Chapter 7. Managing Software and System Resources

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using RPM for Software Management

• Using Red Hat Network and Alternatives for Software Management

• Compiling Software from Source

• Reference

This chapter introduces concepts, procedures, and software you can use to manage installed system resources on a Fedora Core system. Managing the system resources including software, storage, and memory of your computer is important for a number of reasons. Good resource management promotes and supports efficient, productive sessions, a stable system, and satisfied users. Managing these resources involves installing, removing, upgrading, or rebuilding software packages each a vital task that can contribute to your system's security.

As a Fedora Core system administrator, you should also know how to maximize your system's resources by managing memory and storage for the most efficient system use. Properly managing your system resources ensures that you will not run out of room for new software, and you can expand the system to fit changing needs and new projects. In other words, system resource management is essential to providing the best possible computing experience for your users.

Fedora Core provides a variety of tools for system resource management. The following sections introduce the RPM Package Manager (RPM), along with command-line and graphical software-management tools. You will also learn about monitoring and managing memory and disk storage on your system.