[SATLUG] OS Longevity

[Sean Carolan]

This would be directed at the sysadmins on the list - what is a
reasonable upgrade cycle for a production server, running Fedora Core
2 with 20-30 users who connect via LTSP or a remote X windows session.
I use Yum to keep the rpm packages up to date.

My specific concerns are:

*  Keeping OS and software current with security patches
*  Desktop software such as Open Office and Gaim must keep up with
current protocols and file formats.
*  Stability is the most important factor.  This server needs to have
99.99% or better uptime.

Any thoughts on these issues are welcome.  I am looking for tips on
which packages you would upgrade and how often, when would you
recommend moving to a newer version of Fedora Core, or going to
another flavor of Linux, etc.  We are looking to have this system of a
similar version of it working at least 10 years from now, with
backwards compabilbility of our data and files.

Best regards,


Sean