Linux distributions like Ubuntu are release based, which means when a new version rolls out, everyone rushes to upgrade. Many folks do this without a care in the world, believing that if the previous version worked great then the latest version should also be free of bugs.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. In this article, I'll explore the benefits and downsides to upgrading to a brand new release of Ubuntu. Plus, I'll offer up some critical considerations to remember, so you can avoid jumping into an upgrade with both eyes closed.

Do you need to upgrade?

With Ubuntu upgrades, I've found the only time you should consider upgrading is if you meet one of the following criteria:

New hardware supported by the new release. Perhaps the latest kernel supports hardware you own is supported, but the previous release/kernel isn’t.

Perhaps the latest kernel supports hardware you own is supported, but the previous release/kernel isn’t. New software release available. Sometimes Ubuntu's latest release has a new version of a needed application that presents a bug fix or new features not found in the previous release.

Sometimes Ubuntu's latest release has a new version of a needed application that presents a bug fix or new features not found in the previous release. Broken installation in need of repair. This is a common situation when upgrading to the latest release of Ubuntu makes a lot of sense. Since the repair installation has to take place anyway, you might as well install the latest version available.

This is a common situation when upgrading to the latest release of Ubuntu makes a lot of sense. Since the repair installation has to take place anyway, you might as well install the latest version available. Migrating from one LTS release to the current one. Upgrading an installation of Ubuntu LTS to the most current one will extend long term support. This is perhaps the single biggest reason to upgrade, as staying current with the longer term support is critical to many businesses and institutions.

Despite my examples above, there are some individuals who will upgrade to the latest Ubuntu version for no other reason than it might offer a new experience. I hate to break the bad news, folks, but outside of some mild speed improvements and other behind the scenes polish, Ubuntu 14.04 isn't going to feel that different. See, the 14.04 release isn't designed to be a bleeding edge feature release. This means if you're looking for cutting edge features, keep waiting, this release isn't it.

Using an older release

There are a number of Ubuntu users out there who happen to believe sticking with an older release for another few months is a good idea. I happen to be among them, baring the exceptions listed above. The reason is that there will be various bug fixes and issues being addressed during this period. It happens with every Ubuntu release, so sticking with a working installation for just a bit longer does have its benefits.

While I use a variety of distros these days, I still own an Ubuntu box. The approach I've always used when holding off on upgrading to the new release goes something like this:

Test the new release Live Environment via a USB flash drive. If this proves to be successful, I'll then take the leap and install it to a USB hard drive for additional testing.

If this proves to be successful, I'll then take the leap and install it to a USB hard drive for additional testing. Install and test critical applications that I rely on. This is usually where most of the "surprises" I find with distro upgrades tend to crop up. Usually the issues discovered are software libraries (libs) that haven't caught up to the latest release yet. For example, a new release of an application isn't offered, yet a dependency library has been updated, thus breaking the application under the new Ubuntu release. While I acknowledge this is both rare and NOT Ubuntu's fault, it's a potential break in my work flow.

This is usually where most of the "surprises" I find with distro upgrades tend to crop up. Usually the issues discovered are software libraries (libs) that haven't caught up to the latest release yet. For example, a new release of an application isn't offered, yet a dependency library has been updated, thus breaking the application under the new Ubuntu release. While I acknowledge this is both rare and NOT Ubuntu's fault, it's a potential break in my work flow. Watch for updates to see if any issues have been resolved. Whether the issue is a bug or a library update that outpaced a legacy application not found in the standard Ubuntu repositories, usually frequent updating will resolve the issue at hand. For example, the legacy app's PPA updates, making the application work with the new release of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu upgrade checklist

After weighing the benefits versus the potential for inviting new issues that may yet to be worked out, you may very well decide that you want the cutting edge version of Ubuntu. Before jumping in blindly to the upgrade process, be sure to do the following first.