Update - what does it do?

[xsteb]

When using apt-get update, does this load the latest version of raspbian, or do we need to "upgrade"? I regularly use update and also back up my python programmes and software, but am not sure what version I am updated to?

Is there a command which will print the version we are operating?

[rpdom]

The "update" option only updates the index files of what software is available. It doesn't update any software.

You need to do an "upgrade" as well to install any updated versions of the software you have got installed.

Occasionally you may need to do a "dist-upgrade", but only if the normal upgrade says "X packages NOT upgraded". This happens when the new version of some software needs some software that isn't already installed, or it needs some installed software to be removed (usually because it replaces it).

Hope this helps explain it a bit.

[Cloudcentric]

http://linux.die.net/man/8/apt-get

[xsteb]

Many thanks for your advice, I will try and upgrade when there is a new version available,
Regards,