Distributing Linux Operating Systems and Support Packs

To distribute a linux operating system, you must initially populate the channel with the original packages from your distribution CDs. You must then update the channel using rcmirror before you apply any service packs. These updates could come from a variety of sources, including the Ximian mirror (see rcmirror for details). After this channel is updated, you can then apply the appropriate service pack.

For example, let's say there are two patches available for the Apache 2.0 server between the initial release of SUSE LINUX 9, and Service Pack 1. Apache 2.0 might be on the distribution CD, versions 2.1 and 2.2 could be distributed as patches from the Ximian mirror, and version 2.3 could be contained in Service Pack 1.

To make sure everything is updated correctly, these updates should be applied in this order:

The following procedure outlines the process you should follow to ensure that these updates are correctly applied. This process must still be followed even if there is a service pack available when you initially distribute an operating system.

To Distribute a Linux operating system:

1. Create a channel for your Linux operating system and populate the channel from your distribution CDs.

2. Update your channel using rcmirror. This downloads all available updates and patches to the packages you copied from your distribution CDs.

3. After you have obtained the available updates and patches, you can then add the packages from any available service packs.

   Do not add any packages from a service pack until you have obtained any available updates and patches.