PDA

View Full Version : [ubuntu] Which version?



mike0liver
August 13th, 2010, 10:17 AM
My system hasn't directed me to an automatic update of my Linux OS. Is there some way I can check what version I am currently running?

Also, if I want to upgrade to a later version, what's th best way to go about it?

Cheers,

Mike

surfer
August 13th, 2010, 10:18 AM
lsb_release -av

gives you the current version.

surfer
August 13th, 2010, 10:21 AM
update-manager -c
should announce new versions.

mike0liver
August 23rd, 2010, 10:50 AM
Thanks. I've checked and the system tells me I'm using Ubuntu 8,04 Hardy. I have run the Update Manager several times and it seems to download a package but I get no opportunity to install that package although I am informed that my system is up to date.

Looks like something is wrong - any ideas?

Cheers,

Mike

carl4926
August 23rd, 2010, 10:52 AM
If you want to upgrade
I would recommend a new install

Just download the latest release and away you go.

mike0liver
August 23rd, 2010, 11:46 AM
For somebody who knows what they're doing, that is probably fine but I'm just a relatively new user & non-technical - shouldn't I be trying to find out why my Update Manager doesn't seem to be working properly?

Also, I gather I need to buy a memory stick before I can download the update - is that absolutely necessary?

Regards,

Mike

kansasnoob
August 23rd, 2010, 12:52 PM
So, you don't think you're even getting regular updates?

If so please post the output from terminal of:


cat /etc/apt/sources.list

That may show us why. I'd want to be sure your OS is updated properly before trying to upgrade. Quote from official documentation:


Be sure that you apply all updates to your current version of Ubuntu before you upgrade.

Regarding distro upgrades I always like to be prepared for the worst just in case things go terribly wrong. So I either create a backup of everything important before beginning, or I have a plan in place to retrieve that data if need be.

That "plan" can vary greatly depending on the machine specs, amount of data (including app. profiles like Firefox, Thunderbird, Evolution, etc) that needs to be saved, etc, etc. Sometimes it's as simple as using a CD-R or DVD+/-R, other times I use a flash drive, and still others I use an actual external hard drive and clone whole partition(s).

Also I'd never upgrade without first trying the Live CD of the distro I'm upgrading to, in this case Ubuntu 10.04.1:

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Also. if the upgrade would then fail, you'd have new installation media to sort things out. If the Live CD won't run on your hardware it'd be best to know why and figure out any potential work-arounds first ;)

Please take time to read more here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/upgrade

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LucidUpgrades

lechien73
August 23rd, 2010, 01:48 PM
Not *the* now-famous Michael Oliver (http://uri.tl/15)...surely? :)

Are you running Ubuntu on a Dell netbook or something like that? Some hardware vendors supplied a customised version of Ubuntu, in which case you would be better off with a fresh install.

The contents of your /etc/apt/sources.list file, as requested above, will explain all.

rykel
August 23rd, 2010, 01:58 PM
Hi, I am trying to figure out if I am running Lucid 10.04 or 10.04.1.

How do I find out?

rykel
August 23rd, 2010, 02:44 PM
Hi, I found my answer by chance. I switched to another screen (Ctrl-Alt-F3) and it says Lucid 10.04.1. Thank you!

mike0liver
August 23rd, 2010, 05:13 PM
No, I don't think I'm getting regular updates. The terminal output reads:
"mike@TOSHIBA-User:~$ cat /etc/apt/sources.list
deb http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy main universe multiverse restricted
deb-src http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy main universe multiverse restricted

deb http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main universe multiverse restricted
deb-src http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main universe multiverse restricted

deb http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-security main universe multiverse restricted
deb-src http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-security main universe multiverse restricted

deb http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-netbook-base main universe multiverse restricted
deb-src http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-netbook-base main universe multiverse restricted

deb http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-netbook-remix main universe multiverse restricted
deb-src http://netbook-remix.archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ hardy-netbook-remix main universe multiverse restricted"

I'll check out the other links you provided - thanks.

Mike

mike0liver
August 23rd, 2010, 05:40 PM
If you mean am I the youngest Premiership ref - no. I may well be the oldest ex-ref but certainly not the youngest :-)

I have a Toshiba NB100 Notebook and had to do a re-install from the recovery disk supplied when I lost my audio on installing Ubuntu V 9. I hsven't had the courage to do another upgrade until now but decided I ought to take the plunge. I am totally non-tech as far as Linux us concerned and feel completely at sea with the way everyone seems to expect me to know what they are talking about when I ask a question. I have to say, however, that this current thread doesn't fall into that category so far.

My big worry is that I'll have another problem with the audio when I upgrade this time and will have to go back to square one again!

Cheers,

Mike

mike0liver
August 23rd, 2010, 05:53 PM
I've checked out the update info given on the links you provided and am totally confused. It all seems so complex. All I want to do is upgrade to the latest version of Ubuntu suitable for my Toshiba NB100 Noteook but it seems there are all kinds of hoops to jump through.

Is there some kind of Idiot's Guide I can consult?

Cheers,

Mike

mike0liver
August 26th, 2010, 10:43 AM
Was the info provided in post #11 of any use?

Mike