A Little Guide To Software Patch Management For The Beginner

So, what is software patch management anyway? Well, it is really just like it sounds. It is a "patch" used for fixing things that go awry on your software - or on your computer itself, for that matter. It's a bit like the bicycle patch "method", but it is actually a lot more extensive than that.

If you have never heard of this type of "patch", don't worry, you are in good company. So, with that, keep reading for a brief description of a few different types of "fixes" available:

For starters, be aware that any game console or computer that you purchase will already have some patches built right in to keep your machine running at its optimal level. The patches usually include those that fight off viruses you run into just by turning on the machine, but they also include those that fix computer malfunctions that happen as a normal part of wear and tear, as well.

One great example of built-in patches are those sent to you automatically, as updates. And, if you are like most people, you usually get hit with them just as you are getting into something really important on the internet. And, when this happens, you already know that you are supposed to close out of all your programs and restart your system so your updates can be installed the right way.

Another excellent example of these programs are those messages you get from your computer that a program "has stopped working" for whatever reason - problems your computer will now "attempt to fix". Then, when the problem is fixed, you are notified by your computer - and, it is almost guaranteed that a certain patch was applied to whatever the problem was.

Then there are the gaming and other miscellaneous software that come with the patches for anticipated problems already included in their programs. So, if something goes wrong with the software, it will be fixed immediately - internally. Plus, many times the gaming or software manufacturer will also include any new "patch" updates in your purchase agreement - and these are usually sent to you via the internet or your email account. Moreover, it it usually possible for a person to go online and find updates and "bug" patches available as free downloads - right from the manufacturer's website. But be aware that there is a danger in just "hitting the sites and downloading" without knowing what you are doing. If you just do this haphazardly, and you are uncertain of what the correct version of the software is for your system, you could inadvertently damage your system in some way.

So now you know a bit more about software patch management - and you have been given a brief summary of examples too. If this is a subject that interests you, or you wish to find a patch for one of your programs, then by all means, go online and research the subject for yourself.

Smart Choice - Software Patch Management Within Budget

The best way to distribute problem fixing patches is with the use of software patch management software. These programs are able to update multiple computer at one time across one or several networks. Third party software providers are always fixing problems with their product. It has become a fact of life to expect there to be something wrong with a software. Some of these problems are openings into your network that can be exploited. Patching those holes is very important to security. 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.

 

Another problem with manual installation of patches is that some require human interaction to respond. The worker who is having their computer serviced has to wait as the IT technician waits on the patch prompts. This can all be done through scripting. Any prompts that the patch may ask for can be responded to without interaction. This way, two people are not wasting their time. 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.

 

Managing patches is one of the many ways to protect your systems from malicious intruders. Hackers are able to get past firewalls and security if one terminal on the network is compromised. This can be an easy fix as long as the patches are maintained.

 

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. By installing this type of program, all those fears can be put aside. Not only does it fix any errors in programs with patches and updates, it does so without having to spend the man power. It also keeps track of all the information for you, in a tidy report that is generated however often you program it to. If you only want to run patches once a month, it can be programmed to do so. If you want it run every day, that is not a problem either.

 

The best part about software patch management is that it is done almost completely without your knowledge, and without interfering with an employees workload. Just like with many updates, in order for it to take effect occasionally the computer may have to be turned off and then on again. Of course, the system would never automatically turn itself off without some sort of warning. That would partially defeat the purpose of the software.