SSL: The Novell website requires a secure (SSL) connection for patch acquisition. The need for a secure connection within Patch Management is only required on the server that is used to perform secure patch downloads from the Novell website. At the time of this writing, the Novell website does not require or perform certificate validation.
SuSE Linux Vendor User ID and password: The requirements for getting a Vendor User ID and password vary by SuSE Version number.
SuSE 9: For SuSE 9 security patch acquisition, you must establish a User ID and password through your SuSE Linux vendor to access SuSE Internet resources. Specify these credentials when you configure SuSE devices for Patch Management using the Console’s Configuration tab > Patch Management > Vendor Settings page.
SuSE 10 and SuSE 11: For SuSE 10 and SuSE 11 security patch acquisition of SLES10, SLED10, SLES11 or SLED11 patches, you must establish mirror credentials through your SuSE 10 or SuSE 11 Linux vendor to access SuSE 10 or SuSE 11 Channels. Specify these credentials when you configure SuSE for Patch Management using the Console’s Configuration tab > Patch Management > Vendor Settings page.