Upgrading your Ubuntu server can be essential for several reasons, such as accessing newer software versions (like PHP 8.2), improved security features, and enhanced performance. An updated operating system ensures that you benefit from the latest technological advancements and maintain compatibility with current software requirements.

However, upgrading your Ubuntu version requires a basic understanding of working with SSH and command-line operations. If you're not comfortable with these concepts, it's safer to provision a fresh server with the desired Ubuntu version and migrate your applications. This reduces the risk of system conflicts and data loss.

Pre-Upgrade Preparation

1. Backup Data: Securely backup all critical data, including website files, databases, and configuration settings.

2. Update Current System: Ensure your current system is up to date:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt dist-upgrade

3. Install Update Manager Core:

sudo apt install update-manager-core

Upgrade Process

4. Configure Release Upgrades:

Edit /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades and set Prompt to lts or normal:

sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades

5. Start Upgrade:

Initiate the upgrade process:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow the on-screen prompts carefully.

6. Monitor the Upgrade: Respond to any prompts regarding package changes or confirmations.

• Respond to Prompts Carefully: During the upgrade, you'll encounter prompts related to package changes or configuration file updates.

• Preserve Custom Configurations: If prompted about modified configuration files, it's usually best to select the option to keep your current version. This ensures that your custom settings are not overwritten by default package versions. Be aware that choosing the package maintainer's version could reset your configurations to default settings, potentially affecting the functionality of your applications or server setup.

• Note Changes: If you're unsure about a particular file, you can note the file's path and review it post-upgrade for any necessary adjustments.

Post-Upgrade Steps

7. Reboot and Verify:

After completing the upgrade, reboot and check the new version:

sudo reboot
lsb_release -a

8. Restore Configurations: Reapply any settings from your backup if necessary.

9. Update Ploi Settings: Adjust your Ploi panel settings to match the new server configuration.

10. Test Applications: Ensure all your applications work seamlessly with the new OS version.

Important Considerations

- Downtime: The upgrade process will involve some downtime for your services.

- Compatibility Checks: Verify the compatibility of your applications with the new OS version before proceeding.

- Professional Assistance: If unsure about the process, seek help from a qualified system administrator.

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade your Ubuntu version, ensuring your server remains secure, efficient, and compatible with modern software requirements like PHP 8.2. Remember, if you're not familiar with SSH and server management, provisioning a new server might be a safer and more efficient option.