Red Hat NETWORK - USER REFERENCE GUIDE 1.3 User Reference Manual page 64

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• Minimize security vulnerabilities in your network by providing security alerts as soon as Red Hat
releases them
• Filter out package updates not relevant to your network
• Provide a reliable method of managing multiple systems with similar configurations
Q: Does it do something I can't already do today?
A: Yes, the Red Hat Network brings together, in one place, notifications and packages for your Red Hat
Linux systems. You can stop filtering through email lists and web pages for security alerts, bug fixes,
and enhancements for the software running on your systems, the Red Hat Network does it for you.
The Red Hat Network also brings package updates to you so you can spend your time downloading
not searching.
Q: What's the difference between Red Hat Linux and the Red Hat Network?
A: Red Hat Linux is a custom Linux operating system. Red Hat Network is a service that allows users
of Red Hat Linux to keep their system healthy and secure by installing all the latest security patches,
bug fixes, and package enhancements.
Q: Do I need to be a Linux expert to use the Red Hat Network?
A: No. All components of Red Hat Network are designed to be user-friendly with minimal Linux
expertise. If you need help, detailed information is provided in the Red Hat Network User Reference
Guide.
Q: I am a system administrator; is this just another time sink?
A: If used properly, Red Hat Network will actually save time for system administrators. They will no
longer have to search the Red Hat errata list for relevant package updates or try and find a good place
to download the latest RPM software packages. It is designed to reduce the time and effort used by
system administrators to maintain Red Hat Linux systems.
Q: I've been running Linux for years; is this for me?
A: Yes. RHN is for everyone. Home users can configure RHN to install the latest package enhance-
ments such as the lastest version of Netscape or their favorite email client. System administrators can
use it to ensure all the latest security patches and bug fixes are installed.
Q: This is cool. How do I convince my boss who thinks this is a waste of time?
A: Refer him to the Red Hat Network Technical Overview. It explains the technology, privacy and
security benefits, and features in great detail including the future of RHN.
Q: This sounds great. Who's using it?
A: Everyone from the home user who wants to have the latest version of Abiword and Netscape to the
system administrator of large corporations concerned primarily with security and bug fixes.
Chapter 8:Frequently Asked Questions