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Ubuntu – How to do a Distribution Upgrade

· One min read
  1. Launch a Terminal
  2. Type in: sudo apt-get update
    (this will ping all the upgrade mirrors to determine if they are live and what upgrade packages are available)
  3. Once completed – type in: sudo apt-get dist-upgrade (this will start pooling down the various packages to do a distribution upgrade. Keep in mind – apt-get update will just do an update within the same distribution).

Note: Ubuntu now has an Update Manager that is available by launching the Unity search function and typing in – Update Manager. This is a GUI method of upgrading. I have had failure with this method personally so recommend using the command line for distribution upgrades for more visibility.