How can I upgrade kernel on a Redhat Linux machine

[Rick Stevens]

Chen, Douglas wrote:
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: redhat-install-list-bounces at redhat.com
> [mailto:redhat-install-list-bounces at redhat.com] On Behalf Of Rick
> Stevens
> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:18 AM
> To: Getting started with Red Hat Linux
> Subject: Re: How can I upgrade kernel on a Redhat Linux machine
> 
> Chen, Douglas wrote:
>> Hi,
>>  
>> I have installed a CAD tool and it complains when launched that the 
>> kernel and glibc on this Redhat Linux machine is too old and need to 
>> be upgraded. I  need help to figure out how to upgrade both of them.
>>  
>> This is the current configuration: Redhat Enterprise Linux WS release 
>> 4
>> (Nahant)
>>                                              Kernel 2.6.9-5.ELsmp
>>                                              glibc 2.25
>>  
>> I need to upgrade at least to Kernel 2.6.9-42.EL and glibc 2.3.4
>>  
>> Please kindly let me know where I can download the kernel and glibc 
>> and how I can upgrade them. Also, will the kernel upgrade affect the 
>> software currently installed and running without problem? Do I need to
> 
>> compile the new kernel?
>>  
>> Thank you very much for your assistance in advance.
> 
> If your entitlements are up to date, you should be able to update to the
> latest RPMs simply by entering "up2date" or (using the Gnome desktop) go
> to the "System" menu, select "Adminstration" and then "Update System" (I
> think that's where it is...RHEL/WS4 is pretty damned old).
> 
> If your hardware is 686 or better, you might want to think about
> upgrading to RHEL5 or CentOS 5.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> - Rick Stevens, Systems Engineer                      ricks at nerd.com -
> - AIM/Skype: therps2        ICQ: 22643734            Yahoo: origrps2 -
> -                                                                    -
> -                Huked on foniks reely wurked for me!                -
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> The reason why we stick with this old version of OS is because our CAD
> tools do not evolve as fast as OS. They will not run on the newer OS.
> 
> I did try to use command 'up2date' but failed since our system is out of
> maintenance contract; I believe.
> 
> Can you please enlighten me with 
> 1. where to download kernel and glibc? There are so many sites that I am
> confused which one is the legit one.
> 2. what is the proper procedure to install them? I really can afford to
> screw up on these production machines.
> 
> Your help is greatly appreciated.

You can try the CentOS repositories.  CentOS is built from the Red Hat
source RPMs (with a bit of twiddling to remove the Red Hat branding,
logos, etc.):

	http://www.centos.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Rick Stevens, Systems Engineer                      ricks at nerd.com -
- AIM/Skype: therps2        ICQ: 22643734            Yahoo: origrps2 -
-                                                                    -
-                       When in doubt, mumble.                       -
----------------------------------------------------------------------