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Upgrading the Linux Kernel on Red Hat Linux systems

by Red Hat Support

Last Updated: 2000 May 17

This document covers how to upgrade the kernel RPMs on Red Hat 4.2, 5.x, and 6.x systems. The focus is on the 80x86 (Intel) platforms as they are the most common Red Hat Linux platforms. The document also assumes that the user is booting from LILO and that the kernel is the default from an install or earlier upgrade. Addendums cover the SPARC and Alpha systems.

1. Introduction

1.1 Platform specific problems

2. Before You Upgrade

2.1 Finding What You Need
2.2 Getting the updates
2.3 Important for Red Hat Linux 4.x users:
2.4 Confirming the RPMs
2.5 Making an emergency boot floppy

3. The Upgrade

3.1 Non Kernel Packages
3.2 Kernel Source Packages
3.3 Kernel and Modules
3.4 Initial RAM disk
3.5 Setting up LILO

4. After the Upgrade

4.1 LILO prompt
4.2 Making a new rescue floppy

5. Alpha Systems

5.1 Before You Begin
5.2 Installing the Kernel RPM
5.3 Compiling The Kernel
5.4 Setting Up MILO or aboot

6. SPARC Systems

6.1 Before You Begin
6.2 Installing the Kernel
6.3 Initial Ramdisk
6.4 Changing SILO

7. Appendix A: 6.2 Bugfix errata RHBA-2000:013-01 (kernel-2.2.14-6.x.1)

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