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numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:24 am
by minties
Hi all.

When I use update manager, there are numbers on the left of the packages to be udpated. Groups of 1s and 3s. What do the numbers mean? Importance or priority? I don't know which updates are important, and which are optional.

Thanks in advance.

Re: numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:48 am
by 900i
Hi, the numbers go from 1 to 5 in varying levels of update risk. All new installs are defaulted to level 3 updates. Levels 4 and 5 are deemed to be risky updates for certain configurations of hardware. I for instance install all updates as they have no adverse effects with my hardware. It's a case of "suck it and see". Level 4 and 5 updates may or may not cause you problems.

Re: numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:50 am
by odo5435
An explanation of the meaning of the number can be found on page 43 of the Linux Mint User Guide which can be downloaded from the Linux Mint Documentation web page.

From that guide...

Level 1 and Level 2 updates are risk-free and you should always apply them. Level 3
updates “should be safe” but, although we recommend you take them, make sure you
look over them on the list of updates. If you experience a problem with a particular Level
3 update, tell the Linux Mint development team so they can take measures to make that
update a Level 4 or a Level 5 so as to warn or even discourage others against applying it.


Some further thoughts on Level 4 & 5 updates are given in the Pros and Cons of level 4&5 updates thread on this site.

Re: numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:19 pm
by minties
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. :)

odo5435, I am also in Perth. Lovely weather today. :D

Re: numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:36 pm
by odo5435
Re-reading the information from the User's Guide it seems a little short. I mean, what is the difference between a Level 1 and a Level 2 upgrade? I think I can remember reading somewhere that Lvl 1 items were upgrades implemented by the Mint developers and Lvl 2 items were implemented by the application's developers that had been tested and approved, Don't quote me as I can't be certain that is accurate and I can't find that source again.

What is the difference between a Level 4 and a Level 5 update?

Shouldn't this sort of information be included in the guide? Or, at least have an explanation of the levels somewhere in the Update Manager itself (if there is one there I can't find it)? These places would be the first place one should expect to look without having to traipse all over the net.

G'day minties. You're right, it's yet another boring absolutely superb day. Too good to be sitting inside looking at a computer screen. :D

Re: numbers on the left of packages in update manager?

Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 10:51 pm
by bimsebasse
It's not really something to think long and hard about - it's an approximate numerical value suggesting how official and tested an update is. It's not something many people put a lot of thought into. I always set the packages I maintain to 3, even the ones that are absolutely 100% risk free.

Unofficial number key:
1-3: Safe to download without thinking about it unless you're paranoid
4-5: Probably safe but maybe not