Chapter 2. Red Hat Update Agent

Chapter 2. Red Hat Update Agent

2.1. Starting the Red Hat Update Agent
2.2. Registration
2.2.1. Registering a User Account
2.2.2. Activate
2.2.3. Channels
2.2.4. Packages Flagged to be Skipped
2.2.5. Available Package Updates
2.2.6. Retrieving Packages
2.2.7. Installing Packages
2.3. Command Line Version
2.3.1. Installing the Red Hat GPG key
2.3.2. Manual Package Installation
2.3.3. Synchronizing Your System Profile
2.3.4. Log File
2.4. Configuration
2.4.1. Using the Red Hat Update Agent Configuration Tool
2.4.2. Command Line Version
2.5. Registering with Activation Keys

The Red Hat Update Agent is your connection to Red Hat Network. It enables you to register your systems, create System Profiles, and alter the settings by which your organization and RHN interact. Once registered, your systems can use the Red Hat Update Agent to retrieve the latest software packages from Red Hat. This tool allows you to always have the most up-to-date Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems with all security updates, bug fixes, and software package enhancements.

Remember, this tool must be run on the system you wish to update. You cannot use the Red Hat Update Agent on the system if it is not entitled to an RHN service offering.

Warning

Only systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and later can use the Red Hat Update Agent to register with RHN. Systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 2.1 must use Red Hat Network Registration Client before starting the Red Hat Update Agent. Refer to Chapter 5, Red Hat Network Registration Client for instructions, then return to this chapter for Red Hat Update Agent instructions.

Important

You must use Red Hat Update Agent Version 2.5.4 or higher to upgrade your kernel automatically. It installs the updated kernel and configures LILO or GRUB to boot the new kernel the next time the system is rebooted. To ensure that you are running the latest version, execute the command up2date up2date. If you do not have the latest version installed, this command updates it.