Upgrading Software Best Practices?

[ShadeTreePC]

I was wondering when should I update the server software ie: Apache, PHP, MySql, CPanel/WHM
Should it be done every time a new update is released or annually?

 

[jrianto]

Every time a new STABLE update is good. So automated update on STABLE releases.

 

[cPanelTristan]

You would definitely not want to only update annually.

As for cPanel, why not select the tier you prefer (RELEASE is recommended) and have it set to automatically update daily? The only time that it will actually run any update is when RELEASE has a new version.

For MySQL, it will update with cPanel if you have it set to automatically update as well.

Those are set in WHM > Update Preferences area.

For Apache and PHP, I'd suggest updating monthly by running EasyApache and using the latest PHP 5.3 at that time. Right now, PHP 5.4 is still considered to be experimental, and PHP 5.2 is deprecated.

 

[ShadeTreePC]

Thanks JRianto and Tristan. That's exactly what I needed to know.
Tom