There are many ways to update and upgrade packages in Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal) systems. Two of the most frequently used methods are via the command line and your desktop tools (GUI). Updating your system via the command-line is the fastest way to do it, even though it’s not the easiest for some new users. Ubuntu pros actually prefer this method and this brief tutorial is going to show you how to easily update and upgrade all packages and software using a one-line command via the terminal.

Update Ubuntu Terminal

Whether you’re a pro user or a new user, one thing is true – you must update your system regularly to fix issues, improve performance and protect yourself from vulnerabilities. By default, Ubuntu updates itself automatically once a week or few days. But if you wish to immediately update and upgrade programs then you can’t wait a week. You must perform a manual update.

To update Ubuntu terminal via the desktop GUI method, go to Ubuntu Dash and search for Software Updater. When it opens, view the packages that are going to be updated and/or upgraded and press OK or Update.

 

update ubuntu terminal commands

 

To perform the same system update or upgrade from the command line, press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to upgrade all program packages in Ubuntu.

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

 

ubuntu_1210_update_commands_1

 

The above commands perform a full system upgrade of packages and software. If there were any outstanding updates for any program, it will be updated and/or upgraded. As you can see, the two methods accomplish the same goal, but one is quicker and easier than the other.

Which will you choose to update your system?

 

Enjoy!