[Question] Debian/Ubuntu Automatic updates?

Post by **ayu** » 07 Jun 2008, 02:53

I noticed today that there were a lot of updating that had to be done on my server, and I had totally forgot to fix it so it was left vulnerable.

Now I am wondering, how can I make the server check for updates on certain times everyday, and then update everything by itself, without me having to press "Y" to confirm the updates every time of course. I want it to be totally automatic.

Thanks in advance...

Post by **bad_brain** » 07 Jun 2008, 04:24

you can try cron-apt:
http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/162

but as they write in the article, auto-accepting everything during the upgrade procedure can be dangerous because important config files might be replaced (ok, the old ones are usually saved as .bak , but still).
I recommend: get used to manual updates as first thing when you log in every day.
here's my chain if commands is use every time after logging in:

Code: Select all

netstat -tn
top (eventually followed by who)
apt-get update
apt-get upgrade (eventually followed by dist-upgrade)

takes just 1-2 minutes...

Post by **ayu** » 07 Jun 2008, 04:29

Yeah well this is my server ^^ I never login on it if nothing out of the ordinary happens. And since I am not targeted by international super hackers, nothing really happens to it, so it can stay un-updated for months ^^

But yeah, I guess you're right =) I'll simply update through ssh once a week or something ^^

Post by **bad_brain** » 07 Jun 2008, 04:56

ok, but I guess you check your email every day, right?

take a look here and sign up at least to the security-list:
https://lists.ubuntu.com/

that way you stay informed on important updates...

Post by **ayu** » 07 Jun 2008, 05:14

Hey good idea, thanks!