Ksplice converts the updates into hot updates which are prepared at object code level instead of source code level, thus minimizing programmer's involvement. Existing practices of updating Kernel rely on programmer writing a source code files for changing certain properties or require a manual inspection of running binaries to ensure safety guarantees. Ksplice, however, updates the legacy binaries based on existing information (a source code patch) and so it doesn't require a system reboot.

Ksplice replaces the whole function if any part of the code in the function is to be modified by applying patch. It links the function to its newer replacement code into the Kernel by placing a jump instruction which redirects the path to replacement code. Also ksplice while applying an update the system disrupts for 0.7 milliseconds; however no network connections or any open application is affected.

A small amount of memory is used in storing replacement code. The software verifies the safety of updates before installing them. An alternative to reduce downtime is Ksplice. To give it a try, you can download the 30-day trial version for your Linux distribution (if you are using Ubuntu 9.04 or Ubuntu 9.10, then a free version is also available with graphical manager). You will get an access key on registering with Ksplice on your email Id. Just follow these easy steps.

#rpm i ksplice-uptrack-release.noarch.rpm

and then give the command to
install:

#yum install uptrack

Once installed, just edit /etc/uptrack/uptrack.conf using vi or vim and set auto install to Yes.

Run Ksplice Uptrack. For this, just log in as root (Uptrack can be used only when you are logged in as root). Go to command line and you can run the service using this command:

#uptrack upgrade y

After that all updates will start installing and after all updates are installed, a message is displayed 'your kernel is up to date' . You can see all the installed updates/ patches by using command:

#uptrack show

You can uninstall the updates using command:

uptrack -remove id

and if you want to remove all updates type this:

uptrack -remove all.

Ksplice can work on both virtual machines (both hosts and guests) securely. It works fine with VMWare, Xen, Virtuozzo  and other virtualized environments. Another feature of Ksplice is that all updates are cryptographically signed and minimum information is sent to ensure safety, plus any errors on your OS are reported that may occur during updates installation. You will also get information on your email ID each time a new patch is released.