Software Updates

SOFTWARE UPDATES

Software programs inevitably have errors in the programming. These errors can affect the functionality and stability of the software or even create security risks. After a software package is released you will often see an 'update' or 'patch' released which is installed and overwrites the original data, thus keeping it up to date and eliminating the errors.

Larger software packages, such as Operating Systems (OS) and Office Suites will send out several updates. If you were to reinstall your OS 1 - 2 years after it was released, you would find that the number of updates is overwhelming. To overcome this dilemma software companies bundle the updates into a 'Service Pack' (SP). After the service pack is released more individual updates will follow in time and when the individuals become overwhelming, another service pack is released. Currently the most widely used OS, Microsoft's Windows XP, requires an update of SP2, plus a few more recent updates.

There are 2 categories of updates, critical and optional. It is highly recommended to install the critical updates. Service packs are more complex than individual updates and, while it is possible for the average user to install them, you may want a professional to handle this task in case problems arise.

* It is recommended that you back up your system before you attempt installing a service pack.

Even if you have Service Pack 1 on your computer, your system can be infected within minutes of connecting to the Internet. Have SP2 installed ASAP.