Re: Oracle Patches - PSUs/CPUs/Caveats question/confusion

• 8708078 appears to be a "Patch Bundle". Patch bundles were/are a convenience for applying lots of (recommended) fixes. Though it resembles a CPU/PSU, it appears to be different (to me). A big difference for me is that it isn't necessarily a security-related set of patches and it doesn't have the CheckPreReq that I love about PSUs.
• *Patch Sets are not patch set updates.*
• Patch Sets are applied to a base release and may be applied over a previous Patch Set. The installation tool is OUI. For example, 10.2.0.1 was a base release. Applying Patch Set 1 gets you to 10.2.0.2. Applying Patch Set 3 gets you to 10.2.0.4. (For version 11.2.0.2 and beyond, Patch Sets do not require a base release install and basically may be thought of as being installed into a new home).
  • CPUs are bundles of security fixes that are applied on top of a base release/patch set. The installation tool is opatch. As I prefer PSUs, I'll not say more about CPUs.
  • PSUs are produced on the same schedule as CPUs and are bundles that include CPU patches plus other selected fixes. If you choose to use PSUs, you don't, and may not, use CPUs. I love PSUs. With the prerequisite checker, I know before I shutdown the home whether the PSU will apply. Wonderful! On at least one platform, CPUs are no longer available. If you apply PSU#1 to 11.1.0.7.0, your database will be at level 11.1.0.7.1 (though 10.2 and 11.1 do not update the final digit on most references, leaving it at 11.1.0.7.0, for example. "opatch lsinventory" will display the entire 11.1.0.7.1).

Hope this helps!

Cheers, Wayne

This is what happens when the people writing the software never have to use it themselves... (T. Poder)

On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 9:14 AM, Taylor, Chris David < ChrisDavid.Taylor_at_ingrambarge.com> wrote:

> We're working on our patching strategy and I realize now that I'm a bit
> confused, or perhaps I'm now confused vs. not being confused before.
>
> Here's the note that has caused me some confusion:
> ----------------------
> Note 1323616.1
> 1.4 Oracle Database Critical Patch Updates and Patch Set Updates
> The Database Patch Set Updates and Critical Patch Updates that are released
> each quarter contain the same security fixes. However, they use different
> patching mechanisms, and Patch Set Updates include both security and
> recommended bug fixes. Consider the following guidelines when you are
> deciding to apply Patch Set Updates instead of Critical Patch Updates.
>
> Critical Patch Updates are applied only on the base release version, for
> example 10.2.0.4.0.
>
> Patch Set Updates can be applied on the base release version or on any
> earlier Patch Set Update. For example, 11.1.0.7.2 can be applied on
> 11.1.0.7.1 and 11.1.0.7.0.
>
> Once a Patch Set Update has been applied, the recommended way to get
> future security content is to apply subsequent Patch Set Updates. Reverting
> from an applied Patch Set Update back to the Critical Patch Update, while
> technically possible, requires significant time and effort, and is not
> advised.
>
> For more information on Patch Set Updates, see Note 854428.1, Patch Set
> Updates for Oracle Products.
> ------------------------
>
> Here's what I have:
>
> Oracle 10g 10.2.0.1 base with the following patches:
> Oracle Database 10g Release 2 Patch Set 3 (10.2.0.4)
>
> I have the following Patch installed on top of that:
> Patch 8708078: ORACLE 10G 10.2.0.4 PATCH 24 BUG FOR WINDOWS (X64) AMD
> PLATFORM
>
> Questions:
> 1. patch 8708078 is a CPU not a PSU, correct? Or is it something else?
> 2. The 10.2.0.4 Patch Set (Patch Set 3) is a base release version though,
> is that correct? So - we can apply CPUs to 10.2.0.4 which is itself a PSU?
> (See my confusion?)
> 3. If patch set updates (PSUs) are release each quarter also, why are there
> not as many PSUs as there are CPUs? (Unless question #1 above is not a CPU)
>
> I think I'm still "missing something" here.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
> --
> http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l
>
>
>

--
http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l