Need a version to update 9.04 > 9.10 for three machines

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

I know this is a very simple question, but I don't seem to be able to find the answer.

I have three machines. All run 9.04. I want to be able to update all three of them to 9.10, but don't want to have to download the update to each one of them separately. (By 'update', I'd like to be able to keep all the software and configurations I have in 9.04 once it has updated to 9.10, without needing to re-download and re-install all of them - I am assuming this is possible.)

What should I download to update all three machines? If I download the *.iso to create a 9.10 bootable CD, will this allow me to upgrade? (As opposed to doing a fresh install?)

Sorry to ask such a simple question. If someone could post the link to whatever I need to download I'd be grateful - thanks.


Oli.

[Digital Magi]

You can upgrade from CD if you download the "alternate install" CD.

instructions are here (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading)

You will still need to run an update on each machine after doing this to catch any changes since that CD was mastered, but it will be significantly less downloading than doing a network upgrade.

[zcacogp]

Digital Magi,

Thanks. That's what I need to know. And is the "Alternate" download the one to be found here:

http://releases.ubuntu.com/karmic/

... or presumably if I wanted to do it via bit torrent then it is the one here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/downloadmirrors#dvd

, called 'ubuntu-9.10-alternate-i386.iso.torrent' (bearing in mind that I want the 32 bit version)?


Thanks again for your help.



Oli.

[Digital Magi]

You have the right sites. Just make sure to get the "Alternate" image instead of the standard Desktop or Server images. As far as I know the Alternate version is the only one that works as an upgrade disc.

[zcacogp]

Digital Magi,

Thanks. I downloaded it and did it on the first machine (a desktop - the one that seems to run Ubuntu least well. For some reason the laptops seem to do it better.)

And ... what a non-event! One of the more boring technological things I have ever done. It ... worked. And looks just the same as before. New Ubuntu, new kernel (I think), and it's carried everything over; desktop, colours, shortcuts, everything. (Including an annoying speed setting thing that I hoped would go away!)

So ... ummm .... as we were. Thanks for your help. I guess I now need to do something similarly boring to the two lappies ... ;)


Oli.