Red Hat Enterprise Linux: Apply package updates from the Red Hat Network (RHN)

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: June 19, 2008]

Q. How can I apply package updates from Red Hat Network (RHN) for my HP Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server?

A. Red Hat Linux can be easily updated via Red Hat Network (also known as RHN) which releases all patches and updated binary rpms. Your system must be configured to connect to RHN. You need to run command called rhn_register which is a client program that registers your system with Red Hat Network (or a Red Hat Network Satellite). After registering, your system can receive software updates, install new software, and remotely manage your system. It can run both in graphical and text modes. The following command needs to run only once as root user:
# rhn_register
Once registered, type the following command to apply all updates to system:
# yum update
You can also start the graphical update tool called pup
# pup

(Fig.01: RHEL 5 pup command in action, no updates are available)