topic Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server? in Operating System - Linux

RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Courtney Duncan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:31:49 GMT

Hi everyone,

For Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 there is a new concept of using an installation number made by Red Hat at installation.
I have a couple of questions.

1) Is there any use for the installation number after installation at any time (I've read somewhere that possibly you will need it in the event you call IT tech solution for help. They might ask for the number for validation and to verify what packages you have. Even so, is this absolutely necessary, or even true?)I want to be more clear on the use of the number after installation, if any. Do I need to have the number in the future event of getting an upgrade?

2) Is the installation number accessible after installation, meaning is it stored on the server itself or would I have to write it down and keep it. I don't know?

Please offer any information that you believe is helpful.

~Thanks in advance

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Steven E. Protter — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:40:57 GMT

Shalom,

I'd keep the number handy, because RH is probably going to try and use it to enforce its license agreement which requires support on all systems.

I believe it is stored on the server, but you'd do well to keep a copy handly in case the server dies.

SEP

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Courtney Duncan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:47:36 GMT

Thanks for responding.

I'd like to know how sure are you percent-wise that it's stored on the server?

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Courtney Duncan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:50:13 GMT

only because I have to tell my manager.

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Courtney Duncan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:55:48 GMT

Thanks anyway

~cad

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Steven E. Protter — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:57:03 GMT

Shalom again:

http://www.redhat.com/support/resources/faqs/installation_numbers/

This page says its used for subscription management. I can't see how that could be done without storing a copy on the system.

So I'd say I'm 99% certain its going to be on the system. As to where to find it, I have yet to figure that out.

I'm trying to look at a system right now.

SEP

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Steven E. Protter — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:59:02 GMT

Shalom,

Key fact:

Are all installation numbers unique?

Installation numbers are unique per transaction; not per system. The installation number represents the Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription features. It is primarily used to configure the installer. You can install multiple systems that have identical subscription features and SLAs with identical installation numbers.

The number is essentially useless because you can have multiple systems with the same installation number.

Sometimes it pays to read before posting.

SEP

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Courtney Duncan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:22:08 GMT

I actually did read that same excerpt before posting. I guess I didn't fully understand what it meant.
I figured it was useless but I had to be sure to tell my manager, that's why I asked.
I'm not an administrator, I'm just an intern.

But thanks for your help.
I appreciate it.

~cad

Re: RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

Steven E. Protter — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:33:24 GMT

I wasn't criticizing you with my remark about posting.

I was criticizing myself, because my initial answer was proven wrong after a more careful reading.

SEP