How does the *buntu system update?

[ESF]

Hello, I'm an average user of kubuntu and ubuntu studio and I have just got mobile.

I have just wondered how does my ubuntu system knows when do I have updates to install and how many (without me doing an apt-get update).

I would wanna know if this can be set up not to waste my limited mobile broadband traffic.

Thanks!

[abn91c]

I forget what it is called but the update notifier pops up automatially when updates are available, usualy next to the network traffic icon. You just click on it, then run the updates(if you hover the mouse it will tell you how many updates)

[ESF]

I really wanna know how does that 'icon' (or command, program, whatever) knows what updates are available.

Does it download all the repos on background mode or... what?

(Note it's a big waste of money if I'm connected via hdspa and it starts downloading the repos)

[abn91c]

Not sure I believe its from the repos you have enabled, it will do "routine upgrades", kernel upgrades and others if you have added repos like the medibuntu or PPA repos. You can set them up in your "software sources"

[ESF]

So, Can't I disable that traffic?

It seems a little hardcore to disable all my software sources every time I want to browse the web from my mobile modem...

Any other ideas?

[oldos2er]

Open up Software Sources, Updates. Uncheck the box next to 'Check for updates.'

[ESF]

Thanks, oldos2er, that's what I was looking for...
So, now I can earn and watch my traffic, thank you very much.