Updating Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux is a constantly evolving operating system. No sooner has the latest release of Ubuntu shipped than updates begin to be released to improve the stability, performance and security of the system. It is vital to the health of any Ubuntu Linux installation that any new updates are applied as they are released by the Ubuntu Linux Development team. Fortunately Ubuntu Linux makes updating your operating system. In fact it will even notify you when updates are available.

In this chapter we will cover the steps necessary to ensure that you Ubuntu Linux system is up to date.

Notification of Ubuntu Linux Updates

Ubuntu Linux includes an update monitoring system which displays a notification message when new updates are available. Unless you downloaded the Ubuntu installation CD image within hours of the release of the latest Ubuntu version it is likely that you will see this message the first time you boot you new Ubuntu Linux installation. The notice appears in the top right hand corner of the desktop as follows:

Clicking anywhere on this message will launch the Ubuntu Linux Update Manager. You can also launch the Update Manager at any time by clicking on the update button. The update button is the orange button with the white star on it in the screenshot above.

The Ubuntu Linux Update Manager

The following screenshot shows the Ubuntu Linux Update Manager.

The Update Manager lists the updates which are available for your system.