System Updates

Introduction

Keeping your Soplos Linux system updated is crucial for security, stability, and to enjoy the latest software features. Being based on Debian Testing, Soplos receives frequent package updates.

Understanding Updates

What Gets Updated?

When you update your Soplos Linux system, several components may receive updates:

• System Packages: Core operating system components and libraries
• Applications: Installed software and user programs
• Linux Kernel: The core of the operating system
• Drivers: Hardware support and firmware
• Security Patches: Critical fixes for vulnerabilities

Types of Updates

• Security Updates: Fix vulnerabilities and security issues
• Bug Fixes: Resolve problems and improve stability
• Feature Updates: Add new functionality to software
• Version Upgrades: Major version changes with new features

Debian Testing & Rolling Release

Soplos Linux is based on Debian Testing, which follows a partial rolling release model. This means:

• You receive newer software versions more frequently than stable distributions
• Updates are tested but may occasionally introduce minor issues
• No need for major distribution upgrades - your system evolves continuously
• Balance between cutting-edge and stability

Graphical Method: Soplos Welcome

The easiest way to update your system is through the Soplos Welcome tool, which comes pre-installed on all editions (Tyron, Tyson, and Boro).

Advanced Method: Terminal

If you prefer full control or are used to Debian/Ubuntu, you can use the terminal. Soplos Linux uses the APT package manager.

Basic Commands

Open your favorite terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

• sudo apt update: Refreshes the repository list.
• sudo apt upgrade: Installs the newest versions of installed packages.
• -y: Automatically accepts confirmations (optional).

Understanding APT Output

When you run apt upgrade, you'll see output like this:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree... Done
Reading state information... Done
Calculating upgrade... Done
The following packages will be upgraded:
  firefox libc6 python3
3 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 2 not upgraded.

Here's what each line means:

• X upgraded: Number of packages that will be updated
• Y newly installed: New packages required as dependencies
• Z to remove: Packages that need to be removed
• N not upgraded: Packages that are "kept back" (see Troubleshooting)

Full Upgrade

Sometimes you may need to use full-upgrade instead of upgrade:

sudo apt full-upgrade

Cleanup (Optional)

To remove packages that are no longer needed (orphaned dependencies):

sudo apt autoremove

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Held/Kept Back Packages

If you see packages "kept back" during an upgrade:

The following packages have been kept back:
  linux-image-amd64 linux-headers-amd64
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 2 not upgraded.

Solution: Use sudo apt full-upgrade to install these packages.

Dependency Conflicts

If you encounter dependency issues:

# Try to fix broken dependencies
sudo apt --fix-broken install

# If that doesn't work, try:
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Locked Database

Error: "Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock"

# Check if apt is running
ps aux | grep apt

# If nothing important is running, remove the lock:
sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock
sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock-frontend
sudo dpkg --configure -a

Failed Updates

If an update fails midway:

# Reconfigure failed packages
sudo dpkg --configure -a

# Clean package cache
sudo apt clean

# Try updating again
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Automatic Updates

You can configure automatic security updates using unattended-upgrades:

# Install unattended-upgrades
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades

# Enable automatic updates
sudo dpkg-reconfigure -plow unattended-upgrades

For most users, manual updates are recommended to maintain better control over system changes.

Update Frequency & Best Practices

Recommended Schedule

Since Soplos is based on Debian Testing (partial Rolling Release), it is recommended to check for updates:

• Daily: Check for security updates
• Weekly: Perform system updates to keep the system current
• Monthly: Consider using apt full-upgrade for major updates
• Before installing new software: To avoid dependency conflicts

Before Updating: Checklist

• Save your work: Close important applications
• Check disk space: Ensure you have at least 1-2GB free
• Review backups: Especially before major updates (see Backup section)
• Time permitting: Don't update when working on critical tasks

After Updating

• Kernel updates: Reboot if the kernel was updated
• Service updates: Some services may need restart
• Clean cache: Run sudo apt autoremove periodically