This page is part of a collection of notes that I am making on useful commands for Raspberry Pi OS, formerly know as Raspbian.

To update the OS, use the apt tool and follow this sequence:

Update the system’s package list:

    $ sudo apt-get update

You can also use:

    $ sudo apt update

Although both commands are basically equivalent and apt is newer and more user friendly, the apt-get command is more stable for scripts.

Next, upgrade all installed packages to the latest versions:

    $ sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

You can also use:

    $ sudo apt full-upgrade

Both commands are equivalent and remove/install/upgrade packages. The result should be the same in both cases.

Next step, do some clean-up:

Erase downloaded archive files:

    $ sudo apt-get clean

Remove all unused packages:

    $ sudo apt-get autoremove

These commands are only available with apt-get.