I run mandrake update from the menu.  It is on the packaging menu.  No need to use a terminal window.  You do need to be logged in as root.

Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 16:27:31 -0700
From: KevinO <kevino7@deru.com>
To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
Subject: Re: Question for Mandrakers
Reply-To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us

Mandrakeupdate (run as root in a terminal window under X)

also see: urpmi

bob smith wrote:
> So
> basically what is the best way to keep updated with Mandrake?
>