1.

5 Operating System Security

An update is new, improved, or fixed software, which replaces
older versions of the same software. For example, updating your
operating system brings it up-to-date with the latest drivers,
system utilities, and security software. Updates are often provided
by the software publisher free of additional charge.
Operating system updates contain new software that helps keep
your computer current.
Examples of updates include service packs, version upgrades,
security updates, drivers, or other types of updates.
Why do I need to update?
Updates fix any problems with software or hardware that were
not detected before the product was released to the public. If
you don't update, the computer could encounter those
problems or be vulnerable to attacks.
What happens if I don't update?
Several things can happen if you do not update, below are the
most common symptoms you would encounter if you do not
update.
Fix errors - Most updates fix errors, and if you don't update,
you'll get those errors.
Security vulnerabilities - Updates also patch security holes, if
you don't update your information may be compromised.
Fix conflicts - It is not uncommon to discover conflicts with
other programs and hardware. If you don't update, conflicts
may happen and cause problems with other programs.
Differences between software upgrades and updates
An update and upgrade are two different things. Updates are
usually free and often a small file size. An upgrade is usually not free
and a much larger file size. For example, if you have Windows 7 and
want Windows 10, you would "upgrade" to Windows 10. However,
if you had Windows 10 and needed to install fixes for security
vulnerabilities or other problems, you would "update" Windows.
A patch is a program that makes changes to software installed
on a computer. Software companies issue patches to fix bugs
in their programs, address security problems, or add
functionality.
A patch is a software update comprised code inserted (or
patched) into the code of an executable program. Typically, a
patch is installed into an existing software program. Patches
are often temporary fixes between full releases of a software
package.
Patches may do any of the following:
• Fix a software bug
• Install new drivers
• Address new security vulnerabilities
• Address software stability issues
• Upgrade the software
A hotfix is a software update designed to fix a bug or security hole
in a program. Unlike typical version updates, hotfixes are urgently
developed and released as soon as possible to limit the effects of
the software issue. They are often released between incremental
version updates.
It is typically advisable to run a hotfix update as soon as possible
to avoid problems with the software.
A hotfix different than a patch is that they are created specifically
for a customer's need and not distributed to the public.
Service Packs:
A service pack is a collection of updates and fixes, called
patches, for an operating system or a software program.
Many of these patches are often released before a larger
service pack, but the service pack allows for an easy, single
installation.
A service pack is a software package that contains several
updates for an application or operating system. Individual
updates are typically called software updates or patches.
When a software company has developed several updates to
a certain program or operating system, the company may
release all the updates together in a service pack.
Many Windows users are familiar with service packs because
of the popular service pack released for Windows XP, called
SP2.