Since Jan. 2012 I've kept everything updated. If possilbe, how do I update to the latest release?

I am not a Mint user personally, but I found this on their site, hope it helps:

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2

1 members found this post helpful.

[QUOTE=snowpine;4770858]I am not a Mint user personally, but I found this on their site, hope it helps:

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2to:snowpine-- At the link you suggested I had more than one concern answered. There is no need to rush updating. It is my good fortune to be learning linux and it is my intent to help others learn of its great features. I'm still wanting to know if Synaptic Package Manager (SPM) will update to the latest release? [QUOTE] Learning of the APT option was interesting but I'm not sure if it is the same as SPM. ---thanks

I don't think Synaptic Package Manager is the right tool for the job.

Open a terminal and type in

sudo su

Then give it your user password.

Now, you're root.

Run this one next.

apt-get update -Vy

The command will run and as long as your network is good, you'll have no problems.

Now run this one, which may take a while. Of course, you can minimize but NOT close the terminal in the background. You might have to restart the system when you are through.

apt-get dist-upgrade -Vy

One hour ++ maybe or maybe not and one reboot and you have the latest and greatest version of Mint.

Of course, backup ALL your data and applications first.