A Short Glance Into Software Patch Management For The Layperson

What is software patch management exactly? Well, like it sounds, it is a patch to fix things that can go wrong with a computerized machine. Although it sounds a little bit like fixing a hole on a bicycle tire, it is really a bit more involved 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:

Know that your personal computer or your game console is more than likely to already come with previously built-in patches. These are placed there to keep your machine or software functioning correctly. These machines also usually come with patches that automatically fix glitches and fight the viruses that you may not be aware you are up against when you go online to surf, or to play a game.

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. And, there are also those patches that come with your new downloaded software - and the ones that come with a particular console game, as well. Patches like these are created in order to find, and fix, problems in the software or game system BEFORE they have a chance to become detrimental to the health of your machine. And, when updates to these patches become available, you are usually sent a copy of them over the internet - or, sometimes you might find a link to them in an email sent to your account.

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!

Software Patch Management For Expedited Service

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.

 

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. There are many programs to select from. This selection process should be directed at fitting your business needs. Many programs have different features and those are what should be looked at. You want a software that is customizable to your needs as well as easy to use and maintain. 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. More companies are being temporarily disabled or having their networks bogged down by outside users using their bandwidth. Several of these outside influences are able to gain control through security loopholes. It only takes one unprotected and not patched terminal on your network to allow this to happen. 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.

 

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.