Running: Linux Mint 16 "petra"
Edition: MATE 32-bit

These are the reading I get on my update screen FIRST On Top portion:

The repository may no longer be available or could not be contacted because of network problems. If available an older version of the failed index will be used. Otherwise the repository will be ignored. Check your network connection and ensure the repository address in the preferences is correct.

2nd This is copied out of the second block.

Failed to fetch http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/di...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.15 80]
Failed to fetch http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/di...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.15 80]
Failed to fetch http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/di...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.15 80]
Failed to fetch http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/di...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.15 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]
Failed to fetch http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dis...-i386/Packages 404 Not Found [IP: 91.189.91.14 80]

Where do I go from here: I am a senior and not all too computer savey, so I need simple instructions.. Thanks for the help.

Obsolete means servers turned off and disconnected. Hence the 404 you are getting

From

http://www.linuxmint.com/oldreleases.php

Install Mate 17.2 after pulling off personal stuff you have on Mint 16 to external usb drive or other partition on internal drive that is for storage.

17.2 end of life is at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKI024wUTUw

Happy Trails and good luck with it.

Version 16 went end of life July 2014 and is no longer supported. Updates are no longer available.

This link explains how to upgrade by either a fresh install or by upgrading. If you do not think your capable of following the instructions a fresh install might be the easiest. Either way be sure to backup all important data.

http://www.tecmint.com/upgrade-linux...linux-mint-17/

A bit late...

Thanks to all who have given me help.. I'm in the process of backing up my files as the backup in the menu just locks up.. I guess it is time to do that complete re-install and upgrade to the newer version.. I am using Mint 17 on my other computer and all seems to be working fine there..

My model Railroad group is coming on Wednesday night and I am trying to get JMRI (Decoder Pro) program up and running to do a little demo on that program..

So thanks again for the help, I'll try and remember to post a reply on the outcome..