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Linux: updating kernel via rpm
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:Title:        Linux: updating kernel via rpm
:Author:       Douglas O'Leary <dkoleary@olearycomputers.com>
:Description:  Linux: updating kernel via rpm
:Date created: 02/2002
:Date updated: 02/2002
:Disclaimer:   Standard: Use the information that follows at your own risk.  If you screw up a system, don't blame it on me...

Alrighty then, after doing the researh and posting a message on 
alt.os.linux.mandrake, it turns out that updating the kernel isn't all that 
hard - at least not for minor revisions - I'm not sure abou the major ones 
yet.

In a nutshell, here's what you have to do:

#. Consult the appropriate web site for the update advisory. Mandrakes is 
   hiding at http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/security. Download the rpms 
   that the advisory says you need.

#. ** Install ** , do not upgrade the new kernel::

      rpm -ivh kernel-${version}.rpm
      
#. ``mv`` the new kernel rpm out of the way, then freshen the remaining 
   kernel rpms::

      rpm -Fvh kernel*.rpm
      
#. Freshen any other rpms that are needed::

      rpm -Fvh iptables*.rpm; rpm -Fvh lm_util*.rpm
      
#. Update the /etc/lilo.conf file:

   a. Update the label to something appropriate
   b. Ensure the old kernel's files point to valid files instead of links 
      to the new kernel:

      1.  /boot/vmlinux

         a. Remove the /boot/vmlinuz link and create a new link pointing to 
            the correct kernel.
         b. Update the image line to point to the kernel without using a 
            link (preferred).

      2. /boot/initrd.img

         a. Remove the /boot/initrd.img link and create a new link pointing 
            to the correct initrd file
         b. Update the initrd line to point to the valid initrd file without 
            using a link.
         c. If necessary, create a new initrd file::

               cd /boot
               mkinitrd /boot/initrd-${kern_ver}.img ${kern_ver}
            
#. Reboot.

A more long winded version of this checklist is on Mandrake's site at 
http://www.mandrakesecure.net/en/docs/magic.php