Is there a list that can tell me what each rpm represents. My problem is that I am new to linux (using fedora core 1) and the list of packages are in rpm filenames and I do not recognize what each is used for. I am not connected to the Internet because I think some of these packages I do not need (like games). if there is a GUI application that I can use that will be great, however I have been using the shell to do most of my commands.

I think once I know what each rpm represents, then I can download the correct rpm updates that I need from the red-hat fedora download page.

Also what is up2date and yum?

Please help...

Helpme0904

hi up2date and yum are the tools to get your job done. Basically they go thru all ur rpm headers and seek for updates and also look out for ones that are available.
There are lot of threads that are posted on them . i am sure you will be able to figure out if you search.

--milir

>>Also what is up2date and yum?<<

Think of them as package management tools - systems that enable you to update/install software "easily", dealing with dependncies and such.. . YUM is now the preferred vehicle for this on Fedora so you're possibly best to concentrate on this. As a start with YUM, you'd typically first want to modify yum.conf to use a fast Fedora mirror - then, update your rpm headers - once your into the swing of things you can then think about adding 3rd party repositories to yum.conf.

how do I begin using them to select the packages that I want to update. Is there a site that gives set by set instructions on how to use yum and up2date?

My recommendation...

Use Yum over up2date. Must faster IMO. I believe they determine what packages you need by what's installed on your system currently. Up2date is the GUI version basically and you can select what packages there. Never tried selecting certain packages with yum but I'm sure you can. There are quite a few different ways to run each.

As for up2date, in graphical mode, click on the Red Exclamation thing by the clock and it'll bring up the up2date thingy....you need to have root priveledges to update it though. OR you can also go to terminal and type in: up2date and it'll do the same thing. The red exclamation indicates that updates are available...blue check means you are up to date.

I'd recommend running yum in text mode only. Again you have to be logged in as root to do it. At the prompt type: yum update. From there, just let it go. It'll usually prompt saying if you wish to install those packages...but other than that, it'll do its thing.