Environment
Novell Open Enterprise Server (Linux based)
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
Novell Linux Desktop 9
Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9
Novell SUSE Linux Openexchange Server 4.1
Novell SUSE Linux Standard Server 8
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
Novell Linux Desktop 9
Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9
Novell SUSE Linux Openexchange Server 4.1
Novell SUSE Linux Standard Server 8
Situation
How is updating packages ("patching") performed on the various Novell Linux products?
Resolution
Introduction
Knowing how to correctly update your Novell/SUSE Linux system is crucial in keeping the system healthy and up to date. Different distributions do use different update technologies to provide updates. The proper ways to update, with helpful links to further information, are as follows.Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 (SLES 10) and Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED 10)
Updating of SLES 10 and SLED 10 is managed through the Novell Customer Center. Important documentation for this update process:- TID 7000387 - How to update to SLES/SLED 10 SP2
As several issues relating to the update process were fixed in Service Pack 1 and 2, it is recommended that new installations be installed from SP2 media and that existing installations be updated to SP2 prior to troubleshooting update problems. - TID 3303599 - How to update to SLES/SLED 10 SP1
- Novell Customer Center documentation
- The article Registering and Updating SUSE Linux Enterprise 10
- TID 3132246 - Getting the SLES 10 / SLED 10 Software Updater to work if you use a Proxy Server
- TID 3303599 - Resetting your ZEN Updater and Novell Customer Center key registration
Novell Open Enterprise Server 1 (OES1/Linux)
OES1/Linux is updated using Red Carpet/rug. YaST Online Update is not used to update OES1. For help updating OES1, consult the following documentation:- The "OES patching" link in the OES/Linux product documentation
- TID 10097537 - Patching Open Enterprise Server with rug/Red Carpet FAQ
- TID 10100002 - Troubleshooting the OES SP2 Patch Process
- TID 3739116 - Issues fixed with downloading and installing patches on Open Enterprise Server
- The article Updating Open Enterprise Server
SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 (SLES 9)
SLES 9 is updated using the YaST Online Update (YOU) mechanism. In order to update via YOU, a current maintenance contract is required as well as a Novell eLogin account. Important documentation for YOU on SLES9:- Product documentation: the section "2.3.2 YaST Online Update" of SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server - Installation and Administration [ PDF]
- TID 3662280 - Troubleshooting YaST Online Update (YOU)
- The article Registering SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 and 9
- The article Updating SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
NLSBS is updated using Red Carpet/rug.Relevant documentation:
Novell Linux Desktop 9
NLD 9 is updated using Red Carpet/rug. Documentation:
- Product documentation: Using Red Carpet to Update Novell Linux Desktop
- TID 10097237 - How do I activate Red Carpet for updates to the Novell Linux Desktop?
Novell SUSE Linux Standard Server 8 (SLSS8)
Novell SUSE Linux Openexchange Server 4.1 (SLOX)
SLES8 and products with a related code base are updated using the YaST Online Update (YOU) mechanism, similar to SLES9. Under the hood, there are some differences in tools compared to SLES9 and consequently, the associated troubleshooting steps differ. Important documentation for YOU on SLES8 and related products:
Status
Top IssueAdditional Information
Formerly known as TID# 10097950