Updating an offline Debian system
Command Line – apt-offline
© Lead Image © nath anantachoke, 123rf.com
This new utility lets you update a system that is not connected to the Internet.
Debian's APT package manager has dozens of utilities. Apparently, though, there is always room for one more. In 2022, apt-offline appeared [1] and was soon judged "amazing" on the TLDR website [2]. Written by Ritesh Raj Sarraf, apt-offline fills a gap in the array of APT utilities by providing a systematic means of updating the packages on an offline machine. As Sarraf writes on the project's GitHub site, "Most people with slow or no Internet connection (mostly people from third-world countries), may not have considered using Debian (or Debian derived distributions), because Debian's real taste is experienced when it is connected to the Internet. This utility is an attempt [to eradicate] that problem."
Today, apt-offline is compatible with most Debian-based systems and available from their repositories. However, Linux TLDR advises against installing from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 20.04 LTS because they use an old version of apt-offline that "has Python-related deprecation issues." Instead, TLDR suggests installing apt-offline v1.8.5 from Ubuntu 23.04 or later, using, if necessary,
sudo apt --fix-broken install
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.