A Little Overview Of Software Patch Management For The Layperson

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 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. One of the best examples of common software patches is that "installation update notice" you frequently get when you are on your computer. And, as it usually happens, you will see this message right when you are in the middle of a project. Moreover, you know what happens next - you have to stop what you are doing in order to close out of the programs you have open, so you can restart your computer and make sure that the updates are correctly installed.

Yet another example of a patch is the one that many a computer user has run up against, while online. You probably have had this happen - you are in the middle of something important, and your computer program suddenly closes! Then up pops a message that tells you "an error has been found and the computer will try to fix it, then get back to you". If, a few minutes later, you are lucky enough to get a message telling you that the problem has been corrected, you usually have a patch to thank for the repair. 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. 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 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!

Sound Decision - Software Patch Management To Improve Efficiency

The use of software patch management easily automates the distribution of problem fixing patches across an entire network. Depending on the software, these updates can be scheduled beforehand or setup to coincide with your development team or third party patch providers. Many programs also offer the ability to scan the computers on the network for any vulnerabilities that require a patch.

 

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.

 

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. There are many different software to choose from. Selection will depend upon your business needs and company size. Choosing the one that has the most features is not necessarily the best move. However, selecting the program that allows for the most customizing to suit your needs would be beneficial.

 

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.

 

Companies have been disabled or completely shutdown for days because of hackers manipulating security loopholes created by not patched computers. The hackers are able to gain full control of one computer that is not entirely protected and then use it to tie up bandwidth for their own purposes. They are then also able to install viruses and worms on your network. This type of malicious attack can be prevented by using a continuous checker. This feature would make sure that all computers on the network comply with the current patches available. If they do not then they are updated and a report is electronically generated to the system administrator.

 

The software patch management programs on the market make it easy to keep up with the countless patches for all the market software. Your workers will not even have to see the patch taking place except in a few occasions where the computer will need to be rebooted. Your IT staff as well as your office workers will appreciate being able to go about their daily duties uninterrupted by annoying software maintenance. This will increase your productivity as well as the moral of the office and your IT department. Anything that can make a tedious job faster and less intrusive is good for the company.