I'm confused...

[dbpbandit]

OK, I have been using Kubuntu Hardy with KDE 3.5.10 for a while now and I like it, however: I was doing an update and I have been prompted to upgrade to Ubuntu 9.04 jaunty jackalope ?

First of all why is my Kubuntu update wizard asking me to upgrade to Ubuntu? I understand they are built on the same basics but just seems strange.

Second, will this update cause me issues with how my system is set up currently?

Third, I know that the later versions of Kubuntu have that weird desktop interface (I think it's the KDE 4?) but I don't like it. If I do this update will I have to use the new environment or can I keep the KDE 3 and still update to the latest version of Kubuntu?

Thanks.

-Dave

[aged hippy]

You can safely ignore the <Version Upgrade> button and continue using Hardy, it's an LTS, so will be supported until 2011. :)

If you upgrade to Jaunty via the <Version Upgrade> button you will have KDE 4... there will be no going back to KDE 3.5.

It is possible to upgrade to Jaunty and retain KDE 3.5 by going here: http://apt.pearsoncomputing.net/ and *clicking* the New! Live CD Installation Images with KDE3.5 on Intrepid + Jaunty link. :D

[dbpbandit]

OK, thanks for letting me know. Am I the only one who doesn't like the new interface?

-Dave

[aged hippy]

... ummm ... i don't think so... 8)

;D

[dbpbandit]

OK, so I'm downloading the image, can I upgrade with it or will I have to do a fresh install? Thanks.

-Dave

[aged hippy]

I would be inclined to go for a fresh install, telling the installer to format / and to leave /home as it is, and to mount it as /home.

That way, all your preferences will be left intact... it will only be necessary to re-install programs you've added.

[Telengard]

I would be inclined to go for a fresh install, telling the installer to format / and to leave /home as it is, and to mount it as /home.

That way, all your preferences will be left intact... it will only be necessary to re-install programs you've added.

Be careful! If / and /home are on the same HD partition, then formatting / will also format /home. I'm not sure whether the installer tries to prevent such a mistake, but it pays to be prepared for the worst whenever doing any kind of formatting or partitioning.

[aged hippy]

But if / is mounted as / and /home is mounted as /home, they must be different partitions... mustn't they ???

[Telengard]

No, they are not necessarily different HD partitions. "/" and "/home" are virtual mount points, which might or might not point to separate partitions. Similar to symbolic links, there is no requirement that every mount point represent a unique partition.

Consider the following scenario:

"/" is mounted on hda3
"home" is a subdirectory of "/"

If what I have said is not correct, then someone please shoot me down. Otherwise I'll be saving my tears for the poor guy who formats his "home" directory along with "/".

[aged hippy]

I didn't realise that /home could be nested within /, i was assuming a standard install with / and /home as actual separate partitions.

maybe dbpbandit will enlighten us...

[dbpbandit]

I didn't realise that /home could be nested within /, i was assuming a standard install with / and /home as actual separate partitions.

maybe dbpbandit will enlighten us...




I don't think " I " will be enlightening anyone :)

I will however do a fresh install when and IF I do this. I'm still new at Linux and what you guys are talking about is still a bit over my head. Thanks for all the information though, it's a lot to take in but I do take it in... Thanks again.

-Dave

[aged hippy]

I don't think " I " will be enlightening anyone :)

I will however do a fresh install when and IF I do this. I'm still new at Linux and what you guys are talking about is still a bit over my head. Thanks for all the information though, it's a lot to take in but I do take it in... Thanks again.

-Dave


If and when you do decide to go for it, just ask for guidance. :)
It's dead simple... despite appearances. ;)

As you already have an install, it's safe to keep using it. ;D

[dbpbandit]

Thanks.... This forum is great, I wish I had found it months ago....

-Dave

[aged hippy]

Thanks.... This forum is great, I wish I had found it months ago....

-Dave



You are Welcome. :)

[Telengard]

Consider making backups of all the important data from your computer's internal HD to an external HD, optical disc, or networked computer. It is the best way to protect yourself from possible data loss while you experiment and learn. The potential for data loss is great whenever you do anything with formatting or partitioning, so the need for backups is even more important.

[dbpbandit]

I totally agree with you on this. I have messed myself up more than I would like to mention because I didn't think I needed to back it up, I wont do that again. By the way, is there an easy way to make a backup image of my Kubuntu so if I do screw it up I can just bring everything back? Maybe a way to do it so I can just do one reinstall and not have to redo everything and re install all my apps? Thanks.

-Dave

[Telengard]

HOWTO: Backup a Partition (http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=13735.0)
BackupYourSystem - Community Ubuntu Documentation (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BackupYourSystem)
Howto: Backup and restore your system! - Ubuntu Forums (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=81311&highlight=backup)

You'll have to evaluate each method for yourself to see which one seems best to you. If I wanted to make a complete backup of my system including all applications then I would probably use partimage (http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/free_imaging_software.html).

[dbpbandit]

Thanks.....

-Dave