How do I update Ubuntu Linux softwares?
Q. I have latest version of Ubuntu Linux. How do I update Ubuntu Linux for security and application fix or upgrades?
A. Ubuntu Linux can be upgraded using GUI tools or using traditional command line tools.
Using apt-get command line tool
apt-get is the command-line tool for handling packages. You can use following command options:
=> apt-get update : Update is used to resynchronize the package index files from their sources via Internet.
=> apt-get upgrade : Upgrade is used to install the newest versions of all packages currently installed on the system
=> apt-get install package-name : install is followed by one or more packages desired for installation. If package is already installed it will try to update to latest version.
a) Open terminal and type following two commands (Application > Accessories > Terminal):
b) Get update software list, enter:
$ sudo apt-get update
c) Update software(s) i.e. apply updates:
$ sudo apt-get upgrade
d) Please note that above two command will fetch files from Internet. The location of update pages is specified in /etc/apt/sources.list (repositories). You need NOT to make any changes to this file until and unless you need extra repositories for your setup.
e) To upgrade individual software called foo type command:
$ sudo apt-get install foo
Using Ubuntu Update Manager tool
This is GUI tool. It works like Microsoft /Red Hat update manager i.e. you will see a little icon in the kicker bar/taskbar when there are updates. It will only appear when new upgrades are available. All you have to do is click on it and follow the online instructions.
You can also star GUI tool by Clicking System > Administration > Update Manager
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Related Linux / UNIX FAQ:
- How to Update Ubuntu Linux
- Howto do I install multimedia plugins, codecs, libdvdcss in Debian Linux etch 4.0
- Ubuntu Linux: Upgrade Linux Kernel
- Debian or Ubuntu Linux runlevel configuration tool to start service
- Debian / Ubuntu Linux: List All Packages Which Could be Updated and Applied to System
Discussion on This FAQ
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Tags: command_line_tool, open_terminal, repositories, sudo, ubuntu_linux, update_software, update_ubuntu ~ Last updated on: July 24, 2007
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:31 am
up date Ubuntu6.06 i have Ubuntu6.10isofile
November 9th, 2007 at 6:01 am
I installed ubuntu sofware in my laptop but I can changed the display of monitor (the evolution of screen is only 1240×768). I want to change it into 1240×800 to fit with the widescreen. So what do I do to change it.
I want to have vietnamese font in ubunto? please let me know the way to get it!
thank you very much!
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I installed the ubuntu 7.10 versiyon.At the beginning ı can not connect the internet then find a way and mozilla can connect the web.But there is a problem about updates ı have not a web connection for doing updates.no problem about modem no problem about networking and mozilla work good but other application like pidgin and updates do not connect web.What can ı do?