Simply stated, a Patch is a piece of software designed to fix problems, software bugs.
A Security Patch specifically addresses fixing security vulnerabilities.
Patches can also include updates in functionality, changes is supporting data or help files and are intended to improve the usability or performance of your software. Practically all software publishers release patches, or what they call updates.
However, though patches are meant to fix problems, poorly designed patches can sometimes introduce new problems. So what is the best way for you to deal with patches?
Today most patches are sound, but not all. We in the software business have had enough bad experiences with patches to be cautious when applying any patch.
The installation of a patch may solve a problem but in doing so may cause another problem. As a general rule patches to application software are only installed if they correct an issue that you are seeing in the operation of the software.
On the other hand Security Patches, the kind that are released by Microsoft for its operating systems, Internet Explorer, and other applications should usually be installed right away. Unfortunately as important as these patches are, they have been know to disable other software, particularly older versions that are not designed to run in current operating systems.
Windows has a system for automatically downloading and optionally installing new security patches. We recommend the auto download but not the auto install. It pays to check what Windows Automatic Updates is going to install before allowing it to do so.
The best advise is to have a knowedgeable technical person to call on when it comes to installing patches. I am happy to help, just send an e-mail or give a call. pconway@netatwork.com 212-997-5200 ext 4333.
There are websites devoted to the topic like http://www.softwarepatch.com/, http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx,
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