1. Newbie evaluation. 2. Gutsy>Hardy: request for advice.

[Sylviane et Perry White]

On Thursday 01 May 2008 17:01, Bas Roufs wrote:

> To be honest, I attach more importance to system stability than to super 
> brand new features.
(snip)
> So far, I have understood that there are two ways to 'upgrade':
> * installation 'from scratch', or ....
> * 'upgrade' while maintaining the whole configuration.

IMHO installation from scratch is probably the "best" if you want a "cleaner" 
system, because it will force you to reflect on what you want to restore from 
your old files (back-uped) and it may not re-install by default all the silly 
programs you once installed for a try before disregrading them. You will have 
to recreate all your personal settings, preferences, internet provider...
OTOH  'upgrade' while maintaining the whole configuration is muche easier.

My main concern is that both above methods have a risk; it is possible that 
after upgrade you are unable to boot (or you boot OK but the screen does not 
work, or whatever)
If you opted for the first method you probably thought of backing-up your 
personal files, pictures and so on... That means you would still have the 
option of reinstalling the old system or another one that works. 
With the second method (assuming you didn't make a back-up) your essential 
personal files may still be locked in a non working system  and salvaging 
them will require a lot of skill.
The fact that you have a desktop and a laptop makes it easier because you can 
always ask for help from the other machine that works, but how long could you 
do without the laptop?
The best thing to do (IMHO) is to have enough disk space and install multiple 
systems on it, do a fresh install for the latests system and transfer your 
files, see if it woks well and then your are ready for the next upgrade on 
the first partition.

Perry

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