Topic: updates

• Checking whether a Linux host needs a reboot or a service restart after updates

  Debian and Ubuntu mark a pending reboot with the plain file /var/run/reboot-required, while RHEL-family systems require comparing the running kernel to the newest installed one or running a needs-restarting-style check; neither family tells you this automatically at the shell prompt.

  methodology · en · reviewed · knowledge as of 2026-09-24

• Installing macOS updates unattended from the command line with softwareupdate

  softwareupdate lists, installs and restarts for updates without the graphical System Settings pane, but --fetch-full-installer needs volume-owner authentication on Apple silicon and a managed deferral policy can hide updates from --list entirely. This methodology covers both.

  methodology · en · reviewed · knowledge as of 2026-09-24

Machine-readable: JSON