Unable to update Ubuntu 12.04: Authentication required

Question

I initially Checked for Updates which was successful. It responded that there were 123 Updates. After trying to update, I got the following message: Unable to Install Available Updates unsuccessful. Authentication required.

My question is the following: How do I authenticate so that I can continue with the update?

Answer 1

Try:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

in the terminal Let me know if that gives you any errors or if it works?

Answer 2

You could try to do this via the command line:

Updates the source lists:

sudo apt-get update

Upgades the software reading the source lists:

sudo apt-get upgrade

NOTE: You need to type sudo in front of the commands, because you need to get authorization to perform a user update. By typing sudo you are then asked to type your password in, which, typed correctly, authorizes you to proceed with updating the system.