A Little Glance At Software Patch Management For The Beginner

What in the world is software patch management? Well, simply put - it is just as it sounds. It's a software "patch" used for "patching up" or fixing something in your downloaded software - or in your computer system itself. It works a little like a patch for a bicycle tire, but it is a wee bit more complicated than that - and a lot more technical.

If you have never heard of this type of patching before, know that you are not alone. So, for your edification, keep reading for a summary of the subject - along with a few examples to clarify the types that are out there:

First off, your personal computer and game console probably already comes with some form of built-in "fixes" that were embedded into it when it was made. This "ingrained patch management" keeps your laptop, desktop computer, or game console - and all of its software - running smoothly. Patches are also created to "fix" problems that happen internally - things like computer "glitches" that suddenly occur just from turning on the machine. However, patches are also created to vanquish any nasty viruses your system gets exposed to. In fact, anyone who owns a personal computer with previously installed programs on it, has already has been exposed to one good example of a patch - and probably more than once. This is in reference to those automatic updates that you undoubtedly recall getting alerted to when you are online. Of course, these alerts usually occur while you are middle of doing something important - and when you get them, you know you will have to close out all your programs and restart your computer so they can install correctly.

Another example of patches is when your computer suddenly shuts down while you are in the middle of something, and you get a message that says 'your program has stopped working, the computer will now try to resolve the problem'. What usually happens after a few minutes is that you are then informed that the problem has been corrected. So, in these cases, be aware that a patch was most likely responsible for the correction.

Then you have your gaming patches, and, of course, those "fixes" that are created and embedded into any software you have purchased and downloaded. In this way, many problems that occur while you are using your game console - and those that happen while the software is running on your computer - will be automatically fixed. Other patches that have not been previously included, and those that are frequently updated, are usually sent via "auto alert" - and, sometimes you may even find a link to them in your email. Many times a person with a certain software or gaming console can go online and do a search for their product, and will find that free updates, upgrades and other "patch fixes" are being given away for download at the product website. However, download these at your own risk - and make sure that you know just who you are downloading the patches from. Many times you can mess up your software, or even your computer, by downloading the wrong version of the patch, or inadvertently downloading one that has been infected with a virus.

So now you are a bit more aware of what software patch management is, as well as having been given a few examples to clarify the topic. If you'd like more information on this subject - or you'd like to try and find a patch for your own software - just hit the internet, and do a search on the subject!

Brilliant Software Patch Management To Lighten The Load

With some much new technology out in the world, it just makes sense that there is an equal amount repairs needed done. Software patch management helps programs adapt to the quickly changing technological world. More often than not they can be set to run on their own whether the computer is being used or not. This rarely affects the computers ability to process things. Trying to perform a patch on every terminal in your company manually is a lengthy, time consuming process. It is also completely unnecessary and problematic. Instead of having an IT staffer waste another employees time by taking up the computer, the IT tech can automate the process with a program.

 

There are several problems with trying to do each installation manually. The computer has to be taken up by an IT worker and this means that two workers are having to wait for the installation. This can all be resolved with automatic scripting so that both the IT worker and the office worker can continue doing other duties.

 

Just like any other software programs, there are number of different ones for this specific need. They range from basic home editions, to ones that can manage a number of computers on various networks. Which one you choose depends on the specific needs for your company. Always research the programs before you choose one. Just because they look flashy and say they can do a lot does not necessarily mean they can do what you need them to do.

 

Patch management is a good way to protect your company from malicious attacks. Many hackers are able to manipulate the vulnerabilities in systems that have not been closed by a corrective patch. A good software will be able to scan your computers and determine which patch should be applied. If your computers are not properly protected, viruses are only minor problem people and companies have to worry about. Hackers can steal company secrets, employee information, personal information. This can lead to loss of sales and profits and possibly identity theft. These attacks can be prevented and stopped by continually checking the terminals on your network. If one fails to meet the patch update standards then it will be immediately patched. This means that the opening that was left for the hacker is no longer open and the system is once again protected. Most of the work of a software patch management software is done behind the scenes. Most workers will not even be aware that their computer is being updated to protect the company. The only time that it would be of any concern is when the system might need to be rebooted. The worker would be warned with a prompt and asked to save their work. This can be a very slight inconvenience having to wait for the system to reboot; it is however, a lot better than having to wait for an admin to go through every prompt. Most workers will be appreciative of the quick work that the software provides. There will be less inconvenient visits from the IT staff to have to see to issues related to the workers computer.