Puget Sound Technology: Binary Updates for NetBSD (Ready-to-use security fixes)


	Linux • Open Source • BSD Training • Support & Administration

Binary Updates for NetBSD

Why?
What?
Ordering
Example usage
Frequently Asked Questions
Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.5.2
Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.5.3
Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.6

We provide ready-to-use software updates for important security issues. These binary software updates are for the "base" system. (Later, we may also provide binary updates to easily update releases for all -- including non-security -- changes; like following snapshots, but only update with "changed" or new files.)

Why?

Generally, a NetBSD system is updated by fetching complete base source, applying patches (or updating via CVS), building new code and installing. This can be repeated for multiple systems or the admin can selectively find and collect the changed files and copy to other systems. This process can be slow because of source download and compile times (especially on older systems). Plus it can be difficult for beginning admins or non-developers due to the many steps required in updating via source code.

For example, the initial source download, patching, and software building and installation may take over one hour of attended and twelve hours unattended time on some systems. In comparison, fetching and installing a binary patch may take less than one minute.

What?

Our binary updates are easy-to-use. A binary update file is a stand-alone shell script that can be used to view the files, back up current files, install new updates, log details, and revert changes (go back to previous files). (This is similar to BSD/OS mods.) Click here to see example usage.

One binary update is generally used for one security issue. This one file may contain numerous files to update. (Updates covering same files may include fixes for previous updates too, as applicable.)

Currently, we have binary updates for NetBSD/i386 1.6, NetBSD/i386 1.5.3 and NetBSD/i386 1.5.2. (If you need other architectures or versions, please let us know.)

See the Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.6.

See the Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.5.3.

See the Binary Updates for NetBSD/i386 1.5.2.

Ordering

This commercial service is US$30 for six months or $50 for one year for one operating system release.

Systems Total

1 - 5 $50

6 - 10 $80

11 - 15 $110

16 - 20 $140

21 - 25 $170

26 - 30 $200

31 - 35 $230

36 - 40 $260

41 - 50 $290

Five-percent of this payment will be donated to The NetBSD Project. (We will make a webpage to keep track of these donations.)

You can also order the binary update service for upcoming OS releases; the term begins when the operating system version is officially released. (Each operating system release version must be registered separately.)

We have a mail-in order form in PDF format.

If used for multiple systems, please consider only downloading once and replicating locally. (Or we can provide volume licensing if you need downloads for multiple servers.)

The service includes emailed announcements of the binary updates, downloadable file listing the available binary updates (with checksums), and binary updates download site mirrors. The binary updates will be available for each officially announced NetBSD security advisory and for some other critical security issues.

We can be paid via ecount.com, PayPal.com, c2it.com, electronic check, via postal mail, etc.

Disclaimer: The software is updated by applying patches as supplied from NetBSD or from software developers as publically available. (Ask us for patches if needed.) This software and accompanying files are provided "as is" and without further warranties. The individual files are licensed as their original license stipulates. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the software is borne by you. As noted above, the binary update script backs up files and can revert the changes.

(Click here for information about our "maintenance service".)