User guide

Applying the Changes
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rpm -ivh /tmp/updates/<kernel-package>
Replace <kernel-package> in the previous example with the name of the kernel RPM.
Once the machine has been safely rebooted using the new kernel, the old kernel may be removed
using the following command:
rpm -e <old-kernel-package>
Replace <old-kernel-package> in the previous example with the name of the older kernel RPM.
Note
It is not a requirement that the old kernel be removed. The default boot loader, GRUB, allows for
multiple kernels to be installed, then chosen from a menu at boot time.
Important
Before installing any security errata, be sure to read any special instructions contained in the
errata report and execute them accordingly. Refer to Section 1.5.4, “Applying the Changes” for
general instructions about applying the changes made by an errata update.
1.5.4. Applying the Changes
After downloading and installing security errata and updates, it is important to halt usage of the older
software and begin using the new software. How this is done depends on the type of software that has
been updated. The following list itemizes the general categories of software and provides instructions
for using the updated versions after a package upgrade.
Note
In general, rebooting the system is the surest way to ensure that the latest version of a software
package is used; however, this option is not always required, or available to the system
administrator.
Applications
User-space applications are any programs that can be initiated by a system user. Typically, such
applications are used only when a user, script, or automated task utility launches them and they do
not persist for long periods of time.
Once such a user-space application is updated, halt any instances of the application on the
system and launch the program again to use the updated version.
Kernel
The kernel is the core software component for the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system. It
manages access to memory, the processor, and peripherals as well as schedules all tasks.
Because of its central role, the kernel cannot be restarted without also stopping the computer.
Therefore, an updated version of the kernel cannot be used until the system is rebooted.