Using Synaptic - Solved - thanks, guys

[Nicholas]

I recently downloaded and installed Mint 8 - it looks and works great, but I'm not able to use synaptic. It opens, but there is no way to choose or apply to receive updates to the installed software. Everything is greyed out except for reload. where is the update (or upgrade) icon, and why are the apply and package icons greyed out. Haven't been able to upgrade since installing. I have an "old" Pentium 4 3.4GHz, 4GB Corsair XMS RAM, 2 WD 7200rpm drives, and dual-booted with Win XP Pro.
Thanks, N.

[markcynt]

Did you try using the update manager?

Click the padlock in the system tray.

[vrkalak]

I recently downloaded and installed Mint 8 - it looks and works great, but I'm not able to use synaptic. It opens, but there is no way to choose or apply to receive updates to the installed software. Everything is greyed out except for reload. where is the update (or upgrade) icon, and why are the apply and package icons greyed out. Haven't been able to upgrade since installing.

The first thing, you should do after installing any OS is to do a System Update.

The reason that Synaptic is grayed out and only the Reload button is available ... is that for Synaptic, using the Reload button, "is an Update"
Synaptic is grayed out because it knows that you must do an new Update first.

To do a System Update in the Synaptic Manager ...
Open Synaptic, click on 'Reload' Wait for this action to finish.
Then, click on "Mark all Upgrades"
Then, click on the "Apply" button
(These three buttons are in order.)

To do a System Update via the Terminal.
Open a Terminal and type in sudo apt-get update
Enter password when prompted. Click 'enter'

Most people using Mint would rather use the Update Manager.
Look for the "padlock" in the panel/taskbar. Click on it. Follow directions.

[MALsPa]

To do a System Update in the Synaptic Manager ...
Open Synaptic, click on 'Reload' Wait for this action to finish.
Then, click on "Mark all Upgrades"
Then, click on the "Apply" button
(These three buttons are in order.)

I think the "Mark All Upgrades" button wasn't included in Synaptic in Mint 8 -- someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

[vrkalak]

I think the "Mark All Upgrades" button wasn't included in Synaptic in Mint 8

I don't remember ... ... Mint-8 was soooo long ago.

I'll have to dig out an old LiveCD and check.

But ... anyway you get my point ,,, the Synaptic Manager 'knows' that you have to do a System Update, first thing. However, you do it.

[Biker]

Don't you just hate it when the CRS kicks in?

[vrkalak]

@Biker Give me a break ... I'm old ... I "CRS" anyway.

I have no excuse for a 'blond'* moment ... but, I am starting to have plenty of 'senior' moments.

*I mean No Offense to anyone with golden coloured hair.