18.1 Understanding RPM and File Bundles

An RPM bundle is a grouping of one or more software packages. Bundles contain one or more files that are installed to particular locations on a device, plus information about the bundle, such as version, description, what applications must also be present for it to be installed, and more.

ZENworks Linux Management uses Red Hat Package Manager (RPM). RPM is a powerful package management system capable of installing, uninstalling, verifying, querying, and updating computer software packages on different devices.

ZENworks Linux Management supports the RPM format.

Software included in a bundle that is directly assigned is considered mandatory; the software is installed on all devices assigned to the bundle (the bundle is directly assigned to devices, device groups, or device folders).

A file bundle lets you create a bundle containing one or more files of any type and distribute them to assigned devices. For example, you can include configuration files or data files in file bundles. A file bundle is useful to distribute any files that are not part of an RPM package.

When you create a bundle using the Create New Bundle Wizard, you are given the choice of creating an RPM package bundle, a preboot bundle, or a file bundle. A preboot bundle performs operations before the operating system boots. If you are familiar with ZENworks Desktop Management, preboot bundles are similar to imaging operations. For more information, see Section VI, Preboot Services.

You can also create bundle groups to collect several bundles to ease administration and to provide easier assigning and scheduling of the bundles in the bundle group.

For more information and step-by-step instructions, see Section 20.0, Using RPM and File Bundles.