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The Terminal Command You Need to Update Ubuntu Like Update Manager

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In this article, we’ll delve into the terminal command that is equivalent to the Update Manager in Ubuntu. This is a crucial topic for Ubuntu users who prefer using the terminal for system updates. Let’s get started.

Quick Answer

The terminal command equivalent to the Update Manager in Ubuntu is sudo apt-get dist-upgrade. This command intelligently handles changing dependencies with new versions of packages and can add or remove packages as necessary to complete the upgrade.

Understanding the Update Manager

The Update Manager is a default application on Ubuntu that helps users manage updates for their system. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to install updates for the operating system and software packages.

The Terminal Alternative

For users who prefer the terminal, the equivalent command to the Update Manager is sudo apt-get dist-upgrade. This command intelligently handles changing dependencies with new versions of packages, a feature that sudo apt-get upgrade alone does not offer.

Here’s a breakdown of this command:

  • sudo: This is short for “SuperUser Do”. It allows you to perform tasks that require administrative or root permissions.
  • apt-get: This is the command-line tool for handling packages in Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
  • dist-upgrade: This option intelligently handles changing dependencies with new versions of packages. It will attempt to upgrade the most important packages at the expense of less important ones if necessary.

Why sudo apt-get dist-upgrade?

You might wonder why we’re using sudo apt-get dist-upgrade instead of sudo apt-get upgrade. The reason is that sudo apt-get upgrade only upgrades the installed packages, whereas sudo apt-get dist-upgrade can also add or remove packages as necessary to complete the upgrade.

Comparing Updates

To check if you’re missing out on updates, you can compare the version of non-recommended updates shown by the Update Manager with the version of the package installed on your system. You can use the command dpkg --list | grep -i packagename to find out the installed version of a package.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the terminal command that is equivalent to the Update Manager in Ubuntu is sudo apt-get dist-upgrade. This command provides a comprehensive update mechanism, similar to the Update Manager. However, it’s important to note that the Update Manager may include additional updates that apt-get commands may not show. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to cross-check using the dpkg --list | grep -i packagename command.

Remember, it’s crucial to keep your system updated to ensure optimal performance and security. Whether you prefer using the Update Manager or the terminal, the most important thing is to regularly check for and install updates.

For more information on managing updates in Ubuntu, visit the official Ubuntu documentation.

Can I use `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade` to update all software packages on my Ubuntu system?

No, sudo apt-get dist-upgrade only updates the installed packages. To update all software packages, you can use the command sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade.

Is it possible to revert the changes made by `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade`?

No, once you run sudo apt-get dist-upgrade and the changes are made, it is not possible to revert them. It is always recommended to review the changes before proceeding with the upgrade.

Can I use the Update Manager and `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade` together?

Yes, you can use both methods to update your Ubuntu system. However, it is important to note that the Update Manager may include additional updates that apt-get commands may not show.

How can I check for available updates using the terminal?

You can use the command sudo apt-get update to refresh the package lists and then use sudo apt-get upgrade to check for and install available updates.

Is it necessary to restart the system after running `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade`?

In most cases, a system restart is not required after running sudo apt-get dist-upgrade. However, some updates, especially kernel updates, may require a restart for the changes to take effect. It is recommended to check the update notes or consult the official documentation for specific instructions.

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