Red Hat Linux consists of various software applications and utilities, known as
RPM packages. A package is just a file that
contains a software program.
This chapter explains three ways to update your system: using Red Hat Network,
using the online Errata List, and using the Red Hat Linux Installation CD-ROMs.
Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing one or more Red Hat Linux systems.
All Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement Alerts (collective
known as Errata Alerts) can be downloaded directly from Red Hat using the
Red Hat Update Agent standalone application or through the
RHN Web interface available at http://rhn.redhat.com/.
Red Hat Network saves users time because they receive email when updated
packages are released. Users do not have to search the Web for updated
packages or security alerts. By default, Red Hat Network installs the packages as
well. Users do not have to learn how to use RPM
or worry about resolving software package dependencies; RHN does it all.
Each Red Hat Network account comes with:
Errata Alerts — learn when Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts,
and Enhancement Alerts are issued for all the systems in your
network through the Basic interface
Automatic email notifications — receive an email
notification when an Errata Alert is issued for your system
Scheduled Errata Updates — schedule delivery of
Errata Updates (with optional automatic installation)
Package installation — Schedule package installation on one
or more systems with the click of a button
Red Hat Update Agent — use the
Red Hat Update Agent to download the latest software
packages for your system (with optional package installation)
Red Hat Network website — manage multiple systems, downloaded
individual packages, and schedule actions such as Errata Updates
through a secure Web browser connection from any computer.
To start using Red Hat Network, follow these three basic steps:
Create a System Profile by running the
Red Hat Network Registration Client (rhn_register)
on the system that you want to register.
Log in to RHN at http://rhn.redhat.com/ and
entitle the system to a service offering. Everyone receives a free
Red Hat Network account for one system. Additional accounts must
be purchased.
Start scheduling updates through the RHN website, or download and
install Errata Updates using the Red Hat Update Agent.
For more detailed instructions, read the Red Hat Network User Reference
Guide available at http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/RHNetwork/.
