Ubuntu Upgrade: Edgy Eft (6.10) to Feisty Fawn (7.04)
Ubuntu Feisty (7.04): A Comprehensive Upgrade Guide
Ubuntu Feisty (7.04) represents the newest iteration of the Ubuntu operating system. The following details a concise overview of the enhancements included in this release, though a direct upgrade is highly recommended to fully experience all the changes.
Key Features in Feisty
- Windows Migration Tool: Facilitates the transfer of user preferences, such as desktop backgrounds and saved bookmarks.
- Codec Wizard: Assists in the installation of codecs that are not natively supported.
- Enhanced Wireless Support: Significantly improved wireless capabilities allow for seamless connections to various networks.
- Updated Kernel: The inclusion of the 2.6.20 kernel provides support for hardware virtualization features found in contemporary processors.
- Gnome 2.18 Upgrade: Gnome 2.18 introduces numerous new features, notably a redesigned and improved administration panel.
- Numerous Additional Improvements: A wide range of other enhancements are also incorporated.
Prior to initiating the upgrade process, ensure your Edgy installation is fully updated with the latest patches via the Update Manager. This will streamline the installation and address potential issues encountered by some users during the upgrade.
Initiating the Upgrade Process
To begin the upgrade from Edgy (6.10) to Feisty (7.04), press the Alt+F2 key combination to activate the run dialog. Then, enter the following command. It's important to note that the quotation marks are standard double quotes.
gksu "update-manager -c"
Upon launching the Software Updates tool, a new "Upgrade" button will become visible. Select this button to proceed. The choice is yours, of course.
Reviewing the release notes is optional before clicking "Upgrade" again.
Should you encounter an authentication error, execute the following command in the terminal:
gpg
After receiving the prompt to enter your passphrase, press Ctrl+C and then restart the installation process. If this fails, attempting to run a shell as root may resolve the issue (sudo /bin/bash).
Now, you can select "Start Upgrade." The upgrade process may have already begun, but initiating it again ensures its progression.
Additional dialog boxes requesting you to click "Upgrade" may appear; simply confirm each one. Your system will then download and install all necessary updates.
Once the process is complete, restart your computer by clicking the provided button. Thankfully, this button does not prompt you to "Upgrade."
Verification
To confirm that you are now running Feisty, execute the following command from a terminal window. Your output may vary slightly.
$ cat /etc/issue
Ubuntu feisty (development branch) \n \l
Explore the new features within the Control Center!
If you are upgrading from Dapper (6.06) to Feisty, it is recommended to first upgrade to Edgy and then to Feisty.
This article has been updated to reflect the Feisty release.