How to Get Update Files

Before you can update a computer, you need to get the “update files” (the component files) onto at least one machine in your lab.

Choose the best method for your classroom below.

Get Updates from a USB Drive

This is the best way to update many computers without using the internet multiple times.

1. Plug in the Update USB

Insert the TechLit Update USB drive into your computer.

2. Open the Update Tool

Search for “Update Components” in the application menu (or run tl-comp-update in terminal).

3. Choose the Update Method

Select “Update from USB” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Get Updates from the Internet (Bastion)

Use this method if you have a good internet connection. You only need to do this once on one computer in the lab.

1. Check Internet Connection

Make sure you can connect to the TechLit update server:

ping bastion.techlitafrica.org

2. Download the Updates

Run the command to download the latest updates. We’ll use the admin component as an example.

# Download a standard component (like 'admin')
tl-comp-pull admin http://bastion

3. Check the Version

Confirm the download worked:

tl-comp-latest admin

Get Updates from Another Computer (LAN)

If one computer in your room already has the update files, you can copy them to other computers over the local Wi-Fi.

1. Identify the Source Computer

Find the name of the computer that already has the files (e.g., tl-1234).

2. Copy the Updates

From the computer that needs the update, run this command:

# Copy the 'docs' curriculum from tl-1234
tl-curriculum-pull docs tl-1234.local

3. Confirm Success

Check that the files were copied correctly:

tl-comp-latest curriculum docs

Next Step: Install the Updates

Once you have the update files on your computer, you need to actually apply them to your system.

Install Local Updates

Tip

Once you have the files on one computer, you can use that machine as the “Source” for the rest of your lab via the Local Network (LAN) method.

Low Storage Devices Local Updates