Security Updates

[TerabyteMaster]

I am thinking about installing PCLINUXOS but before I do I need to know if security updates are provided for the OS?

[putz]

TerabyteMaster ,

First understand that PCLinuxOS is a "rolling update" distribution.  Things are can change almost daily.  When a new program or update is available, the packagers will update it and make it available.  This is the same with security issues.  When one is announced and a fix is published, the update is made available via the Synaptic update.  

So to answer your specific question, there are security updates, it's just that they are part of the continuing development and update process.

By the way... the 2010 Release is "just around the corner".

putz

[TerabyteMaster]

Thanks putz,

I have been hearing some great things about PCLINUXOS, I am comfortable with your response and will take the plunge and install PCLINUXOS.

Regards,

TerabyteMaster

[scoundrel]

Thanks putz,

I have been hearing some great things about PCLINUXOS, I am comfortable with your response and will take the plunge and install PCLINUXOS.

Regards,

TerabyteMaster

you might want to wait and install the new ISO coming out soon...if you install the 09.2 now you will need to install the new 2010 when it comes out...you will not be able to upgrade to the new release..

[menotu]

I am thinking about installing PCLINUXOS but before I do I need to know if security updates are provided for the OS?

Are there any "specific" security issues that concern you TerabyteMaster ?

[TerabyteMaster]

Well I installed PCLINUXOS, in reviewing some of the responses let me respond accordingly. And thanks to all for providing your comments/suggestions.

1. It was said that if I install version 2009.2 I will be unable to upgrade to the 2010 release - I need some further clarification on this as it was said this is a rolling distribution.

2. I was asked what specific security issues that concern me.  Well I follow security vulnerabilities and saw some kernel patches etc on security focus for Linux.  I just want to ensure the distribution I use provides the necessary security updates to protect me from threats.  Based on putz's response, it appears PCLINUXOS does this.


TerabyteMaster

[muungwana]

1. It was said that if I install version 2009.2 I will be unable to upgrade to the 2010 release - I need some further clarification on this as it was said this is a rolling distribution.

Yes, this is a rolling release and that means "install once and keep on updating, for years". Some of us installed out systems around 3 years ago and our systems are fully updated because of the release nature of the distro. This concept can be pushed up to a point and sooner or later, a reinstall will be required. Its not once in six or nine months like what some of our friends are doing. It is once in a couple of years here.

The original plan was to just update from 2007 or 2009 to 2010 but this idea was later changed as it would have involve too much manual intervention from users and months for the developers to come up with a safe upgrade path.

This reinstall to update to 2010 is an exception rather than a rule and once 2010 comes out and you install you, you can just update your system for years to come until another reinstall hopefully after 3 or 4 years.

[TerabyteMaster]

Thanks muungwana for the full details.  I will work with version 2009 until the release of 2010.  I was offline upgrading to KDE 4 and I must say that I am impress with what I am seeing so far.

The performance feels good thus far and the applications set meets my needs from what I can.  Obviously I will need more time to work with the system to see the many things it has to offer.

Again I really appreciate those individuals who took the time to provide their comments & suggestions and in the end made my decision to try PCLINUXOS much easier.


Regards,

TerabyteMaster

[menotu]

The performance feels good thus far and the applications set meets my needs from what I can.  Obviously I will need more time to work with the system to see the many things it has to offer.

TerabyteMaster  - You won't regret going with PCLinuxOS, its a very stable distro with excellent packages to choose from plus a very helpful forum with some extremely knowledgeable members who offer their assistance whenever they can.

Most of all have fun with it.