A Fast Glance Into 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 "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:

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 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 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 Within Budget

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.

 

To have this as a manual procedure can be very time consuming and inefficient. It costs more hours and money to have your IT staff handle this issue one computer at a time. The automated release features of the patch management program can eliminate the waste of so much time and funds and can allow the IT staff to work on other projects. 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.

 

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. 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.