I held off on updating my devices (Windows laptop and Google Android phone) for years because I didn’t want more bloatware and spyware embedded on them slowing them down.
This became a game of cat and mouse over time, as Microsoft and Google kept finding creative ways to try and trick me into clicking on, and agreeing to, updates every time I would have to re-login to the device.
Despite the PTSD most of us likely have from updating our device(s), one of the key lessons we need to learn on our journey toward digital privacy and sovereignty is that updates for our Ghost (Linux) Laptops and Ghost (GrapheneOS) Phones, are a GOOD thing and no longer something to be feared.
In fact, in most cases, updating your applications is essential for maintaining their security, performance and compatibility with everything else you use on your device.
This being said, if you are using a Ghost Phone, or running a laptop with Linux, and can not remember the last time you did an update to your device, please stop what you are doing right now and go through the steps below!
How to Update Your Ghost Phone or Ghost Tablet
If you have a Ghost Phone, or are running the GrapheneOS operating system:
1) Go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for updates
This will update the operating system if it’s needed.
2) Open the F-Droid App and tap on the bell that says “Updates” on the bottom right. If there are any Apps that need updating that you use, install and update them there.
3) Open the Aurora Store App and tap on the Updates icon on the bottom right. Same as above, if there are any apps that need updating that you use, install and update them there.
4) If you notice there are apps that need updating that you do not use and do not plan on ever using, uninstall them. You don’t need the excess clutter on your device.
How to Update Your Ghost (Linux) Laptop
The 3 different Linux distributions we’ve been installing on our Ghost Laptops for customers are Zorin, Mint and Pop!_OS.
Zorin, however, has become the predominant operating system we install as it’s so incredibly simple for people to use.
Regardless of what Linux distribution you have running, nearly all have some form of “Store” or “Shop” now that you can easily find, install and update various applications with just a few clicks.
Zorin Update
Click on the Z icon > click on “Software” > click on Updates on the top right of the screen that shows all the various apps you have installed and can install. If any need updating that you use regularly, install and update them accordingly.
Mint Update
When there are updates available, a blue and silver shield will appear on the top right of your screen. Clicking on this will take you to the Update Manager where you can install and update whatever is necessary.
Pop!_OS Update
Click on the Applications tap in your header or footer (depending on how you’ve customized your screen). From there, find and click on the Pop!_Shop app. Click on the 3 bar hamburger menu icon on the top right and then click on “Updates & Installed Software”. From there you’ll see what software and applications need updating and can “Update All” or select what specifically you would like to update.
Once you’ve completed the above, make it a habit to check and perform this simple update routine at least once a month. Set a calendar invite even if you think this will help!
Key Reasons Why You Should Update Your Devices Regularly
Security: Regular updates provide bug fixes, security patches, and new features that keep your system safe from vulnerabilities and potential attacks. Outdated software can leave your system exposed to hackers and cybercriminals.
Compatibility: New software and upgrades may not always be compatible with older systems, which can cause issues with functionality and performance. Updating your Linux laptop ensures that you have the latest drivers, libraries, and applications that work seamlessly together.
Performance: Updates often include performance enhancements, which can improve the speed and responsiveness of your system. This is especially important for resource-intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, and data analysis.
Hardware Support: New hardware devices and technologies require updated drivers and firmware to function properly. Updating your Linux laptop ensures that you have the latest support for your hardware, including graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
Stability: Regular updates help maintain system stability by fixing bugs and issues that can cause crashes, freezes, or errors. This ensures that your system remains reliable and efficient. Some customers who have gone over a year without updating their system have in fact been locked out of their device due to issues caused by them not accepting and installing a necessary kernal update!
Please, do yourself a favor and save yourself the inevitable headache of your device, or various applications, not working as they should, and the inevitable frustrated emails and comments you may throw at us or our online communities, simply because you haven’t spent the 2-5 minutes it takes to update your system.