I'm new to Linux Mint and usually install every update offered, including kernel updates. Should I be more selective, and is there anything I should check before updating?
Is it a bad idea to install every update in Linux Mint?
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c905~rstmode_6
Answers
For a normal Mint installation, installing the offered updates is a reasonable default. Security fixes matter, and Mint generally tests and curates its updates before release.
That doesn't mean an update can never cause trouble. Just don't put off security updates indefinitely because of that possibility.
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Kernel updates are worth taking too. They can include security fixes as well as hardware and driver improvements. Reboot after installing one so the new kernel actually starts, then check that things like Wi-Fi and graphics still work.
If something breaks, you can usually select an older installed kernel from the boot menu while you work out what happened. It's useful to know how to get to that menu before you need it.
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Keep backups before worrying too much about choosing individual updates. A Timeshift snapshot can help you restore system files if an update goes wrong, but also back up your personal files separately.
Don't assume every change can be rolled back perfectly. Check that you know where your backups are and how you'd restore them.
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There's also a case for being a little cautious with non-security changes when the machine is working well. You don't have to install everything the moment it appears. Security fixes deserve more urgency, though, because waiting can leave known vulnerabilities open.
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c905~rstmode_6:
So I don't have to go looking for a newer kernel just because one exists?
w54+parity_209:
Right. That's different from installing updates offered for your current kernel. A newer kernel series may be useful for hardware support, but it isn't automatically necessary for everyone.