https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

The command `yum upgrade` is similar to `yum update`, but it goes a step further. While `yum update` only updates packages to their latest versions within the same major release, `yum upgrade` can also upgrade packages to a newer major release if available.

**Here's a breakdown of the key difference:**

**yum update:**

   * Updates packages to the latest minor versions or bug fix releases within the same major release.
   * Generally safer and less likely to cause compatibility issues.

**yum upgrade:**

   * Updates packages to the latest available version, which may include major release upgrades.
   * Can introduce significant changes and potential compatibility issues with other software.
   * More suitable when you want to stay on the cutting edge or need features from a newer major release.

**Other aspects of `yum upgrade` are similar to `yum update`:**

**Checks for updates:** Connects to repositories and checks for newer versions of installed packages.
**Lists updates:** Displays a list of packages that will be upgraded and the version changes.
**Prompts for confirmation:** Asks you to confirm before proceeding with the upgrades.
**Downloads and installs updates:** Downloads and installs the new packages, replacing the older ones.
**Resolves dependencies:** Handles dependencies to ensure required packages are also updated or installed.
**Requires root privileges:** Needs to be run with `sudo` or as root.
**Needs internet connection:** Requires an active internet connection to download updates.
**May require a reboot:** May prompt for a reboot after upgrading critical packages.

**Important:**

**Backup:** It's even more crucial to back up your data before running `yum upgrade` as major release upgrades can have a greater impact on your system.
**Caution:** Use `yum upgrade` with caution, especially in production environments, as it can introduce unforeseen issues.
**Testing:** If possible, test major upgrades in a non-production environment first to identify any compatibility problems.

**Remember:** Keeping your system up-to-date is important, but choose between `yum update` and `yum upgrade` based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

**References:**

**YUM Command Cheat Sheet:** s://access.redhat.com/sites/default/files/attachments/rh_yum_cheatsheet_1214_jcs_print-1.pdf(https://access.redhat.com/sites/default/files/attachments/rh_yum_cheatsheet_1214_jcs_print-1.pdf)
**Chapter 9. Yum ]] | //docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/system_administrators_guide/ch-yum) * **Linux package management with YUM and RPM | [[ Enable Sysadmin - Red Hat:** s://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/how-manage-packages(https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/how-manage-packages)