Managing Solaris Updates by Using the Sun Update Manager GUI

The following terms are used throughout this book.

analyze

To check a system to determine the list of updates that are appropriate for this system.

Update Manager uses analysis modules and a list of available updates from the Sun update server to generate a list of updates for your Solaris system.

apply

To install an update on a system.

back out

To remove an update from a system.

backout data

Data that is created when an update is applied to enable the system to return to its previous state if the update is removed (backed out).

backout directory

Directory in which backout data is stored. By default, this is the save directory of each package that was installed by the update.

caching

The ability of a server in a chain of update servers to store an update that has been downloaded to it from another server.

check in

When a system connects to the Sun Update Connection System web site to run queued jobs, which install and uninstall updates.

dependency

See update dependency.

digital signature

An electronic signature that can be used to ensure that a document, such as an update, has not been modified since the signature was applied.

download

To copy one or more updates from a source of updates, such as a Sun Update Connection System Proxy or the Sun update server, to the system where the updates are to be applied.

download directory

Directory in which updates are stored when they are downloaded from the update source. This is also the directory from which updates are applied. The default location is /var/sadm/spool.

feature update

An update that introduces a new feature to the system.

job

An update-management activity that runs on one or more of the systems that you manage by using the Sun Update Connection Hosted web application.

keystore

A repository of certificates and keys that is queried when you attempt to apply a signed update.

local mode

A mode available for the smpatch command, which can only be run on the local system. This mode can be used to apply updates while the system is either in single-user mode or in multiuser mode.

local patch server

See Sun Update Connection System Proxy.

network proxy

A system that is used to connect your system to the Internet. Your system cannot connect directly to the Internet, but must use the network proxy to establish the connection. Also called web proxy.

order

To sort a set of updates in an order suitable for applying updates.

package

The form in which software products are delivered for installation on a system. The package contains a collection of files and directories in a defined format.

patch

See update.

PatchPro

A product developed by Sun Network Storage to provide automated update management technology, which is used by Sun Update Manager.

policy for applying updates

A user-configurable policy that specifies the types of updates that can be applied during an update of your system.

register

To enroll your Solaris system to use the Sun Update Manager software.

remote mode

A mode available for the smpatch command, which can be run on a local system to update another system with updates. This mode can only be used while the system is in multiuser mode.

resolve

To determine the update dependencies required for a list of updates. Each update in the list is checked to determine whether any other updates must be added to the list. If any updates are required, they are added to the ordered update list.

signed update

An update that is signed with a valid digital signature. A signed update offers greater security than an unsigned update. The digital signature of the update can be verified before the update is applied to your system. A valid digital signature ensures that the signed update has not been modified since the signature was applied. Signed updates are stored in Java Archive (JAR) format files.

subscription key

A value that you use when registering your Solaris system with Sun Update Manager. This key gives you access to non-security updates and to the Sun Update Connection Hosted web application.

Sun Online Account

The account that you need to register your systems to use Sun Update Manager and to log in to the Sun Update Connection System web site, where you can manage updates on your systems.

Sun Update Connection Hosted Proxy

A system on your intranet that provides access to update data. This proxy can be used instead of the Sun update server. This proxy caches updates that are downloaded from its update source. Also called local patch server.

Sun Update Connection Hosted web application

A web application hosted on a Sun web site that enables you to remotely manage updates on one or more of your Solaris systems.

unsigned update

An update that is not signed with a digital signature.

update

(n.) A change to software that you apply that corrects an existing problem or that introduces a feature.

(v.) To perform the steps necessary to apply updates to a system. The system is analyzed, and the updates are downloaded and then applied.

Also called patch.

update analysis

A method of checking a system to determine which updates are appropriate for the system.

update dependency

An instance where an update depends on the existence of another update on a system. An update that depends on one or more updates can only be applied to a system when those other updates have already been applied.

update ID

A unique alphanumeric string, with the update base code first, a hyphen, and a number that represents the update revision number.

update incompatibility

A rare situation where two updates cannot be on the same system. Each update in the relationship is incompatible with the other. If you want to apply an update that is incompatible with an update already on the system, you must first remove the update that is already on the system. Then, you can apply the new update.

update list

A file that contains a list of updates, one update ID per line. Such a list can be used to perform update operations. The list can be generated based on the analysis of a system or on user input.

Each line in an update list has two columns. The first column is the update ID, and the second column is a synopsis of that update.

update management process

A process that involves analyzing a system to determine the appropriate updates, downloading the updates to that system, and applying the updates. Another part of the update management process is the optional removal of updates.

update obsolescence

An instance where an update replaces another update, even if it has not already been applied to a system. An update that obsoletes one or more updates replaces those updates entirely and does not require that the obsolete updates be applied before the replacement update is applied.

update server

A source of Solaris updates that can be used by your systems to perform update analyses and from which to obtain the appropriate updates. The update server can be the Sun update server, or it can be a server on your intranet, called the Sun Update Connection Proxy.

web proxy

See network proxy.