Some exciting new stuff on the Linux Mint front, Sonya, 18.2, is alive. I've just figured this out today and could not wait to kick her butt into work :).
So, it is rather simple, use the Update Manager, click on Edit in the Menu and select Upgrade. It's self explaining.
But....
There will be no automatic kernel upgrade, the system will remain at 4.4.0.63 per default I think, latest available kernel in 18.1 is 4.4.0.92. So you will carry that release you have there over into Sonya.
I've done some tests up to where one can go without breaking anything. The answer is simple. The latest kernel is the 4.10.0.17 "mainline" version. Runs just perfect without any issues.
If you go further, there are further problems. That is particularly with dkms and the modules for ndiswraper, Nvidia and Virtualbox. These 3 fail from 4.11 to latest 4.13. Could certainly be fixed by patching the relevant sources, but I don't see any real benefit in spending the amount of time required.
So in conclusion, to get the latest greatest Mint, without breaking anything, do an upgrade (works from 18 and 18.1) through the Update Manager to Sonya, 18.2. Then upgrade your kernel to 4.10.0.17, that is the latest mainline release. And you are all set.
Note: for an older version, 17 and below, a fresh install may be the better trouble free path.
Have fun!
(pic:linuxmint.com)
