3.8.1 beta release

No, I recommended "as well" or to logout and back in (which does the same).
Upgrading from the USB (contrary to "apug") will remove all externally derived applications, only those in the standard Buster and Elive repos will be kept (this is a stability/security feature BTW).

Programs to be kept (provide they originate from those repos) can added to the file" "/etc/elive/packages_to_maintain_installed" which is also offered to you during the upgrade cycle using the USB.