How To Install Software on an Old Unsupported Ubuntu Release

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing software on an old, unsupported Ubuntu release. It’s important to note that using an unsupported release is not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities and lack of updates. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to use an older version, this guide will help you navigate the process.

Updating Your Software Sources

One common issue you might encounter when trying to install software on an old Ubuntu release is the “Couldn’t find package” error. This typically happens when your software sources are not configured correctly.

To fix this, you need to edit the /etc/apt/sources.list file. You can do this using the nano text editor with the following command:

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

In this command, sudo gives you superuser privileges, nano is the text editor, and /etc/apt/sources.list is the file you’re editing.

Once you’re in the file, ensure that it points to the correct repositories. If you find any outdated or incorrect URLs, replace them with the appropriate ones for your release. After saving the file, run the following command to refresh the package lists:

sudo apt-get update

Using the Old-Releases Server

If you’re using an older release that is no longer supported, you can switch to the old-releases server. This server contains repositories for unsupported Ubuntu versions.

To switch to the old-releases server, you need to edit the /etc/apt/sources.list file again. Replace archive.ubuntu.com and security.ubuntu.com with old-releases.ubuntu.com.

After saving the file, run the sudo apt-get update command again to update the package lists. You can then install software using the following command:

sudo apt-get install <package-name>

Replace <package-name> with the name of the software you want to install.

Upgrading to a Supported Release

The best way to avoid issues with unsupported releases is to upgrade to a supported version. Ubuntu provides a tool called do-release-upgrade that automates the upgrade process.

Before upgrading, ensure to backup your important data and configurations. Then, run the sudo apt-get update command to ensure your system is up to date.

Next, install the ubuntu-release-upgrader-core package with the following command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-release-upgrader-core

This package contains the do-release-upgrade tool. Once installed, you can start the upgrade process with the following command:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow the prompts and instructions to complete the upgrade. Note that upgrading from an unsupported release may not always be possible or straightforward. It’s recommended to regularly update your system to avoid reaching an unsupported state.

Conclusion

While it’s generally recommended to use a supported Ubuntu release, sometimes you might need to work with an older, unsupported version. In such cases, updating your software sources or switching to the old-releases server can help you install the necessary software. However, for long-term stability and security, consider upgrading to a supported release.

Remember to exercise caution when using unsupported releases, as they may lack important security updates and bug fixes. Always backup your data before making significant changes to your system.