Software Updates
 

Hi,

I'm using Linux Mint 20.3 kernel 5.4.0-173-generic

I have questions about certain software updates. I was under the impression software updates automatically appeared in the update manager - many do: firefox, kernels, various libraries and repositories and python scripts, etc.

However, I have found that some of my programs are very out of date and wondering why they are not being updated in the same way. For example, I'm still using libre office 6.4, rather than the current 7.6.5; and Audacity 2.3.3-1build1 rather than the current 3.4.2. I installed both of these programs through the Mint software manager. I thought I could go there to install the newer versions, but they don't exist there.

So, my questions are

1. What's the best way to update these programs?
2. Why aren't the latest versions represented in the software manager?

Thanks

The software manager with the Ubuntu derivatives like Mint do not have the latest version of most software. The software is tested by the developers to make certain in works with the OS. If you need to have the latest then you need to download it from the site of the specific software and you are on your own. What is it about the software you mention that is causing problem?

They're just buggy. I've attempted to communicate certain bugs on forums to try to resolve them, or at least tell people they exist so they can code them out, but i've just been told I'm running a too-old version.

Besides, there shouldn't need to be a problem to want the latest version. updates bring more functionality etc. that I may want.

So... if what you say is true, how did the software versions in question get onto the Mint software manager in the first place? You make it sound like it was a one time thing. Newer versions of Mint have more updated software access?

I have had serious trouble downloading programs from websites in the past, and been advised on this forum not to do so.

The current version of mint is 21.3, not 20.3.
But you won't get bleeding edge versions of software - stability is something that many people prize.

littlekatana,

If you require the latest versions of software then you need to consider installing an alternative distro such as Arch Linux or EndeavourOS (based on Arch Linux, but much easier to install).

https://endeavouros.com/

Care to explain why?

I didn't see any laymen-terms explanation about software updates on the endeavorOS or Arch Linus webpages. I'm pretty noob, sorry. I'm open to new linux distributions, I just don't see how this answers my question.

Current Libre Office in 21.3 mint should be 7.4.7.2 - not your 6.4
This was installed as a result of the latest update.

I'm referring to LMDE6 - which is the mint system built on Debian Stable - but mint 21.3 will be similar.
Similarly, audacity (if it was installed) would be 3.2.4+dfsg-1.

I think you are overdue for a major release upgrade from 20.3 to 21.3.
This is not an automatic process - it requires you to decide to actually do it.

Read https://itsfoss.com/upgrade-linux-mint-version/ carefully.

Most of the distributions fall under two categories i.e. standard or fixed and rolling release. EndeavorOS and Arch are rolling releases where you basically never have to install or update to a newer version. You can install all the latest and greatest programs, run the latest kernels etc. The downside can be your system is less stable and any update can break it.

A standard or fixed release distribution typically comes out with a newer version on some sort of set schedule. The distribution is basically tested constantly to make sure nothing breaks. Once the distribution is ready for release the versions of programs are "frozen". Basically they stay the same unless there is a major bug or security fix. A standard release can be more stable then a rolling release.

There are other fixed distributions like Fedora that have a very short release schedule and run the latest or almost the latest versions of software. If you have really new hardware you are almost required to run Fedora or Arch based distribution.

Gentoo is another unique type of distribution because it source based i.e. you compile all the programs from source code.

There is such a thing called snap where where program are self contained that are independent of the distribution and tend to be a newer version. Snaps were developed by Ubuntu and Mint for good reason has disabled them. I do not suggest using them. There is also flatpaks which are similar to snaps which should be available by default in Mint.

In most all cases the developers of well known software will have a Private Package Archive(PPA). This is true with both of the original Ubuntu and most if not all Ubuntu Derivatives.

If you really require the very latest versions of packages I might suggest an ARCH based distribution. The most stable and dependable is probably Manjaro.


I like Mint-DE myself, but the pckages tend to be older but dependable versions. (Not as old as the ones they use for Red Hat though.)

Either read Jeremy Boden's post above, or install some rolling release of something.

You could also install a distribution such as Manjaro or Artics as they are both forks of Arch Linux.

Distros have specific policies about updating software. There are distros (Arch, Gentoo, Debian Sid) which aim to give you the latest versions of everything. The downside is that you get a lot of bugs. People who want to use "bleeding edge" software are expected to help in the communal task of tracking down and fixing these bugs. Other distros, like Debian Stable and Slackware, do not have the latest versions of anything except for security fixes. They are for people who are paranoid about things going wrong. And some distros (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora) are in between.

I haven't used Mint for a long time but I remember its software manager used to grade updates by how much trouble they could cause if something went wrong, and you could choose your risk level.

Many distributions use the Debian model for stability, modified by the risk level you can handle. Manjaro is ARCH based, but has Stable, Testing, and Unstable that align somewhat with Debian Stable, Testing, and SID (unstable). I run Manjaro Stable, and it is like ARCH that has been tested and verified for stability. (Not to the extent that Debian stable was back when the Debian maintainers were all sane and dedicated, but pretty darn good.) Those that follow that model allow you to select your level of risk rather than forcing you into their choice. I like that.