Software Updates
A software update or patch is a free download for an application, operating system, or software suite that provides fixes for features that aren’t working as intended or adds minor software enhancements and compatibility. Software updates are released to address security issues when they occur, address minor bugs discovered in the software, improve the operation of hardware or peripherals, and add support for new models of equipment. These small, incremental updates improve the operation of your software. A common operating system update is a security update, which is issued to protect your computer against vulnerabilities that might be exploited by hackers and viruses. It is wise to install security updates when they are released to ensure your system is as protected as possible against constantly changing threats.
Software Updates Aren’t Limited to Computers
The operating system and apps that run on your phone and tablet, the smartwatch on your wrist, and any peripherals that live stream video to your TV use software that occasionally needs to be updated. In most cases, unless you have chosen a setting that allows automatic updates, the device notifies you when a software update is available and gives you information on why the update is important. Then, you decide whether to allow the update to go forward. The majority of software updates are applied over the internet, so an internet connection is often a requirement. In the case of smartphones and tablets, the software takes the form of apps. When an updated version of an app is available, you’re notified either by message or by a visual indicator on the app icon. App updates are almost always no-cost and occur over a Wi-Fi connection after you give your permission. Operating system updates for smartphones and tablets are usually made through the devices’ settings. In some cases, the mobile device must be connected to a power outlet during the installation of an operating system update, because the process takes longer than an app download. If you subscribe to an internet application or a suite of apps, such as Microsoft 365, software updates may take place automatically. You may not realize the software has been updated. This is because the internet applications may not need to place a software update on your computer or device to work properly. In other cases, such as with Adobe Creative Cloud, you are notified when an update is available for the applications you previously downloaded, and you choose when to apply the update.
The Importance of Software Updates
Although they are typically small and free, software updates play important roles often related to solving or preventing a problem. For example, software updates:
Protect against new-found security risks.Introduce new features in your software.Improve battery depletion rate or performance speed.Extend your equipment’s usable life by allowing its maximum productivity.Fix bugs in the software and improve functionality.
Understanding Software Version Numbers
All software applications have version numbers associated with them. This number helps track iterations of the software, including updates and upgrades. It is represented as a series of numbers separated by periods. The leftmost number in a software’s version number represents major upgrades to the software. For example, going from version 1.0 to 2.0 in software is a major upgrade. These upgrades may also have version names associated with them such as Windows 10 or macOS Catalina. The rightmost number in a software’s version number generally represents minor updates. Going from version 3.0.2 to 3.0.3 is usually a small change and is usually delivered as a free update.
Software Upgrades
A software upgrade is a new version of the software that offers a significant change or major improvement over the current version. In many cases, a software upgrade requires the purchase of the newest version of the software, sometimes at a discounted price if you own an older version of the software. If you bought your software recently and an upgrade is released soon after that, some software companies offer the upgrade to the latest version for free. Be sure to register the software when you install it so that you know if you qualify for these types of deals.
Operating System Upgrades
Operating system (OS) upgrades are large and have significant effects on your computer. These upgrades can make important changes to your system in functionality, user interface, and general appearance over the previous version. Examples of operating system upgrades include upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 or Windows 10, or on Macs, to upgrading from OS 9 to OS X or macOS. Software manufacturers usually offer free software updates for their products to make them compatible with new versions of operating systems. However, these updates may not be immediately available when the new OS software is released.
