How to Get Update Files

Before you can update a computer, you need to get the “update files” (the component files) onto at least one machine in your lab.

Choose the best method for your classroom below.

Get Updates from a USB Drive

This is the most reliable way to update computers in a lab without downloading multiple times.

1. Plug in the Update USB

Insert the TechLit Update USB drive into your computer.

2. Open the Update Tool

Search for “Update Components” in the application menu (or run tl-comp-update in terminal).

3. Choose the Update Method

Select “Update from USB” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Get Updates from the Internet (Bastion)

Use this method if you have a good internet connection. You only need to do this once on one computer in the lab.

1. Check Internet Connection

Ensure you can reach the TechLit update server:

ping bastion.techlitafrica.org

2. Pull the Update Files

Run the command to download the latest files. We’ll use the curriculum app as an example.

# Pull a standard app (e.g., curriculum)
tl-comp-pull curriculum http://bastion

3. Check the Version

Confirm the download worked:

tl-comp-latest curriculum

Get Updates from Another Computer (LAN)

If another computer in your room already has the update files, you can copy them over the local Wi-Fi.

1. Identify the Source Computer

Find the hostname of the computer that already has the files (e.g., tl-1234).

2. Copy the Files

From the computer that needs the update, run this command:

# Pull files from tl-1234
tl-comp-pull curriculum tl-1234.local

3. Confirm Success

Verify the files are now on the new machine:

tl-comp-latest curriculum

Tip

Once you have the files on one computer, you can use that machine as the “Source” for the rest of your lab via the Local Network (LAN) method.

Standard Update