Best Practices Before Applying Ubuntu (Linux) OS Updates on exacqVision Servers

Introduction

Ubuntu OS updates (security, package, and kernel updates) can restart services or require a system reboot, which temporarily interrupts exacqVision recording. This article provides a concise checklist to follow before applying any Ubuntu updates on an exacqVision server to reduce risk and ensure recording resumes correctly.

Problem

Customers routinely apply Ubuntu updates using standard patching processes and want to ensure these updates do not negatively impact exacqVision recording or system stability.

Cause

Ubuntu updates may restart services or install new kernels that require a reboot. During these events, the exacqVision server will stop recording. Without planning and validation, updates can also impact storage, networking, or service startup behavior.

Solution

Use the checklist below before applying any Ubuntu update (security, package, or kernel). These steps apply to all exacqVision servers running on Ubuntu.

Area	Action	Why it matters	When
Plan	Schedule a maintenance window and notify stakeholders	Recording pauses during service restart or reboot	Always
Back up	Export critical video and back up configuration/logs	Protects evidence and speeds recovery	Always
Baseline	Record OS version, kernel version, exacqVision version, camera and storage status	Enables quick pre/post comparison	Recommended
Update control	Avoid unattended upgrades or surprise reboots	Prevents unexpected recording outages	Always
Pilot test	Test updates on a staging system when available	Reduces production risk	Recommended
Post-check	Verify services, camera connections, and recording after update	Confirms successful maintenance	Always

Pre-update checks:
  lsb_release -a
  uname -r
  systemctl status exacqvision

Apply updates:
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Post-update checks:
  systemctl status exacqvision
  Verify cameras reconnect and recording resumes