up2date on kernel

[Pettit, Paul]

> David Bear wrote:
> 
> it looks that up2date has kernel selected to ignore. I am wondering
> why.
> 

Because the 'stock' kernels that up2date would download may not be right
for your (or many other) setup. Also up2date does updates to currently
installed packages, when "updating" a kernel you should *install* (rpm
-i) new kernel packages not upgrade. This is to ensure that if the new
kernel is not going to work on your box you can just boot to the
previously working one.

In general it's recommended that you manually "upgrade" to new kernels
thus to make sure nothing bad happens.

> what are the conditions underwhich I would not want to keep my kernel
> up2date as well?
> 

None really, your confusing auto updating with updating in general.
Kernels are one of the exeptions to the normal update procedure and thus
are not ususally included in auto updating. However, you should still
"update" it as soon as a new one is out.


> Since most of my experience has been with Suse and Freebsd, I am
> wondering if there is some configuration with up2date whereby I only
> receive security critical updates. Or, is that only what up2date
> delivers?
> 
> -- 
> David Bear

I don't think there is but if you use it in the GUI format you can pick
what packages you want to update. Most of what up2date updates is
considered critical but YMMV. :)

Paul Pettit
CTO and IS Manager
Consistent Computer Bargains Inc.

I've heard it said that the proof of lunacy is when you repeat the same
steps expecting different results.  I say it's proof that you're a
Microsoft user. - comment by deshi777 on experts-exchange.com