Software updates are the foundation of your system security and performance. They provide critical security fixes that prevent breaches, optimize resource use and improve speed. They also deliver new features and enhancements for a better end-user experience.
Keeping software updated protects against hackers, who are constantly looking for unpatched vulnerabilities. It keeps hardware systems compatible with other programs, ensuring smooth interaction across complex ecosystems. Finally, it reduces the accumulation of technical debt caused by overlooked updates.
A software update is the process of applying a patch to the operating system or line of business applications. This is typically done by running a program on the client to download and apply the change. Network administrators can use software programs to automate the process and simplify application of updates to the entire fleet of devices.
There are three variations of a software update: minor updates, major upgrades and Rapid Security Responses. These updates can be applied manually or automatically, depending on the operating system.
When an update is available, you’ll get a push notification on a mobile device or be alerted by the operating system or store. Some computers can even do the updating themselves, which is a big time saver for IT staff.
The main difference between an update and an upgrade is that updates are frequently released fixes for security risks, broken features or performance issues. Upgrades include more significant changes, such as the addition of new features, visual design or a total re-write for stability and preparation for future development. Updates are typically included in our managed plans, while upgrades may be charged separately.