Installation guide

Chapter 27.
Red Hat Network
Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing a Red Hat Linux system or a network
of Red Hat Linux systems. All Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement Alerts (col-
lective 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 Red Hat Linux 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 is-
sued 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
• Access to the Red Hat Network website to manage multiple systems, downloaded indi-
vidual packages, and schedule actions such as Errata Updates.
To start using Red Hat Network, follow these three basic steps:
1. Create a System Profile by running the Red Hat Network Registration Client
(rhn_register) on the system that you want to register.
2. 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
can be purchased.
3. Start scheduling updates through the RHN website or download and install Errata
Updates with 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/.