Suse - Linux on Proliants

[Buddenhagen]

Hello,
last week i had a discussion about service packs
on SLES 10. Somebody told me that it is mandatory
to install EVERY published service-pack immediately. Even if there are from two to five
updates per day. I do'nt believe this. I want to check out the updates by myself. What do other
Forum-Members think about this issue.

[Goncalo Gomes]

From my experience, you're not obliged to install the "Service Packs" from SuSE, although, you should.

You can load the service pack in the Yast2 and install only the software you need and its related dependencies.

[~sesh]

Automatic updates can be performed, but they are not mandatory.

If you have a Novell account, you would get emails with patch release information. At that point you can download the patches / updates you want & install them.

[Colin Topliss]

There is a distinction between patch updates and service packs.

Patch updates are very regular (and can number several in a day).

The Service Packs are less regular. They contain a bunch of *certified* patches (I think this really means they have undergone more rigerous testing, so are less prone to problems).

Whether or not you want to stick to service packs or take the regular updates depends on your own company policy. For example, we only use the service packs and patch when we are ready, rather than take daily updates and take our chances.

Bear in mind that patches may update the kernel, so some compiled apps may stop working.

Colin

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

Every organization needs a sane policy.

If you have a software support contract with HP you would be obligated to install certain security patches to maintain support. Even this may vary agreement to agreement, country to country.

These service packs are released to improve the functioning of the OS and solve problems. They do sometimes add problems and new features.

It is important to test them out some place before potentially disrupting your entire business.

SEP