How to upgrade to Ubuntu 8.10

The next version Ubuntu, v8.10 will be release tomorrow, Oct. 30 2008.

If you are using 8.04 (Hardy) then you can update directly to 8.10 (Intrepid). In other cases you should follow a sequential upgrade path and not skip any of the releases (unless you are on a LTS release).

• “Backup important files”. Although the upgrades preserve your data and settings, it’s always wise to backup at least your home directory in case Murphy’s law comes into play.
  • This includes copying (or tar-ring) the desired files to an external drive or a server some place safe. If you plan to do incremental backups in future as well then use something like rsync to help you out. (Backup Tutorial)
• Make sure your system is up to date.  This means that you should have applied all the available updates for your present version of Ubuntu (these updates are different from the actual upgrade. So be careful you don’t skip this step).
• Read the Release Notes to find out if there are some issues and possible workarounds and to know what’s the new release all about.
• Upgrade by running the Update Manager (Note that before 30th October you will have to run ‘update-manager –devel-release’ to let it know you want to install the developmental release)

So, it is not that hard. You only need a little bit caution before upgrading.

Are you ready? Do upgrade tonight.