After downloading and installing updated XFree86 (XFree86*3.3.5-1.5.x.i386.rpm), the backspace key no longer functions in that capacity. All applications EXCEPT for xterms (and other terminals) appear to be affected - specific examples include Netscape Communicator (version 4.70) and gEdit (version 0.5.1 for GNOME 1.0.53). Instead, it functions as a delete key. Have been unable to find a workaround for this problem. System is RedHat 5.2 with all updates, using 2.2 kernel.
create a .Xmodmap file with the line: keycode 22 = BackSpace in it and restart, or make sure that you don't have an XkbDisable directive uncommented in your /etc/X11/XF86Config file.