Installation guide

Chapter 13.
Updating and Adding Packages to Red Hat
Linux
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.
13.1. Red Hat Network
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 instal-
lation)
• 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 pack-
ages 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 com-
puter.
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 must be pur-
chased.
3. 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/.