Upgrade CentOS 7.x to CentOS 7.9 in 6 Steps

CentOS, a widely used Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based distribution, offers a stable and robust platform for all types of enterprise applications. 

However, a business can only realize the benefits that CentOS berings to processes and operations when they upgrade and maintain their OS to the latest update. At the time of writing this tutorial, the latest version is CentOS 7.9. 

CentOS 7.9, released in September 2020, brings enhanced features, improved support for modern software and server technologies, and security updates. 

However, note that the process we will describe in this tutorial can be used to update your current CentOS version to a newer one. However, you should always check the documentation to see the applicability of the process. 

So, in this tutorial, we will discuss how to update CentOS, specifically upgrading your CentOS 7.x system to version 7.9.

What Makes CentOS 7.9 Special?

The Upgrade Process to CentOS 7.9: The 6 Easy Steps

We will now go into the details of the steps of the CentOS upgrade process. But before that, we would take a look at the prerequisites to the process.

The Prerequisites

• A system running CentOS 7.x 
• A user account with root or sudo privileges 
• The YUM package manager (included by default in CentOS).

Note that you need to be logged in as the Administrator or a user with sudo privileges to execute the following steps. We recommend our tutorial on adding a user to the sudoers group to grant the required privileges. 

Step #1: Confirm Your Current CentOS Version

Start by verifying your current CentOS version by running the following command in the terminal:

# cat /etc/redhat-release

Ensure the version number begins with 7.x.x, indicating that you’re running CentOS 7.

For detailed instructions, refer to our guide to checking your CentOS version,

Step #2: Backup Critical Data

Before initiating an operating system upgrade, ensure all critical server data is backed up. Confirm the integrity and accessibility of your backups so that you can quickly resume operations in case of a disaster.

Step #3: Inspect Available Updates

Run the following YUM command to list available updates, including those for the core operating system:

# sudo yum check-update

The system will present a list of pending updates for the core operating system. Review this list to ensure all updates are appropriate and necessary.

While you are there, we recommend examining the list for software you’ve customized or manually installed. You may need to reinstall these packages after you finish updating the CentOS core OS files. 

Step #4: Clean the Package Manager

Clear out residuals and redundant data from the YUM package manager with this command:

# sudo yum clean all

Then, reboot the server to refresh the local YUM repository cache. This is an essential step for enhancing the update process and avoiding potential conflicts:

# reboot

Step #5: Perform the CentOS Update

Initiate the update process with the following command:

# sudo yum update

You will see a list of packages to be updated and the amount of disk space required. Confirm the update by pressing Y. This instructs YUM to proceed with the download and installation processes.

Step #6: Verify the Upgrade to CentOS 7.9

Confirm the upgrade success by checking the CentOS version again:

# cat /etc/redhat-release

The terminal should now display that CentOS Linux release 7.9 is running on your server.

Conclusion

Upon finishing the update Centos process, your system will be running CentOS 7.9. This update brings numerous enhancements and features, including:

• Direct submission of bug reports to bugs.centos.org.
• Improved driver support.
• Introduction of OpenJDK 11.
• Integration of Thunderbolt-3 support.
• Deprecation of Python2.
• Elimination of obsolete cryptographic algorithms and protocols.

For comprehensive details and release notes, please consult the CentOS documentation page. CentOS is renowned for its emphasis on stability and reliability, and the upgrade to version 7.9 is designed to boost your system’s performance while maintaining the integrity of your existing configurations. This ensures a seamless transition and a more secure, up-to-date environment for your applications and services.

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FAQs

Q. Why upgrade to CentOS 7.9?

Upgrading to CentOS 7.9 offers several benefits, including improved security features, enhanced driver support, and the latest software packages. This upgrade ensures that your server remains stable, secure, and compatible with modern technologies.

Q. What are the advantages of using Netherlands servers?

Netherlands servers are renowned for their robust infrastructure, high-speed connectivity, and strategic geographic location, which ensures low latency for European users. Additionally, the Netherlands has strong data protection laws, providing an added layer of security for your data.

Q. Why choose RedSwitches for hosting?

RedSwitches provides reliable and high-performance hosting solutions with the added flexibility of Bitcoin payment. Their best Netherlands servers offer excellent uptime, scalability, and customer support, making them a preferred choice for businesses and individuals alike.

Q. How does Bitcoin payment enhance the hosting experience with RedSwitches?

Bitcoin payment offers a secure, fast, and anonymous way to pay for hosting services, freeing you from traditional banking constraints and fees. With RedSwitches, you can leverage the convenience of cryptocurrency payments to access top-tier hosting services.

Q. Are there specific considerations when upgrading to CentOS 7.9 on RedSwitches servers?

When upgrading to CentOS 7.9 on RedSwitches servers, ensure that you have a backup of your data and that your applications are compatible with the new version. RedSwitches support can assist with the upgrade process, ensuring a smooth transition to CentOS 7.9.

Q. Can I use RedSwitches servers for applications other than CentOS hosting?

Yes, RedSwitches offers versatile server solutions that can support a wide range of applications and operating systems, not limited to CentOS hosting. Whether you need a server for web hosting, data storage, or specialized applications, RedSwitches can provide the necessary infrastructure.