When I installed Fedora 9 Live Linux CD onto my Compaq Presario Laptop, I quickly realized that, PackageKit, a new feature in Fedora, is a hinderance to me. Why? PackageKit is geared towards beginners or newbies in the Linux world. Since I’ve been using Linux terminal (command line) since 1997, I don’t need a gadget in my GUI (graphical user interface) to tell me when there are updates! It’s hard to concentrate on a project when a window (dialog) pops up telling me that I have 137 software updates. That’s when a Feature becomes a Nuisance.
In Fedora 9 Linux, to disable PackageKit through the menu system, System -> Preferences -> Personal -> Sessions. Scroll down and Look for PackageKit Update Applet and Uncheck the box, then click on Close. Then, do a complete shutdown. Why? PackageKit will still be running! Reboot, and no more disturbances from PackageKit.
When do I update my Fedora Linux system? Usually after all of my daily projects are completed and/or just before going to sleep. Sometimes, the updates can go on for hours. I don’t need to be awake and sitting at the computer to wait for downloads. Scripts do the work for me!
How do I update my Fedora Linux system? I just go to the Terminal and enter in the following command:
sudo yum -y update
Sudo will ask me for my password… Since I’m the one that initiated the update, I just enter in my password. and the update process begins. I’ve seen times when there are no updates for a couple of days, and I’ve seen times where are many updates within a 24 hour period.
Luckily, in Linux, when updates are installed, I don’t really have to reboot my computer. Except the kernel, most, if not all newly updated software can be used by just exiting (killing) and then, restarting. For example, my Firefox was just updated. I just finish my projects in Firefox and then exit Firefox. I wait a few seconds, and then, restart Firefox. There’s no need to reboot my computer. PackageKit, I think, will constantly remind me to reboot my computer.
To try a new Linux Kernel, a computer reboot is necessary. Otherwise, I can keep the computer on, all the time, and never reboot. I have not experienced any kernel panics (crashes) since I installed Fedora 9 Live Linux in September 2008. Speaking of the Kernel… I do read the ChangeLogs on Kernel.org for what has been updated in the stock kernels. If the changes don’t apply to my hardware configuration, I don’t worry much for rebooting to try out a new Linux kernel.
Anyways, in closing of this message, remember, The Human controls the Computer, not the other way around!
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