AlmaLinux 9: How to Update Your System to the Latest Version

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October 4, 2024·

Keeping your operating system up to date is essential for system security, stability, and performance. Regular updates ensure your server benefits from the latest security patches, feature enhancements, and bug fixes. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of updating AlmaLinux 9 to the latest version, including best practices, important commands, and considerations before starting the upgrade.

AlmaLinux 9 , an enterprise-grade Linux distribution, is designed to be stable, secure, and reliable. It’s a popular choice for businesses, system administrators, and developers who require a robust environment. AlmaLinux inherits its legacy from CentOS and, like other RHEL-based distributions, it uses the dnf package manager for updates and system management.

Prerequisites Before Updating

How to Check Your Current AlmaLinux Version

Updating System Packages Using DNF

Applying Security Updates

Upgrading the Kernel

Automating Updates with DNF-Automatic

Best Practices for System Updates

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Conclusion

1. Why Keeping AlmaLinux 9 Updated is Important

Updating your system ensures that it stays secure and functions optimally. Here’s why keeping AlmaLinux 9 up to date is critical:

Bug Fixes : Updates often address known bugs that could affect the stability or performance of your system.

New Features : System and software updates may introduce new features, enhancing functionality and performance.

Improved Compatibility : Updates can improve compatibility with newer hardware or software packages, ensuring your system remains future-proof.

2. Prerequisites Before Updating

Before updating your AlmaLinux 9 system, there are a few important steps to follow:

Backup Important Data

It’s always a good idea to back up critical files and databases before performing a system update. While updating AlmaLinux 9 is usually safe, unexpected issues can arise during the process. You can use tools like rsync or cloud-based solutions for backing up files.

For example, to back up the /etc directory, you can run:

sudo rsync -av /etc /backup/etc_backup

Ensure Adequate Disk Space

Updates can require significant disk space. Ensure your system has enough space by checking the disk usage:

df -h

If your /boot partition is full, you might need to clean up old kernels using:

sudo dnf remove old_kernel_package

Check Network Connection
Ensure that your system has a reliable internet connection. If the update process is interrupted due to network issues, it can cause package inconsistencies.

Update Repository Metadata

Before starting the update, refresh the package metadata so you can download the latest packages:

sudo dnf makecache

3. How to Check Your Current AlmaLinux Version

Before you begin the update process, it’s useful to verify which version of AlmaLinux you are currently running. You can check your system version with the following command:

cat /etc/os-release

This will display output similar to:

NAME="AlmaLinux"
VERSION="9.1 (Lime Lynx)"
ID="almalinux"
VERSION_ID="9.1"

Alternatively, you can use:

uname -r

This command will display the kernel version you are using, which is helpful if you plan to upgrade the kernel.

4. Updating System Packages Using DNF

The dnf package manager is the tool used to update software packages in AlmaLinux 9. Running a full system update involves updating all installed packages to the latest versions available in the repositories.

Step 1: Check for Available Updates

To list all available updates, use the following command:

sudo dnf check-update

This will list any packages that have updates available, allowing you to review them before proceeding.

Step 2: Update All Packages

To update all packages on the system, including the kernel and any software packages, run the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade

This command will prompt you for confirmation before proceeding. It downloads and installs the latest packages from the AlmaLinux repositories, keeping your system up to date.

Step 3: Reboot After Updating

If the update includes a new kernel or critical system packages, it’s important to reboot your system to apply those changes:

sudo reboot

This ensures the updated kernel and other critical services are running correctly.

5. Applying Security Updates

Security updates are crucial for keeping your system safe from vulnerabilities. AlmaLinux provides a way to install only security-related updates.

List Available Security Updates

To see which security updates are available, use:

sudo dnf updateinfo list security

This command will show a list of packages that have security updates available.

Install Security Updates Only

If you want to apply just the security updates, run:

sudo dnf upgrade --security

This command focuses only on updating packages related to security vulnerabilities, leaving other non-essential updates untouched.

6. Upgrading the Kernel

The Linux kernel is the core of the operating system. Upgrading the kernel ensures you benefit from the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. AlmaLinux 9 will typically update the kernel during a full system update, but you can also do it manually.

List Installed Kernels

To see the currently installed kernels, run:

rpm -qa | grep kernel

Update the Kernel

To manually upgrade the kernel, use:

sudo dnf install kernel

After the kernel update, reboot your system for the new kernel to take effect:

sudo reboot

Verify Kernel Version After Reboot

Once the system has rebooted, verify that the system is running the latest kernel:

uname -r

The kernel version displayed should now reflect the most recent installation.

7. Automating Updates with DNF-Automatic

For users who want to keep their systems updated without manual intervention, dnf-automatic can be configured to automatically download and apply updates. This is particularly useful in environments where regular manual updates are not feasible.

Install DNF-Automatic

First, install the dnf-automatic package:

sudo dnf install dnf-automatic

Configure DNF-Automatic

Once installed, configure the automatic updates by editing the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf

In this file, you can specify whether you want to automatically apply updates, download only, or receive email notifications.

Enable DNF-Automatic

Enable the dnf-automatic service to start it on boot:

sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

This will ensure that the system periodically checks for updates and applies them based on the configuration.

8. Best Practices for System Updates

Test Updates in a Staging Environment : In production environments, always test updates in a staging environment before applying them to critical systems. This ensures that the updates won’t break your applications or services.

Use dnf history : The dnf history command allows you to review the history of updates and even rollback updates in case something goes wrong.

sudo dnf history

journalctl -xe

9. Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Despite the stability of AlmaLinux 9, you may encounter occasional issues during system updates. Below are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Package Conflicts

Sometimes, you may encounter package conflicts when updating the system. The error message will usually tell you which packages are in conflict. To resolve package conflicts, you can remove the conflicting package:

sudo dnf remove package_name

Then retry the update:

sudo dnf upgrade

Incomplete Transactions

If an update is interrupted (e.g., due to a network issue), you may need to clean up and retry the update:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf upgrade

This clears the package cache and refreshes the repository metadata.

Kernel Boot Issues
If your system fails to boot after a kernel update, you can select a previous kernel from the boot menu (GRUB). You can make an older kernel the default if necessary by editing the GRUB configuration file.

10. Conclusion

Updating your AlmaLinux 9 system is a straightforward process with the dnf package manager. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your system stays secure, stable, and up to date with the latest features and patches. Regular updates, along with best practices like backing up data and testing in a staging environment, will help you maintain a robust and reliable server environment.

System updates are not just about keeping your server running smoothly—they’re a crucial aspect of security and performance. By automating updates with **

dnf-automatic** or regularly checking for security patches, you can significantly reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and downtime.

Take control of your system’s health by making updates a regular part of your AlmaLinux 9 maintenance routine.

Last updated on October 4, 2024

AlmaLinux 9: How to List, Enable, Disable, and Configure Services AlmaLinux 9: How to Add Additional Repositories

AlmaLinux 9: How to Update Your System to the Latest Version

Table of Contents

1. Why Keeping AlmaLinux 9 Updated is Important

2. Prerequisites Before Updating

Ensure Adequate Disk Space
Updates can require significant disk space. Ensure your system has enough space by checking the disk usage:

`df -h`

If your `/boot` partition is full, you might need to clean up old kernels using:

`sudo dnf remove old_kernel_package`

Check Network Connection
Ensure that your system has a reliable internet connection. If the update process is interrupted due to network issues, it can cause package inconsistencies.

Update Repository Metadata
Before starting the update, refresh the package metadata so you can download the latest packages:

`sudo dnf makecache`

3. How to Check Your Current AlmaLinux Version

4. Updating System Packages Using DNF

Step 1: Check for Available Updates
To list all available updates, use the following command:

`sudo dnf check-update`

This will list any packages that have updates available, allowing you to review them before proceeding.

Step 3: Reboot After Updating
If the update includes a new kernel or critical system packages, it’s important to reboot your system to apply those changes:

`sudo reboot`

This ensures the updated kernel and other critical services are running correctly.

5. Applying Security Updates

List Available Security Updates
To see which security updates are available, use:

`sudo dnf updateinfo list security`

This command will show a list of packages that have security updates available.

Install Security Updates Only
If you want to apply just the security updates, run:

`sudo dnf upgrade --security`

This command focuses only on updating packages related to security vulnerabilities, leaving other non-essential updates untouched.

6. Upgrading the Kernel

List Installed Kernels
To see the currently installed kernels, run:

`rpm -qa | grep kernel`

Update the Kernel
To manually upgrade the kernel, use:

`sudo dnf install kernel`

After the kernel update, reboot your system for the new kernel to take effect:

`sudo reboot`

Verify Kernel Version After Reboot
Once the system has rebooted, verify that the system is running the latest kernel:

`uname -r`

The kernel version displayed should now reflect the most recent installation.

7. Automating Updates with DNF-Automatic

Install DNF-Automatic
First, install the `dnf-automatic` package:

`sudo dnf install dnf-automatic`

Configure DNF-Automatic
Once installed, configure the automatic updates by editing the configuration file:

`sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf`

In this file, you can specify whether you want to automatically apply updates, download only, or receive email notifications.

Enable DNF-Automatic
Enable the `dnf-automatic` service to start it on boot:

`sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer`

This will ensure that the system periodically checks for updates and applies them based on the configuration.

8. Best Practices for System Updates

9. Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Incomplete Transactions
If an update is interrupted (e.g., due to a network issue), you may need to clean up and retry the update:

`sudo dnf clean all sudo dnf upgrade`

This clears the package cache and refreshes the repository metadata.

Kernel Boot Issues
If your system fails to boot after a kernel update, you can select a previous kernel from the boot menu (GRUB). You can make an older kernel the default if necessary by editing the GRUB configuration file.

10. Conclusion

AlmaLinux 9: How to Update Your System to the Latest Version

Table of Contents

1. Why Keeping AlmaLinux 9 Updated is Important

2. Prerequisites Before Updating

Ensure Adequate Disk Space Updates can require significant disk space. Ensure your system has enough space by checking the disk usage: df -h If your /boot partition is full, you might need to clean up old kernels using: sudo dnf remove old_kernel_package

Check Network Connection Ensure that your system has a reliable internet connection. If the update process is interrupted due to network issues, it can cause package inconsistencies.

Update Repository Metadata Before starting the update, refresh the package metadata so you can download the latest packages: sudo dnf makecache

3. How to Check Your Current AlmaLinux Version

4. Updating System Packages Using DNF

Step 1: Check for Available Updates To list all available updates, use the following command: sudo dnf check-update This will list any packages that have updates available, allowing you to review them before proceeding.

Step 3: Reboot After Updating If the update includes a new kernel or critical system packages, it’s important to reboot your system to apply those changes: sudo reboot This ensures the updated kernel and other critical services are running correctly.

5. Applying Security Updates

List Available Security Updates To see which security updates are available, use: sudo dnf updateinfo list security This command will show a list of packages that have security updates available.

Install Security Updates Only If you want to apply just the security updates, run: sudo dnf upgrade --security This command focuses only on updating packages related to security vulnerabilities, leaving other non-essential updates untouched.

6. Upgrading the Kernel

List Installed Kernels To see the currently installed kernels, run: rpm -qa | grep kernel

Update the Kernel To manually upgrade the kernel, use: sudo dnf install kernel After the kernel update, reboot your system for the new kernel to take effect: sudo reboot

Verify Kernel Version After Reboot Once the system has rebooted, verify that the system is running the latest kernel: uname -r The kernel version displayed should now reflect the most recent installation.

7. Automating Updates with DNF-Automatic

Install DNF-Automatic First, install the dnf-automatic package: sudo dnf install dnf-automatic

Configure DNF-Automatic Once installed, configure the automatic updates by editing the configuration file: sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf In this file, you can specify whether you want to automatically apply updates, download only, or receive email notifications.

Enable DNF-Automatic Enable the dnf-automatic service to start it on boot: sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer This will ensure that the system periodically checks for updates and applies them based on the configuration.

8. Best Practices for System Updates

9. Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Incomplete Transactions If an update is interrupted (e.g., due to a network issue), you may need to clean up and retry the update: sudo dnf clean all sudo dnf upgrade This clears the package cache and refreshes the repository metadata.

Kernel Boot Issues If your system fails to boot after a kernel update, you can select a previous kernel from the boot menu (GRUB). You can make an older kernel the default if necessary by editing the GRUB configuration file.

10. Conclusion

Ensure Adequate Disk Space
Updates can require significant disk space. Ensure your system has enough space by checking the disk usage:

`df -h`

If your `/boot` partition is full, you might need to clean up old kernels using:

`sudo dnf remove old_kernel_package`

Check Network Connection
Ensure that your system has a reliable internet connection. If the update process is interrupted due to network issues, it can cause package inconsistencies.

Update Repository Metadata
Before starting the update, refresh the package metadata so you can download the latest packages:

`sudo dnf makecache`

Step 1: Check for Available Updates
To list all available updates, use the following command:

`sudo dnf check-update`

This will list any packages that have updates available, allowing you to review them before proceeding.

Step 3: Reboot After Updating
If the update includes a new kernel or critical system packages, it’s important to reboot your system to apply those changes:

`sudo reboot`

This ensures the updated kernel and other critical services are running correctly.

List Available Security Updates
To see which security updates are available, use:

`sudo dnf updateinfo list security`

This command will show a list of packages that have security updates available.

Install Security Updates Only
If you want to apply just the security updates, run:

`sudo dnf upgrade --security`

This command focuses only on updating packages related to security vulnerabilities, leaving other non-essential updates untouched.

List Installed Kernels
To see the currently installed kernels, run:

`rpm -qa | grep kernel`

Update the Kernel
To manually upgrade the kernel, use:

`sudo dnf install kernel`

After the kernel update, reboot your system for the new kernel to take effect:

`sudo reboot`

Verify Kernel Version After Reboot
Once the system has rebooted, verify that the system is running the latest kernel:

`uname -r`

The kernel version displayed should now reflect the most recent installation.

Install DNF-Automatic
First, install the `dnf-automatic` package:

`sudo dnf install dnf-automatic`

Configure DNF-Automatic
Once installed, configure the automatic updates by editing the configuration file:

`sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf`

In this file, you can specify whether you want to automatically apply updates, download only, or receive email notifications.

Enable DNF-Automatic
Enable the `dnf-automatic` service to start it on boot:

`sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer`

This will ensure that the system periodically checks for updates and applies them based on the configuration.

Incomplete Transactions
If an update is interrupted (e.g., due to a network issue), you may need to clean up and retry the update:

`sudo dnf clean all sudo dnf upgrade`

This clears the package cache and refreshes the repository metadata.

Kernel Boot Issues
If your system fails to boot after a kernel update, you can select a previous kernel from the boot menu (GRUB). You can make an older kernel the default if necessary by editing the GRUB configuration file.