Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 features a running program on the graphical desktop panel that periodically checks for updates from the RHN or Satellite server and will alert users when a new update is available.

The Package Updater Applet stays in the notification tray of the desktop panel and checks for new updates periodically. The applet also allows you to perform a few package maintenance tasks from the applet by clicking the notification icon and choosing from the following actions: