Software Update: Debian GNU/Linux 9.2

Version 9.2 of Debian GNU/Linux has been released. Debian is an open source operating system, which can be used for both desktops and servers, with an emphasis on stability and security. It is therefore used as the basis for various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Version 9.0, codenamed ‘Stretch’, is a so-called Long Term Support release and will be provided with updates over the next five years. In version 9, MySQL has been replaced by MariaDB and we also see the return of Firefox and Thunderbird. Other major updates include KDE from 4 to 5, the Linux kernel from 3.16 to 4.9, LibreOffice from 4.3 to 5.2, and QT from 4.8 to 5.7. The release notes for this update can be found below.

Debian 9.2 released

The Debian project is pleased to announce the second update of its stable distribution Debian 9 (codename stretch). This point release mainly adds corrections for security issues, along with a few adjustments for serious problems. Security advisories have already been published separately and are referenced where available.

Please note that the point release does not constitute a new version of Debian 9 but only updates some of the packages included. There is no need to throw away old stretch media. After installation, packages can be upgraded to the current versions using an up-to-date Debian mirror.

Those who frequently install updates from security.debian.org won’t have to update many packages, and most such updates are included in the point release. New installation images will be available soon at the regular locations.

Upgrading an existing installation to this revision can be achieved by pointing the package management system at one of Debian’s many HTTP mirrors. A comprehensive list of mirrors is available here.

As a special case for this point release, those using the “apt-get” tool to perform the upgrade will need to ensure that the “dist-upgrade” command is used, in order to update to the latest kernel packages. Users of other tools such as “apt” and “aptitude” should use the “upgrade” command.