Ever wanted to convert Ubuntu Desktop to a scrolling version? If you're a fan of Ubuntu, you know that this desktop (and server) Linux distribution is a stable version.
What does this mean; Well, there are two types of Linux distributions: Fixed and rolling. Fixed version is one where only security updates are released frequently. All other software updates are not available for a fixed period of time.
With the rolling version, on the other, each software is updated as soon as developers release a new version of a specific package.
With regular distributions, you receive updates like the last one Ubuntu 20.04.1. This means that there have been many updates to the installed packages. With rolling versions (rolling releases) these release points are not necessary as the software is in a continuous upgrade state.
The pros and cons are obvious: With a stable version, the software has more time to test, so it will be more stable. With the "rolling release" model, your distribution will always have the latest software.
With the Ubuntu distribution, however, you do not have this option, as it is a fixed version.
Ubuntu developer Martin Wimpress has created an easy way to turn Ubuntu into a rolling release. If you are a developer, this can be a great way to work with your Ubuntu desktop and have the latest software installed.
What you will need
The following change does not support LTS versions. You must use a deployment version. So we will see how you can convert the version of Ubuntu 20.10 (Groovy Gorilla).
Note: This procedure it is only designed for Desktop versions of Ubuntu and will not work on a server (except if you have a desktop environment installed on your server).
How to install the necessary packages
The first thing you need to do is install git if it is not on your system. Open one terminal and give the following command:
sudo apt-get install git -y
Once installed, clone Rolling Rhino with the command:
git clone https://github.com/wimpysworld/rolling-rhino
Change the location of the terminal and go to the newly created directory with the command:
cd rolling rhino
Run the installation script contained in the folder with the command:
sudo ./rolling-rhino
You will be asked if you are sure you want to start following the devel series. Answer yes to this question and the process will begin.
This script will take 2-5 minutes to complete the process. When done, restart the machine and enjoy the rolling version.
