Installing new Kernel Update

jegaraman · 04-28-2015, 03:25 AM

Dear All ,

At present we are having a linux Server "Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 5.4 (Tikanga)".

We need to update the kernel of this from "kernel-2.6.18-164.el5 " to "kernel-2.6.18-199.el5 ".

Kindly let me know , from which site i can download this ....

Or we can get support from RHN.

Kindly request your reply on this.

Thanks and regards ,
Rj

wpeckham · 04-28-2015, 05:06 AM

The most correct and supportable way to upgrade a RHEL machine is using the RHN. Yum is your buddy here.

If your license is not current, or not registered, then you can convert your RHEL server to use the CentOS repos and continue to use yum.

I do not recommend bypassing the system protections against installing an incompatability or collision situation. (I have, but for a workstation or desktop with nothing at risk. Never good for a server.)

jegaraman · 04-28-2015, 07:02 AM

Dear Pechkham,

Kindly throw some light on this ...

" convert your RHEL server to use the CentOS repos and continue to use yum".

And also I heard that , RHEL 5.4 has 10 years of Support. I want to install necessary updates to my Server Linux and Kernel updates also henceforth to make it a good practice.

ALso let me know how shall i register my Server to the RHN network.

Thanks and Regards ,
Rj

wpeckham · 04-28-2015, 08:49 PM

1. There are pages describing the sequence to convert RHEL to CENTOS, google would get you there better than I.
See https://www.pickysysadmin.ca/2014/04...to-centos-5-x/ for example.

2. Where did you purchase RHEL? (Rhetorical question.) Go to your vendor, or collect your proof of purchase, and then contact RedHat through their customer web site. IF you are not in support, they will help you pay and register.

FYI: there is no free way to register for RHN. You should have gotten a year included in your original purchase, but after that you need to renew annually. The price is not bad. I do not know your budget or circumstance, but I really prefer having RH support for production. For test and development platforms CentOS is fine. It tends to run a few months behind on enhancements, but only days (or hours) behind on security patches.

I hope that this helps.