Re: Redhat's Errata Alert and update system

On Thu, Dec 19, 2002 at 08:28:57AM -0800, Joel Thompson wrote:

> Questions:
> 1) Is there a process (what is the name) that runs on the server
> that polls the redhat site for updates, that I have marked through

Normally yes, if you do a ps you will see a process called rhnsd running.

> the alert system to download patches/fixes...etc. (that is my guess);
> 2) what are the security implications of this process constantly running?;

rhnsd does not actually listen on any ports or make any connections.

It normally waits until a set period of time (120 mins default) and then
runs rhn_check to do the actual connecting and checking. When you ran
rhn_register to setup the profile it generated a key. rhn_check uses the key
and/or certificate to authenticate with servers on the RHN. Only then is actual
data received/sent.

> 3) My machine reboots every now and then - is there related to
> this service? Why the reboots?  If it is not related to the service,

Probably not. I have rhnsd running on 5 servers without any problems ever.

> then can someone suggest a way for me to diagnos why my
> machine is rebooting every-now-and-then?


HINT: Log files are your friend ;-)


-- 
.jA
repoleveD \ .nimdA smetsyS