A Brief Glance Into 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.

But don't worry if this type of "fix" is confusing to you - you aren't alone. So, if this subject interests you, please keep reading for a brief overview of it, and a few examples of the fixes themselves:

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.

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 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 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 it is also possible for a person to go online and find updated patches and bug fixes that they can download for free, right from the manufacturer's website. But be warned in searching these out for yourself, as if the website isn't guaranteed "safety wise", you can often end up with damaged software when you download the wrong version, or when you accidentally download from a site that unknowingly carries infected software.

So now the reader has been educated about what software patch management is, and has also been shown a few examples. If you are interested in exploring the subject further, or you would like to try and hunt down patches for a particular piece of software - then just go online and do your own search!

Brilliant Software Patch Management For Improved Security

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. This could be done manually. Nobody really has the time or money to pay a person to sit there and repeatedly click buttons on a multitude of computers. You would almost have to hire an extra staff just to handle all of the work. By using the built in settings to have the program do this automatically, you can save a bundle. 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.

 

Not patching up software leaves your computer and networks vulnerable to viruses. It is also a very common way that hackers are able to steal information. All this can be easily avoided by this software.

 

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. 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.