0. Note, I used APT for updates for RedHat linux upto Fedora Core2.
   Apt is very efficient command-line update utility; up2date is a GUI
   and can be slow for big updates.

   On core 2, up2date utility can be used without subscriptions.
   I use up2date for kernel updates and to confirm apt is working.

1. Install apt

   Download the apt and apt-devel packages (don't need the source
   .src.rmp) from http://apt.freshrpms.net.

   Install the packages:

      # rpm -ivh apt*

2. Using apt


   2.1 Resynchronize the package index files from their sources:

      # apt-get update

   2.2 Tell apt to verify your RPM database.

      # apt-get -f install

   2.3 To update your packages do:

       # apt-get upgrade

       If you want to see what this command will do, use the -s flag
       for simulate

       # apt-get -s upgrade

       If you want to update a specific package, then named them:

       # apt-get install ${pkg_name}

   2.4 clean up:

       # apt-get clean - clears out the local repository of retrieved
                         package files.

3. synaptic - SynAPTic is a simple GUI front-end for apt. This way
     you can review, pick, and install individual packages if you want
     more control:

     Install synaptic by:

     # apt-get install synaptic

4. Kernel update - apt doesn't automatically do kernel update. 

   Pre-Core2, you must down load the .rpm and manually install it.
   With Core2, use up2date to upgrade the kernels.