Get and Install Updates

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

Plug in the Update USB

Insert the TechLit Update USB drive into your computer.
Open the Update Tool

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

Check Internet Connection

Make sure you can connect to the TechLit update server:
```
ping bastion.techlitafrica.org
```
Download the Updates

Run the commands to download the latest updates. You’ll need both the admin and desktopcomponent files.
```
# Download the admin component
tl-comp-pull admin https://bastion

# Download the desktop component
tl-comp-pull desktop https://bastion
```
Small devices use a different component and update method. See Small Storage Devices.

Check the Version

Check the update worked:

tl-comp-latest admin
tl-comp-latest desktop

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.

Identify the Source Computer

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

From the computer that needs the update, run this command:
```
# Copy the 'docs' curriculum from tl-1234
tl-curriculum-pull docs tl-1234.local
```
The curriculum uses tl-curriculum-pull. Every other component, such as desktop or admin, uses tl-comp-pull instead.
Check the Result

Check that the files were copied correctly:
```
tl-comp-latest curriculum docs
```

Next Step: Install the Updates

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

Install Local UpdatesNow that you have the files, follow this guide to install the patches or components.

Installing Local Updates

This guide explains how to install updates that are already on your computer (from the internet, LAN, or USB).

Installing Component Updates

This section covers common component files like admin, curriculum, control, and type.

Check Update is Available

Check if the component you want to install is on your computer and see which version it is.

# Check for the latest 'admin' component
tl-comp-latest admin

# Check for the latest 'docs' curriculum
tl-comp-latest curriculum docs

Run the Installer

There are 2 different commands for installing components.

For Most Components:

Use the tl-archive-install command for most components like admin, type, control, etc.

# Install the latest available version of 'admin'
tl-archive-install admin

For the Curriculum:

The curriculum has its own special installer.

# Install the latest curriculum (installs the newest version if you don't specify one)

tl-curriculum-install <subject> <version>

# Example: Install the latest version of the 'docs' curriculum
tl-curriculum-install docs

Check the Installation

After the installation finishes, check the new version number.
```
# For most components (e.g., admin)
cat /opt/admin/.version
```

Installing a Desktop Patch

This section covers applying a minor patch update for the Desktop (e.g., from 26.6.0 to 26.6.1) from files that are already on the computer.

Check Available Version

Check the version of the desktopcomponent that is available locally.
```
tl-comp-latest desktop
```
Unpack the Update Image

Unpack the Desktop image, replacing x.x.x with the version number you found above.
```
tl-img-unpack /var/btrfs x.x.x
```
Apply the Update

Restore the unpacked image to apply the update.
```
tl-img-restore /var/btrfs x.x.x
```
Finalize

Reboot the computer to complete the installation.
```
sudo reboot
```