Oracle Patching, Cloning, and Upgrading

Question 1

In what months are CPU patches released by Oracle?

Answer 1

January, April, July, and October

Question 2

When applying a single patch, can you use Opatch utility?

Answer 2

Yes Opatch utility can be used. The only patch that can’t be applied with the Opatch utility is patchset.

Question 3

Is it possible to apply Opatch without downtime?

Answer 3

In order to apply a patch to a database, the database and listener must be down. Thus, a patch cannot be applied without any downtime.

Question 4

If both CPU and PSU are available for a given version, which one should you apply?

Answer 4

You should apply the PSU because it will contain the security updates from the corresponding CPU as well as any recommended bug fixes.

Question 5

Since PSU is a superset of CPU, why would someone choose to apply a CPU over a PSU?

Answer 5

CPUs are smaller and more focused. They mostly deal with security issues. If the DBA is only concerned with security then they may only apply a CPU.

Question 6

Oracle Version 10.2.0.4.0. What does each number refer to?

Answer 6

10: Major DB Release Number
2: DB Maintenance Number
0: Application Server Release Number
4: Component Specific Release Number
0: Platform Specific Release Number