A Small Look 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:

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 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. 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 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!

Software Patch Management For Business Needs

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. It also saves money on payroll by ensuring work continues by everyone. If you have to have someone download patches on an employees computer, that person will have to stop what they are doing. This could potentially be devastating for any department from sales to accounting to customer service. Nobody wants to lose clients because of a minor detail that could have easily have been prevented.

 

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. 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.