How can I make Ubuntu check for updates less often?

Solution 1:

For 11.04 and higher

1. Start System settings. Either search for it in dash or click on the gear in the top right corner.
2. click on Software sources
3. Choose updates
4. now choose how often you want to check for updates.

For people in a hurry!

Press Alt+F2 and search as shown and click software-properties-gtk, then jump to step 3.

OR open a terminal Ctrl+Alt+T, and type software-properties-gtk, then jump to step 3.

Via the Ubuntu software center

If you are more comfortable with using the USC then you could open it, and click on edit and then at the bottom software sources. Now just go to step 3.

Solution 2:

For 10.10 and earlier versions (and 11.04, in an Ubuntu Classic session)

Open Update Manager (System > Administration > Update Manager).

On the Updates tab, there's a drop down box for "Check for updates:", with options for Daily, every two days, weekly or every two weeks.

Or you can turn it off and just check manually whenever you want.