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After configuring the settings for the Red Hat Update Agent using the instructions in Chapter 3, you can use the Red Hat Update Agent to retrieve the latest software packages from Red Hat. Using this tool will allow you to always have the most up-to-date Red Hat Linux system with all security patches, bug fixes, and software package enhancements. It must be run on the system you wish to update.
Remember that you can not use the Red Hat Update Agent on the system if it is not entitled to an RHN service offering.
If you are not running the X Window System or prefer the command-line version of the Red Hat Update Agent, skip to the Section called Command Line Version.
 | Important |
|---|---|
Before updating your system with the Red Hat Update Agent, make sure you are running the latest version by executing the command up2date up2date. If you do not have the latest version installed, this command will update it to the latest version. |
 | Warning |
|---|---|
You must use Red Hat Update Agent Version 2.5.4 or higher to upgrade your kernel automatically. Red Hat Update Agent will install the updated kernel and configure LILO or GRUB to boot the new kernel the next time the system is rebooted. |
You must be root to run the Red Hat Update Agent. If you start the Red Hat Update Agent as a standard user, you will be prompted to enter the root password before proceeding. The Red Hat Update Agent can be started using one of the following methods:
On the GNOME desktop, go to the Main Menu Button (on the Panel) => Programs => System => Update Agent
On the KDE desktop, go to the Main Menu Button (on the Panel) => Update Agent
Type the command up2date at a shell prompt (for example, an xterm or gnome-terminal)
If you choose the last option and start the application from a shell prompt, you can specify the options in Table 4-1 to the Red Hat Update Agent.
For example, use the following command to specify the directory in which to download the updated packages (temporarily overriding your saved configuration):
up2date --tmpdir=/tmp/up2date |
Table 4-1. Graphical Update Agent Options
| Argument | Description |
|---|---|
| --configure | Configure Red Hat Update Agent options. This is equivalent to running the Red Hat Update Agent Configuration Tool (up2date-config). |
| -d, --download | Download packages only; do not install them. This argument temporarily overrides the configuration option Do not install packages after retrieval. Use this option if you prefer to install the packages manually. |
| -f, --force | Force package installation. This option temporarily overrides the file, package, and configuration skip lists. |
| -i, --install | Install packages after they are downloaded. This argument temporarily overrides the configuration option Do not install packages after retrieval. |
| -k, --packagedir | Specify a colon separated path of directories to look for packages before trying to download them. |
| --nosig | Do not use GPG to check package signatures. This option temporarily overrides the saved configuration option. |
| --tmpdir=directory | Temporarily override the configured package directory. The default location is /var/spool/up2date. This option is useful if you do not have enough space in the configured location. |
| --justdb | Only add packages to the database and do not install them. |
| --dbpath=dir | Specify an alternate RPM database to use temporarily. |
The first time you run the Red Hat Update Agent, the dialog window in Figure 4-1 will prompt you to install the Red Hat GPG key. This is used to verify the RPM packages you download for security purposes. Click Yes to install the key, and you will not see this message again.
After installing the Red Hat GPG key, the screen in Figure 4-2 will appear. It appears every time you start the Red Hat Update Agent. Click Next to continue.
