Everlasting

[bazra]

I have just loaded Linux Ubuntu. Can I now keep this Operating System for ever and just update it if and when necessary, or, do I have to download a different OS every so often? In other words will it last for ever, just by keeping it up to date?

Barrie

[oz]

I have just loaded Linux Ubuntu. Can I now keep this Operating System for ever and just update it if and when necessary, or, do I have to download a different OS every so often? In other words will it last for ever, just by keeping it up to date?

Barrie

Welcome to the forums!

Updating and upgrading would be a matter of personal preference, but your operating system won't last forever. Sooner or later, your computer will die taking your OS with it. As they say, all good things must come to an end.

Hope you have fun with it!

[coopstah13]

I think you are looking for this. Technically you can upgrade through update manager, but it has not been known for its robustness.

The Ubuntu Release Cycle | Ubuntu

There are distros that don't require upgrade/new install, they are called rolling release.

[D-cat]

Ozar has it nailed. While you can reinstall (upgrade) as new releases come out, you don't necessarily have to. When it comes to Ubuntu though, I'd suggest if you choose not to maintain a current version, that you at least update to the next LTS release (10.04) from the CD. LTS is Long Term Support, meaning that not only will there be updates available for the next 5 years, but the software repos will also not suddenly disappear in that time either. This way you will at least have a way of being able to keep your software semi-current or add new applications as you see a need for without having to install everything from source or download and install an updated version. New hardware can sometimes force an update if you're out of the support cycle too.

If you're not looking to add anything software or hardware wise and you don't experiment with administrative system settings, then your current OS install should run until some major piece of hardware pukes or the power grid fails; it could last many years.

[devils casper]

I have just loaded Linux Ubuntu. Can I now keep this Operating System for ever and just update it if and when necessary, or, do I have to download a different OS every so often? In other words will it last for ever, just by keeping it up to date?

Barrie

You can keep it as long as you like but as suggested by other members already, every Ubuntu version has certain life-cycle. After completing its life span, Maintainers will stop releasing security and other vital upgrades. This version will not remain secure forever.
Just keep on updating ( not upgrade, if you like this version very much ) this version through Synaptic Package Manager. When it completes it life-cycle ( after 5 years or so ), start looking for any new light-weight, well maintained distro.