I am currently using Firefox 3.0.3 that I downloaded when I first started the Linux/Ubuntu adventure. The latest version is 3.0.1 (which I don't understand since .3 should be higher level than .1)

Assuming I wanted to upgrade now (which I don't), would I use:

Is that right?

All I would want to do is update NOT reinstall everything. I just want to download/install files that have changed or are new, and I NEED to keep the bookmarks and setup files (I know I can save these and restore, just don't want to) as they are now. I have never done upgrades in Linux, I have always downloaded full packages.

Thank you in advance.

You can only upgrade, if the newer version is available in the repo's.
If you really need the newest version, you need to install from source or use the deb files if available.

repo, thanks for your reply

The commands for updating a version of Firefox you installed from the repository(!) are:
It's maintained, so no need to worry about anything basic. Installing Firefox from the repo would mean to additionally do:
The problem is, since you seem to have installed an instance of Firefox by hand (why? - well, it's up to you), there most probably will be a conflict; I have no idea if installation from the repos will simply replace the binary (the program) or everything. So though I think you should be using the repo version (8.10 offers the latest Firefox - I'm using 3.0.10 on 8.04 directly from the repo right now!), I can't recommmend this if you're not willing to import your stuff and settings if need be...

M.

Even if you install firefox from source, it will use the settings in your home directory from an older version.
I installed firefox 3.1b3 (beta) in /opt from source.
It uses all the settings, plugins and add-ons from a previous installed version using apt-get.
Off course to launch the installed version, you need to give the path /opt/firefox/....

MoonMind, thanks for your reply.

how does apt-get know what to update if there is no file name (firefox)?

Also, I am famous for not finding stuff within "man" files, but I cannot find "apt-get update" as an option. I did see "apt-get upgrade".

thanks again

apt-get update makes you get the latest version of the repository lists, apt-get upgrade does upgrades to your system according to your settings - mostly necessary and recommended upgrades, which should be fine. It's always a good idea to have your system up to date before installing new stuff, but that's not the main point: Anyhow, you need apt-get update in any case to get the latest version of a program that's in the repository. sudo is used on Ubuntu systems instead of being root (via su).

The line to get the actual Firefox was apt-get install firefox (in case of Ubuntu, start with sudo).

M.

Thank You for your replies. It was very helpful!