This may sound like a silly question, but I have never done this before, so I need a bit of help... (I have some experience with linux but mainly as a user, so I don't know how to do software administration on a linux server)

I had reported a bug for the 3.x version ( bugs.limesurvey.org/view.php?id=17285#c65771 ) which has now been fixed (big THANK YOU to the developers).
Now, how do I go about implementing this bugfix into the LS instance running on our server? Do I just download the file that was edited and copy it to the appropriate directory on my server? I would backup the original file in this case - should I also backup the database?
Or should I rather download the latest release of the 3.x version for a complete update?

I have read the manual page "Upgrading from a previous version" by the way, but I'm still unsure what to do.

Best, umrosa

If you have "never done this", chances are good that your version of Limesuvey is pretty outdated anyway. It is always a good idea to regularily update your installation. Also because there might have been other changes that have an impact on this.

There are 2 options:
- Comfort Update: Very easy update with a couple of clicks, giving you the chance to download backup files, etc. However, there is a fee for this (in my opinion it is worth it, especially if you are not familiar with updateing and maintaining web applications). As it is so easy, it also increases the chances that you will keep your installation up to date.

- Manual update: While not as comfortable, it is also not a big deal. It will probably take you a little bit longer, especially if you do it the first time, but if you don't want to pay for comfort update, it is your only way.

this has nothing to do with administrating a Linux server, but with administrating web software based on the LAMP stack.

There is not much secret to it. You need to follow the instructions in the manual. However, I think the most important part is to create a backup. So if anything goes wrong, you can just put the latest version back.

So create a copy of all files, zip it and archive it as a backup. Also create a backup of the database. If I am not mistaken, there is a function for that in the LS GUI. but you can also create a database dump via PHPmyAdmin or similar, whatever you have running on your server.

Then you delete the files on the server (except for the files you are instructed not to delete - I thin the config.php for example and also everything in the upload folder - but read the manual for this!

Then you copy the new files there. That is about it. haven't done this in a while now, because Comfort Update is so "comfortable", but it is not a big deal. 15-20min max, I would guess.