Ksplice uptrack is software which aims at providing reboot less updates for linux kernel.

As we all know, when a Linux kernel updates, a reboot is required to apply the changes, as you have to boot with the new kernel features. And in cases when the system happens to be a server this rebooting becomes painful as it contributes to downtime of the system. And when you have customer SLAs where you have to stick to 5 nines or 7 nines, this small little upgrades can cause you tremendous pressure. And at the same time security updates or even for that matter any kernel updates are not something which you can avoid.

The Ksplice converts the updates into hot updates which are prepared at object code level instead of source code level, hence minimizing the programmer involvement. Existing practices of updating kernel rely on programmer writing a source code files for changing certain properties or require a manual inspection of running binaries to ensure safety guarantees. The Ksplice however updates the Legacy binaries based on existing information (a source code patch) and so it doesn’t require a system reboot.

The ksplice replaces whole function if any part of code in the function is to be modified by applying patch. It links the function to its newer replacement code into the kernel by placing a jump instruction which redirects the path to replacement code. Also the ksplice while applying an update the system disrupts for 0.7 milliseconds; however no network connections or any open application is effected. A small amount of memory is used in storing replacement code. Also Ksplice verifies the safety of updates before installing them.

So an alternative to reduce the downtime is Ksplice. You can download the 30 day trial version for your linux distribution (if you are using Ubuntu9.04 or ubuntu 9.10 then a free version is also available with graphical manager). You will get an access key on registering with ksplice on your E-mail Id. Just follow these easy steps

Get an access key by signing up with ksplice uptrack. Download and Install Ksplice Uptrack on your system. To install click the download link on the page and install it. To install the package type rpm –i ksplice-uptrack-release.noarch.rpm and then type yum install uptrack .Once installed just edit /etc/uptrack/uptrack.conf using vi or vim and set auto install to yes.

Run the Ksplice uptrack. To run Ksplice just log in as root (Uptrack can be used only when you are logged in as root). Go to command line and you can run the service using uptrack upgrade –y. after that all updates will start installing and after all updates are installed a message is displayed your kernel is up to date .