with a list of upgradeable software. If you are asked if you want to proceed type "y" and "Enter" if you do. You could also type "sudo apt-get -y dist-upgrade" and the computer will assume yes to any choices. Use this option only if you know you want to proceed. Within the terminal the computer will treat you like king and master and immediately carry out any legitimate command. You won't see messages such as "Are you sure you want to proceed?" The computer will proceed with the installation and let you know when it is finished.
- Combining As an alternative, you could combine these commands as "sudo apt-get update && sudo dist-upgrade" into one command, or even "sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade && sudo apt-get autoclean && sudo apt-get autoremove". The latter two commands will clean and remove any unnecessary files.
- Simplifying If you find this method pulling you, you can make it simpler. Typing history at the command line will give you a list by number of commands you have made.
- In this case, the command "sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade && sudo apt-get autoclean && sudo apt-get autoremove" turns out to be number 242.
- From now on all that is needed is to enter 242 preceded by the bang (!) sign as in !242 to repeat the command. This means typing "!242" would be all that's needed to upgrade the system and software for as long as you have this computer.
- Ironically, this method, which many find daunting at the beginning, turns out to be far faster and easier than the "easiest method" listed above. Such is the power of the command line interface. In fact, if the terminal appeals to you at all, endless fun is waiting.
Summing up...
If you already know another method you like for upgrading, you are welcome to use that too, or even try setting the computer to automatically update. Whatever the method, there can be dire consequences to keeping a computer unmaintained. The relatively little effort required to maintain an up to date system is important to make.