To be safe in case of any problems during the update, back up your database before the upgrade.

Linux: execute sudo stages stop

Windows: stop the Stages and Stages Search Windows services

Linux: execute sudo rpm -Uvh stages-…rpm or sudo yum localinstall stages-…rpm, depending on your Linux flavor

Windows: execute Stages V7.9 Windows installer in an administrative command prompt and follow the assistant steps

Linux: execute sudo stages reload

Windows: verify that Stages and Stages Search Windows services are running