Now that you have created a dual boot (Windows 10/Linux Mint) system, the first thing to do is always the first thing to do with any new operating system… Update!
First things first, and in that order. More or less.
Bring up your Linux Mint main menu and go to Administration > Synaptic Package Manager:
No, we’re not updating just quite yet. We have to set a few parameters before beginning.
Type in your super secret password:
Once synaptic has launched, go to Settings > Preferences:
And then click on the Files tab:
Select “Delete downloaded packages after installation” and then click on the big button marked “Delete Cached Package Files” before clicking Apply. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Go to Settings > Repositories:
Enable source code repositories.
The default mirror repositories are not always the best to use. You want the fastest repositories available to you.
The main repository is perfect for my needs, but the base repository needs some adjusting. Click on the base repository URL and wait.
A speed test of all available repositories can take some time.
When a clear winner is displayed, click on that entry to highlight it and click Apply.
Close Software Sources and reload the cache:
Close Synaptic and return to the desktop:
It’s time the run the Update Manager. Click on the shield icon.
Leave the default settings as is for now. Click OK.
Updates are available!
What? Only one?
Don’t worry. Click Install Updates.
And enter your super secret password.
The update will download and install in one smooth motion.
We’re done!
No!
Now we have more updates to install:
Click Install Updates again.
That’s normal. Don’t worry about it. Just click OK.
And enter your super secret password again.
Downloading:
Installing:
Completed:
Not quite yet.
Reboot your computer back to Linux Mint and again click on the shield icon. Go to Edit > Preferences:
Make a few changes and then click on the Levels button:
Select everything and click Apply.
Click the Refresh button.
Install more updates.
Click OK.
And you’re finally done.
Everything is up-to-date. Safe and secure.
One final note: If you are ever asked whether to keep or replace a configuration file during an update, always replace.
This may seem like a lot of work, but this is why Linux is the most secure operating system you can use today. Computing the way it ought to be.
