Bug in Email Notification of Start of Software Update

[davidc]

I think there is something wrong in the notification email sent at the start of Software Update. This behavior was first identified in an email notification on 6/27/23.

The updates are being applied, but the starting notification is frequently not stating the packages to be updated and the title is inaccurate.

There are some correct email notifications throughout this time period.

Is this the correct location to submit this report?

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Below are 4 of the messages (with content) of the starting email notifications from root:

June 27, 2023 at 7:00am
Title: 1 updates running for server
Body: System packages to 7 upgradable packages update is available.

July 7, 2023 at 7:00am
Title: 1 updates running for server
Body: System packages to 2 upgradable packages update is available.

August 9, 2023 at 7:00am
Title: 1 updates running for server
Body: System packages to 3 upgradable packages update is available.

September 22, 2023 at 7:00am (today)
Title: 1 updates running for server
Body: System packages to 7 upgradable packages update is available.

Below, for comparison, is the most recent correct title and body:

September 19, 2023 at 7:00am
Title: 7 updates running for server
Body:
Composer 2.5.8 to 2.6.3 update is available.
Dovecot 2.3.20 to 2.3.21 update is available.
MariaDB 10.4.30 to 10.4.31 update is available.
PHP 8.1 8.1.22 to 8.1.23 update is available.
ionCube PHP 8.1 extension 12.0.4 to 13.0.1 update is available.
ionCube PHP 7.4 extension 12.0.4 to 13.0.1 update is available.
RoundCube 1.6.2 to 1.6.3 update is available.

 

[Richard G]

The updates are being applied, but the starting notification is frequently not stating the packages to be updated and the title is inaccurate.

What exactly do you think is wrong? Because I don't understan.

Your server is not only Directadmin, it's the complete server, so the body says what exactly is there.

Body: System packages to 7 upgradable packages update is available.

These are server OS updates, so for example if you run Almalinux then for Alma there are 7 system packages upgradable.
The packages to be upgraded here are not mentioned because DA will not update those for you. You have to do that yourself.

The last message is from DA's updates for the server. So that does state the packages to be updated because those -are- done by Directadmin.

That's the difference. No bug as far as I can see.

But I understand this can be confusing.

 

[davidc]

Thank you for pointing out that they are "system packages".

It is confusing, because the 1st email doesn't state the packages that are available for upgrade, the title count is incorrect and yet, 1-2 hours later, anacron is updating them and sending an ending email notification listing the packages and including a "Transaction summary".

Either the starting email for "system packages" is unnecessary or could include the packages. Hence this post.

 

[Richard G]

anacron is updating them

Anacron normally does not always update all system updates. I always have to run yum update for most of the things.
I surely don't let the system update everything automatically anyway.

As for the notification, there are a lot of people who like the fact they get a notification that there are OS packages. So seeing it as unnecessary is a personal opinion, not a fact.
However it's not DA's task so why should they code extra to let know you which packages? You can easily look yourself once you know that it's OS packages.

On the other hand, others, maybe like you, do not like the notification.

Anyway, it's still working as designed and no bug.

However there is another thread about this (couldn't find it that quickly) where the idea was brought to make this a switchable on/off options for those who do and don't like to get those.

If you want it changed, you might best post a feature request, big chance you get enough votes:

DirectAdmin Feedback

feedback.directadmin.com

p.s. you need a seperate account for this one.

You can post your feedback request as reply here if you made one, then it's easy to find for others.