I have installed redhat6.2 on my old computer (Pentium 100)
I am going to install some new softwares on that.
However, I found most of current softwares require redhat7.x or above.
My question is whether I can upgrade the kernel for redhat6.2 to 7.x or even
higher? or I must reinstall the whole system?
In general, how can I determine whether a software package can be installed
on my OS? In windows' world, it's easy since there are just win9x, winnt,
win2k,winxp, and each software will specify its supported OS. However, in
linux world, there are not only redhat, debian, mandrake... but also version
number and futhermore the kernel version ....
I am becoming really confused about this.
Could anyone give me some clarification over this or some references.
Thanks a lot

only a guess, but 6.2 must be over 5 years old - therefore, it's a safe bet that just about every single package in the distro would be severely outdated and need updating if you want a current system.

if you have access, it would be much easier to just download a current distro (http://iso.linuxquestions.org/) - or you can purchase them on CD very cheaply if you don't have a good connection. alternatively, I don't know of anything absolutely preventing an upgrade directly from 6.2, but be prepared for a LOT of time, frustration, and dependency hell...

good luck

i have not answers to your questions....but i want to say...

to have an old computer doesn't mean that you have to install an old linux (although that rule apply very good for windoze). install a new-uptodate linux and use a light WM... (no kde nor gnome). disable not needed services, use low resolution, use hdparm to improve hdd speed and that's it.