Different ways of Updating Ubuntu 20.04 / 18.04

Linux Backup

If you're running a Linux operating system such as Ubuntu, it's a good idea to check and update the kernel regularly.

Here at Ibmi Media, we shall look into how to easily update Ubuntu using different methods.

Different ways to update Ubuntu:

Use the Software Updater GUI tool, graphical tool.
Using the command line.

1. UPDATING UBUNTU WITH GRAPHICAL METHOD

Go to 'Activities', in the menu and click on 'Software Update'.
The data of latest updates will now be retrieved by the program updater i.e., the program will itself look for the updates if available or not at the time.
If there are updates available, the system's update will move to the next step.
If there are new updates available, the system will provide the option of 'Install Now'.
To commence downloading new updates, select 'Install Now'.
The option of 'Install Now' is usually available if there are updates available at the time.
There is another option of 'Remind Me Later' if the person chooses to update the Ubuntu system later.
In some cases, in order for Ubuntu system to update, it may require password.
Now allow the required time for the update to finish.
The amount of time could vary from few minutes to one hour and the time it takes to update the Ubuntu system is usually characterized on the person's internet connection speed and systems setup as a whole.
One may require to restart the Ubuntu system in order for the downloaded updates to take effect immediately.
The person performing the task of update will be alerted, if there is a need for the system to reboot, at the completion of the update.
Now, it's time to click on 'Restart Now' to restart/reboot the operating system.
If a person does not desire to reboot the system immediately, as it requires the turning of the computer, he/she may choose 'Restart Later' as per choice.
Look for updates once more following the restart to examine if any are yet waiting to be installed.
If there are no further updates available, then the Ubuntu system in the computer is updated.

2. UPDATING UBUNTU VIA COMMAND LINE

The repository index must be updated in order for update to begin with the below command: $ sudo apt update
Next, look at the updates that are currently available for the Ubuntu system.
If the updates are available, the system will notify by mentioning 'upgradable': $ sudo apt list --upgradable
Once the updates are available, if you're OK with the updates, go ahead and install them on the PC.
After hitting the button to start the update, it is now time to download updates for kernel and other installed programs: $ sudo apt upgrade
After that the listing of packages that will be updated will be sent to you now.
To initiate the update, hit 'Y' and afterwards hit 'Enter'.
In this step, there is nothing that a person has to do, the system will do it itself.
Once the package updates have been obtained, the installation will begin updating them shortly.
Allow some time for the system upgrade to finish.
The amount of time it takes to update your system is determined on the connected internet speed and system setup.
Restart your computer after the packages have been installed: $ sudo reboot
To check whether there are any updates that need to be installed, utilize the apt command: $ sudo apt list --upgradable
If there are no further updates available, then the update is completed.
Once the update is completed, the system will show you the following; All packages are up to date.