Why will upgrading Ubuntu cause problems?

This is a general question about the changes that occurs in the development of Ubuntu. I want to know if Ubuntu, let's say 12.04, is working fine on my laptop. Why when I upgrade it to a newer version 12.10, sometimes it will not work?

For example, a black screen, boot hang ups, etc. Isn't 12.10 an exact copy of 12.04 but with added support to some new hardwares and new cool stuff like amazon lens?

Solution 1:

No, it is not 12.04 with just added hardware support and some cool new stuff. Ubuntu LTS versions are designed to be very stable, and long lasting. LTS versions have a Complete Polish, and are the least likely to have any problems or difficulties running.

The versions between LTS are like "testing" versions. The developers are trying out different software, and Ubuntu 12.10 has changed software a lot. For example 12.10 comes with Python 3 instead of Python 2.7. This has a large impact on the programs that may or may not run. The Ubuntu versions between LTS are like the Ubuntu playground- they try out different things, and do a lot of testing, so that when the next time for an LTS comes (Ubuntu 14.04), then hopefully they will have something that works great again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_%28operating_system%29

Solution 2:

The only things that might not work is Unity and AMD/ATI or nVidia drivers.

Use this command to find if Unity will work:

$ /usr/lib/nux/unity_support_test -p

Unity-2D has been discontinued. So, you'll have to remove nVidia & ATI drivers before you install.

To remove ATI GPU drivers:

$ sudo apt-get purge fglrx

To remove nVidia drivers:

$ sudo apt-get purge nvidia-current

After you install (or upgrade to) 12.10, install nVidia drivers again if you use a nVidia card. Don't install ATI drivers.