14 DAY TRIAL // Linux Mint 17.1 "Rebecca" was released just a week ago and many users have already upgraded to the new release. The Linux Mint team has published some details about the updating procedure and about the reasons for it.
Unlike the Ubuntu base that is powering Linux Mint, this distro doesn't really need the update and this is one of the innovations. If you already have Linux Mint 17.0 installed and everything just works for you, there is no need to get the new revision if you don't want to. The devs don't condition the upgrade to the new version to the security updates that will be made available at a later date.
Basically, users can continue with Linux Mint 17 "Qiana" and they will still get all the necessary security updates, without having to get 17.1 in place. To make things even better, they will also get the same kind of support, which is set to last until 2019.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
This is basically the idea behind the information posted by the Linux Mint team. This entire infrastructure has been put in place to make it easier for users to understand that they can update their system easily, but there is also another reason.
It's possible that some of the users won't like the changes brought by the 17.1 upgrade, so this is a very good method to ensure that you keep on the good side of the community.
"You might want to upgrade to 17.1 because some bug that annoys you is fixed or because you want to get some of the new features. In any case, you should know why you’re upgrading. As excited as we are about 17.1, upgrading blindly for the sake of running the latest version does not make much sense, especially if you’re already happy with 17 and everything is working perfectly."
"Upgrading from 17 to 17.1 will upgrade from Qiana to Rebecca of course, but also apply all level 1 updates for you. You do not need to apply level 2, 3, 4 or 5 updates to upgrade to the new version of Linux Mint, and doing so won’t apply these for you. Level 4 and 5 updates are not recommended unless they bring solutions to issues you’re facing. Level 3 updates should be applied selectively and with precautions," reads the official announcement.
The entire process is handled by the Update Manager and it's a clean and transparent process. You won't upgrade by mistake. In any case, you can download Linux Mint 17.1 "Rebecca" right now from Softpedia.
