How Can I Safely Update Linux Without Breaking My Old PC?

0
3
Asked By TechSavvyCat223 On

Hey folks! I need some help with a recurring issue I'm facing with Linux updates. Having switched from Windows, I got used to just hitting 'Update All' whenever I got a notification, which hardly ever caused issues for me before. But now that I'm on Linux, especially on an older dual-core PC, things have been breaking down a lot. After running updates, my computer often slows to a crawl or becomes unusable, like when my CPU usage spikes to 100%. I'm not very tech-savvy, so troubleshooting significant problems is tough for me; I mostly stick to quick fixes I find online. I do basic tasks like web browsing, watching YouTube, and using Kodi. I'm curious how others handle updates on Linux—do you selectively update, or go for everything right away? What strategies can I use to avoid these problems and still keep my system secure? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

5 Answers

Answered By RestorationHero88 On

Hey there! After reading your experience, you might be onto something with the Timeshift snapshots—it's a great tool. You mentioned you had issues even after updating, and it sounds like the update might have changed critical system files or the kernel. If you're unsure about technical fixes, it might be wise to skip major OS updates and stick to application updates for now. Also, looking into alternatives like Clonezilla for backups sounds smart in case things go south again!

Answered By QuietCoder92 On

First off, what version of Linux are you using? If you're on a stable distribution like Ubuntu LTS or a similar long-term support release, you typically shouldn't encounter these updates breaking your system. When your CPU usage spikes to 100%, check the process list to see what's hogging resources. That might give you a clue about what’s happening during updates.

Answered By CautiousUser04 On

Could you tell us which distro you're using? I recommend Linux Mint 22.1; it’s stable and mostly just pushes security updates. Also, have you considered using Timeshift for system snapshots? It's a lifesaver for restoring your system if something goes wrong during an update!

Answered By BackupBuddy99 On

I recommend making system snapshots using Timeshift. If an update causes problems, you can easily revert to a previous state. You mentioned you're using Linux Mint; while it's generally stable, older versions can be hit or miss on older hardware. If efficiency is a concern, consider sticking with older, well-maintained distros like Debian that still receive security patches. They often handle updates without causing too many issues.

Answered By LinuxGuru78 On

Let’s start with what distribution you're running; it can really make a difference. Most stable distros like Linux Mint focus on security updates, so if you're using one of those, it's unusual for an update to cause such drastic issues. I update Mint regularly, and it mostly handles things smoothly. If you're running a more experimental version like Debian testing, it's a different ballgame, and you might face more breakages. Just a thought!

Related Questions

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.