Hi, I’ve been running linux mint for a couple years now, but I’m still a complete noob, every time I need to install an app or I need to go through a bunch of tutorial. Always found a way through though. Anyway, I’m currently running Mint 20.3 Una, and the System Reports suggest I upgrade to Mint 21 Vanessa. I would like to do so, but I have a couple questions for you: 1/ My USB ports don’t work, so I can’t make a backup of my system this way (and don’t feel comfortable hosting a backup on the cloud since I’m currently using Proton and still have to move to another service). So I’m wondering if an upgrade is safe because I can’t do a fresh install right now? 2/ Related to the first question: I’m using a old laptop (asus zenbook from 2015 or 2016, can’t remember), so would I be find with an old hardware such as mine?
Cheers
As for the age of your laptop, it’s perfectly fine. I still use one from 2011 and it’s doing great.
However if this is your only computer, don’t risk it until the USB ports are fixed. Someone already mentioned but if you have an SD card slot, it might be your way out. Backup your files that way and you can upgrade with peace in mind. Though there is even a newer version now so it’s better to fresh install rather than upgrade twice. After you move your files somewhere else, you can use an SD card to install Linux as well.