# How to Get Update Files

Before you can update a computer, you need to get the "update files" (the {{< term "component" >}} files) onto at least one machine in your lab.

Choose the best method for your classroom below.

---

{{< tabs >}}

{{< tab name="USB Drive (Best)" icon="usb-drive" >}}

### Get Updates from a USB Drive

This is the best way to update many computers without using the internet multiple times.

{{% steps %}}

#### 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.

{{% /steps %}}
{{< /tab >}}

{{< tab name="Internet (Bastion)" icon="cloud-download" >}}

### 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.

{{% steps %}}

#### 1. Check Internet Connection

Make sure you can connect to the TechLit update server:

```bash
ping bastion.techlitafrica.org
```

#### 2. Download the Updates

Run the command to download the latest updates. We'll use the `admin` {{< term "component" >}} as an example.

```bash
# Download a standard component (like 'admin')
tl-comp-pull admin http://bastion
```

#### 3. Check the Version

Confirm the download worked:

```bash
tl-comp-latest admin
```

{{% /steps %}}
{{< /tab >}}

{{< tab name="Local Network (LAN)" icon="wifi" >}}

### Get Updates from Another Computer (LAN)

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

{{% steps %}}

#### 1. Identify the Source Computer

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

#### 2. Copy the Updates

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

```bash
# Copy the 'docs' curriculum from tl-1234
tl-curriculum-pull docs tl-1234.local
```

#### 3. Confirm Success

Check that the files were copied correctly:

```bash
tl-comp-latest curriculum docs
```

{{% /steps %}}
{{< /tab >}}

{{< /tabs >}}

---

### Next Step: Install the Updates

Once you have the update files on your computer, you need to actually **apply** them to your system.

{{< cards cols="1" >}}
{{< card link="../install-local-updates" title="Install Local Updates" icon="install" description="Now that you have the files, follow this guide to install the patches or components." >}}
{{< /cards >}}

> [!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.

