Linux: Updating kernels via RPM

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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. ** Install ** , do not upgrade the new kernel
   
   

   rpm -ivh kernel-${version}.rpm
   		

3. mv the new kernel rpm out of the way, then freshen the remaining kernel rpms
   
   

   rpm -Fvh kernel*.rpm
   		

4. Freshen any other rpms that are needed:
   
   

   rpm -Fvh iptables*.rpm; rpm -Fvh lm_util*.rpm
   		

5. Update the /etc/lilo.conf file:
   1. Update the label to something appropriate
   2. Ensure the old kernel's files point to valid files instead of links tothe new kernel:
      1. /boot/vmlinux
         1. Remove the /boot/vmlinuz link and create a new link pointing to the correct kernel.
         2. Update the image line to point to the kernel without using a link (preferred).
      2. /boot/initrd.img
         1. Remove the /boot/initrd.img link and create a new link pointing to the correct initrd file
         2. Update the initrd line to point to the valid initrd file without using a link.
         3. If necessary, create a new initrd file:
            
            

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

   3. Reboot.

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

   ---

   Document:
   URL:
   Last updated: