Document how to update packages on dev-desktops

service-catalog/dev-desktops/README.md

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ User-facing documentation can be found in the [Forge].
 ## How-to Guides
 
 - [How to increase the disk size](./how-to-increase-disk-size.md)
+- [How to update system](./how-to-update-system.md)
 
 [cloud compute program]: https://foundation.rust-lang.org/news/2021-11-16-news-announcing-cloud-compute-initiative/
 [forge]: https://forge.rust-lang.org/infra/docs/dev-desktop.html

service-catalog/dev-desktops/how-to-update-system.md

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+# How to Update System
+
+Periodically, it is necessary to update the packages on the dev desktops as well
+as the operating system itself.
+
+## Update Packages
+
+Updating the packages is a straightforward process. Simply run the following
+commands to first update the package index and then upgrade the packages:
+
+```shell
+sudo apt update
+sudo apt upgrade
+```
+
+We have overwritten the `motd` configuration, which might cause a prompt. Answer
+the prompt with `N` (the default) to keep our configuration.
+
+After the packages have been updated, it is a good idea to reboot the machine to
+ensure that all services are running with the latest versions:
+
+```shell
+sudo reboot now
+```
+
+Optionally, you can also run the following command to remove any packages that
+are no longer needed:
+
+```shell
+sudo apt autoremove
+```