Re: [Sheflug] Ubuntu - dozy question

[Chris Warburton <chriswarbo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thursday 18 September 2008 12:28:41 Steve Fisher wrote:
> Only recently started using Ubuntu (mainly because I got a new netbook
> with no optical drive, so I used wubi to install).  I was wondering,
> with the impending release of Intrepid Ibex, do I have to download and
> do some sort of update install? or will the update manager do this for me?
>
> The reason I ask, is that I keep seeing people "running Gusty Gibbon" as
> if they never updated to Hardy Heron.
>
> Apparently the 8.1 version is (fingers crossed) going to include native
> driver support for the realtek wireless card out of the box.
>
> Can't wait for Jaunty Jackalope, (9.04) what the hell is a jackalope,
> its all getting a bit silly :)

The update manager should bring up a little box telling you that the new 
release is out (like this, but with 8.10 
http://files.opensuse.org/opensuse/en/d/d7/Ubuntu-update-manager.png ) that 
should allow you to upgrade from one release to the next. My laptop went from 
Edgy (6.10) to Feisty (7.04) to Gutsy (7.10) to Hardy (8.04) this way with a 
few issues, although it totally messed up when going to an alpha of 8.10, 
meaning I spent a night fixing a broken package manager and then manually 
installing all of the new package versions. Things which have bitten me after 
an upgrade include devices changing from hda to sda, PulseAudio not being set 
up and Wifi drivers changing. They weren't serious for me, but they could be 
for someone less experienced.

Debian (which Ubuntu is based on) is known for being able to upgrade from 
version 1 all the way through to the latest (4) with the apt-get dist-upgrade 
command, but somehow Ubuntu has broken this so much that they need a specific 
tool (the update manager) to do it. Even then, it is often recommended to 
install a fresh copy every 6 months, which personally drove me back to Debian.

But, to answer your question, yes it's completely possible. If it doesn't show 
up after the official release is made, try looking through update-manager's 
manual (run "man update-manager") to see how to force it to check (I can't 
look ATM sorry, not on Ubuntu).

Chris

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