Turn on automatic security updates

The safest update is the one you don't have to remember. Both main families of Linux can install security updates on their own, which means you're protected even during the weeks you forget to check. It takes a minute to set up.

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CE: Security Update ManagementEasy

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Ubuntu and Debian

Ubuntu can do this with a package called unattended-upgrades.

It's often installed already. To be sure, run sudo apt install unattended-upgrades.
Turn it on with sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades and choose Yes.
You can also switch on "Download and install updates automatically" in Software & Updates, under the Updates tab.

3 steps

Fedora

Fedora uses dnf-automatic.

Install it: sudo dnf install dnf-automatic.
Turn on its timer: sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer.

2 steps

Still worth a look now and then

Automatic updates handle the important security fixes. It's still worth opening your updater every so often for bigger upgrades, and to restart when an update needs it. A quick monthly check is plenty.

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