If you simply type “yum install package_name”, you will get the most recent version available in the package repository to which you are pointing. If this is a kernel related package, you can inadvertently upgrade the kernel, which may be a problem if you did not have it scheduled in your test cycle.
Installing a specific kernel related package without upgrading the kernel can be done by simply appending your current kernel version.
[root@cmhldecupodb01 ~]# yum install kernel-devel-2.6.32-279.19.1.el6.x86_64
Loaded plugins: rhnplugin, security
This system is receiving updates from RHN Classic or RHN Satellite.
Setting up Install Process
Resolving Dependencies
--> Running transaction check
---> Package kernel-devel.x86_64 0:2.6.32-279.19.1.el6 will be installed
--> Finished Dependency Resolution
Dependencies Resolved
========================================================================================================================================================================
Package Arch Version Repository Size
========================================================================================================================================================================
Installing:
kernel-devel x86_64 2.6.32-279.19.1.el6 rhel-x86_64-server-6 7.7 M
Transaction Summary
========================================================================================================================================================================
Install 1 Package(s)
Total download size: 7.7 M
Installed size: 0
Is this ok [y/N]: y
Simple, but sometimes easily overlooked.