I have been comparing package versions in updates.redhat.com for different RH versions (i.e. 7.3 and 8.0) and sometimes they differ. For example, sendmail version is 8.11.6 for 7.3 and 8.12.8 for 8.0.

Since I've been told that RH 7.3 is the best release so far, I am wondering if I should install it or the newest version available, 9.0. And, when I install one of these, will I be able to update software to the newest version or will I be stuck with older, perhaps buggy versions?

Hi Werpon,
Welcome to the forum.

First I'd like to state that i do not use redhat that much, but here goes.
7.3 IS the best. Well for some people.
9.0 it's a teeny bit buggy and very easy to use. (Which is why i don't quite like it right now)

Anyways I am resonably (around 98%) sure that if you install redhat 7.3 you will be able to update the packages.
But however there may be new dependencies that are only available in the 9.0 version but I highly doubt it. So I personally would go with 7.3.

The reason for the packages not being updated in the 7.3 is just that it's not "needed" there is a package on there that has the same effect on the 7.3 and if the user really wants it, the User can just update it with the update function.

I do have to warn you tho RH will give no technical support for 7.3.

Are you new to linux?

QUOTE (dissolutions @ Apr 27 2003, 05:59 PM)

Are you new to linux?

Nope, been using Slack and Debian (and FreeBSD, but that's another story) since 1995. But I've the opportunity to get a job setting up and maintaining a RH box, and well, I'd like to have a secure, updated machine.

BTW, has anybody used apt4rpm? Is it stable and consistent, or is still beta software?

Redhat Does update it's materials and offers up2date to patch equipment. It's automated and can be called in X by clicking on red ! logo, or from cmd line.

Sendmail 8.11.6 is patched and can be patched to not be vulerable to the flaws that were discovered. In the case of redhat they did offer patch updates instead of reinstalling the whole new 8.12 sendmail. It is patched.

Redhat is also part of a group that receives and published patches in coordination with other vendors of linux as well as the open source developers.

If you wish to add additional security to a redhat box, check out the www.grsecurity.net kernel patch to protect from buffer overflows

I've run RH for 4 years and had no security incidents.

Hope this helps

Yep, I already knew about that patch, although I've read somewhere that OpenWall (for 2.2 kernels) is definitely better. But I haven't tested any of them.

Thanks!