Ubuntu Package Management

[chicharras]

Hi everyone,

Please help me understand how the installation and updates of
applications works in Ubuntu 7.1.

First, is it the same to install a package using "apt-get install"
than using the Synaptic Package Manager? I am interested in getting
update notices through the Update Manager.

Second, does the Update Manger inform of new versions/release of
installed software? I just installed some updates to Open Office using
the Update Manager. These updates where from version
1:2.3.0-1ubuntu5.3 to 1:2.3.0-1ubuntu5.4, so I assume these are
updates to the 2.3 version of OO.  But I see on the OO web page the
availability of OO 2.4. Will Update Manager give me the option to
upgrade from 2.3 to 2.4?

I have been using Ubuntu 7.1 for a couple of months in my laptop, and
I look forward to removing Windows completely soon.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cesar