Difference between rpm -i and rpm -U ?

[Rex Dieter]

Dan Thurman wrote:

> What is the difference between rpm -i and rpm -U ?
> 
> If I have a bunch of rpm files and use -i, will it remove
> previous versions of packages or will it retain older packages
> and install the newer package on top?

The latter.

> I assume -U looks for older packages, removes it if found,
> and then installs the newer package?

Yep.  In 99% of cases, -U is the way to go, unless you specifically want 
multiple versions installed (like kernels, for instance).

-- Rex