Linux, like Windows, is an operating system in constant development. This is even more true of Linux which, as a free, open source operating system, is constantly being modified by people around the world. It is usually very easy to update a Linux OS, regardless of which version you are using. With an Internet connection or just an installation CD, you can update a Linux OS in only a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Head to the homepage of the Linux OS you are currently using (see Resources below). Ubuntu, Red Hat and Fedora Core all have their own websites devoted to updates and upgrades.
2. Check the version number of the Linux OS, available on the OS homepage. Even minor updates are usually given a new version number and a complete installation package.
3. Cross reference the version number against your own Linux OS version number. If the number has increased, then you are ready for an update. For example, you would want to update Red Hat 4 to Red Hat 5, or Ubuntu 7.01 to Ubuntu 7.4.
4. Download complete installation files or choose to download just the update versions available. The benefit of simply using an update is that they don't typically overwrite important system files unless those files are intended to be updated. Installing a new installation of Linux will likely wipe older files even if they are currently in use.
5. Access the installation files either by double clicking them within the desktop or file folder or simply running them from the installation CD.
6. Update your Linux OS by following the prompts as they appear in the update file. Often the installation process requires minimal input from you. The opposite is true if you are including a bundle of applications within the update.
Tags: version number, complete installation, installation files, operating system, update Linux, your Linux