Abstract: An RPM subsystem can be installed on a system that has its own native packaging subsystem. The RPM subsystem is initially delivered as a package wrapped in the non-RPM format of the native packaging system and installed. When an RPM package is installed, the RPM subsystem is also configured to create a stub entry in the native packaging, non-RPM system. The stub entry may contain the normal package information, such as name, version, description, as well as a list of files contained in a package. The stub may also contain uninstallation logic, which serves as a “callback” into the RPM subsystem during package removal and causes the RPM subsystem to remove the package when invoked. Removal of a RPM package via RPM tools also causes the removal of the stub entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cross-platform generation of new software packages. The method may include generating a list of software packages having a first format associated with a first operating system, generating new support files for entries on the list, and generating new software packages from the new support files and code of corresponding software packages. The new software packages are generated in the format associated with a second operating system.

Abstract: The present invention allows Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) systems to work with non-RPM packages. In particular, the present invention provides for installing an RPM subsystem on a system that has its own native packaging subsystem. The RPM subsystem is initially delivered as a package wrapped in the non-RPM format of the native packaging system and installed. An administrator may then install RPM packages using the RPM tools of the RPM subsystem. When an RPM package is installed, the RPM subsystem is also configured to create a stub entry in the native packaging, non-RPM system. The stub entry may contain the normal package information, such as name, version, description, as well as a list of files contained in a package. The stub may also contain uninstallation logic, which serves as a “callback” into the RPM subsystem during package removal and causes the RPM subsystem to remove the package when invoked. Removal of a RPM package via RPM tools also causes the removal of the stub entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cross-platform generation of new software packages. The method may include generating a list of software packages having a first format associated with a first operating system, generating new support files for entries on the list, and generating new software packages from the new support files and code of corresponding software packages. The new software packages are generated in the format associated with a second operating system.

Abstract: A simplified user authentication to a computer resource utilizing a smart card. When a new user is issued a smart card, he or she is also issued a user name (ID) and password to be used during a first use to activate the smart card. The user then connects the smart card and enters the user ID and password. The user is authenticated using the user ID and password and identifying information from the smart card. The network administration server then requests a public key from the workstation. The workstation instructs the smart card to generates public and private key. The public key is transmitted to the server. A digital certificate is created the smart card is activated. Once the smart card is activated a simplified login procedure can be used wherein connecting the smart card to a workstation initiates a login process not requiring use of a PIN number or other user input.