Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing a Red Hat Linux system or a network of Red Hat Linux systems. All Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement Alerts (collective known as Errata Alerts) can be downloaded directly from Red Hat using the Red Hat Update Agent standalone application or through the RHN website available at http://rhn.redhat.com/.
Red Hat Network saves Red Hat Linux users time because they receive email when updated packages are released. Users do not have to search the Web for updated packages or security alerts. By default, Red Hat Network installs the packages as well. Users do not have to learn how to use RPM or worry about resolving software package dependencies. RHN does it all.
Each Red Hat Network account comes with:
Errata Alerts — Learn when Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement Alerts are issued for all the systems in your network through the RHN website
Automatic email notifications — Receive an email notification when an Errata Alert is issued for your system
Scheduled Errata Updates — Schedule delivery of Errata Updates with optional automatic installation
Package installation — Schedule package installation on one or more systems with the click of a button
Red Hat Update Agent — Use the Red Hat Update Agent to download the latest software packages for your system with optional package installation
Red Hat Network website — Manage multiple systems, downloaded individual packages, and schedule actions such as Errata Updates.
To start using Red Hat Network, follow these three basic steps:
Create a System Profile using one of the following methods:
Registering the system with RHN during the Setup Agent the first time your system boots after installation.
Select Main Menu Button => System Tools => Red Hat Network on your desktop.
Execute the command up2date from a shell prompt.
Log in to RHN at http://rhn.redhat.com/ and entitle the system to a service offering. Everyone receives a free Red Hat Network account for one system. Additional accounts can be purchased.
Start scheduling updates through the RHN website or download and install Errata Updates with the Red Hat Update Agent.
For more detailed instructions, read the Red Hat Network User Reference Guide available at http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/RHNetwork/.