[Ubuntu-ZW] upgrading ubuntu

[Humphrey]

Hi Guys

I have been using Ubuntu 10.10(Maverick) for the past two years.I have 
updated and installed various packages like net beans,audacious, mysql 
server to mention but a few.My question is: if upgrade to Precise 
Pangolin, will i be able to retain my software or i will  have to 
download and reconfigure of the software i heard. It has taken me a 
while and effort to download these packages,that is why i am scared to 
move over to the next releases. However i would love to have a feel of 
the latest releases without loosing my software

Kindest Regards

Humphrey