26.1 Synopsis

Over time, one primary aspect of the FreeBSD operating system has remained the same. This is the requirement to use applications and utilities to obtain major and minor system updates.

For many years, users wishing to upgrade their system, collect security patches, and obtain port and package updates without breaking the Ports Collection visioning methods were forced to use the CVSup tool.

While use of CVSup is still supported, and a true C-language version was added to FreeBSD, there are new methods to acquire system updates.

Tools such as portsnap(8), and freebsd-update(8) have streamlined the upgrade process. These new methods increase productivity while providing a more simple interface for users. Some of the new tools may be run from cron(8) reducing the manual intervention of the systems administrator; a benefit for those who monitor hundreds of FreeBSD machines.

This chapter will explain these new methods, and how users and system administrators alike may benefit from their practical and easy use.

After reading this chapter, you will know:

• What utilities may be used to update the system and the Ports Collection.

• How to use freebsd-update to apply security patches and perform major and minor FreeBSD upgrades.

• How to compare the state of an installed system against a known pristine copy.

Before reading this chapter, you should:

• Understand UNIX® and FreeBSD basics (Chapter 3).

• Be familiar with the basics of kernel configuration/compilation (Chapter 8).

• Have some familiarity with the Ports Collection and installing third party applications on FreeBSD (Chapter 4).

• Be familiar with the various source components which make up FreeBSD and how to use the mergemaster(8) tool (Chapter 24).