Ubuntu – Upgrade vs Clean install without formatting

system-installationupgrade

I am currently using Ubuntu 11.10 . In a few weeks I plan to upgrade to 12.04. However, I have heard that upgrade can result in a broken system. So, I thought to make a clean install without formatting because I have heard that it reinstalls your system files and deletes your programs but your personal files and program preferences, which are in /home, are not deleted.

How about upgrading and, if something goes wrong, make a clean install without formatting? What are the differences between upgrade and clean install without formatting?

Best Answer

Well,

Firstly let me explain you what Upgrade means and what Fresh Install means.

UPGRADE -

Upgrade means your system will be updated to the newest resources,applications,libraries,Kernel versions and will have the latest Patches to various software BUT your data that was there in your /home folder will remain intact.

FRESH INSTALL-

Fresh install means your system will be updated to the newest resources,applications,libraries,Kernel versions and will have the latest Patches to various software BUT your data in /home will be completely lost because fresh install is nothing but installing a new OS.

Now,about your doubt about broken packages in upgrades,

This problem generally occurs when you upgrade online using the UPGRADE TOOL.

One way to avoid this is to burn an ISO immage on to a CD/USB making it bootable and then UPGRADING instead of INSTALLING FRESH

When you boot the CD/USB you have created and click on INSTALL on the first screen,next you will get a screen asking for -

  1. REPLACE 11.10 WITH 12.04
  2. UPGRADE 11.10 to 12.04
  3. SOMETHINF ELSE

If you select the 2nd option,you will have the benefit of UPGRADING with very less risk of Broken Packages

Always remember to select to INSTALL 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE and UPDATE DURING INSTALLING when you start the install. This further reduces the risk of broken packages later.

I would recommend UPGRADE USING A LIVE CD over INTERNET UPGRADE or FRESH INSTALL

Needless to tell,backup all your data.

Hope the answer helps you.

Related Question