Keeping Computers up to date
- Microsoft Windows Update is an automated program which downloads and installs updates as and when they become available on to a computer. The principle idea behind Windows Update is that it is an easy means of installing increased security measures, patches and bug fixes without the user having to remember to check a website regularly to see if any new downloads are applicable. Updates generally fall in to one of two categories; critical updates and those which are optional. Typically, any new security risk which might expose a computer is listed as critical, whilst optional patches may include extra languages or add-ons for non core operating system components.
- Mac OS Update is slight more manual than the automatic checking associated with Windows. It is both possible to check for updates immediately or to schedule a download at a predetermined time, and then choosing which items to install and which are unnecessary. There are options available so that the actual updates can be downloaded as files and installed on several machines which may not have their own internet access. There is generally far greater onus on the user to determine which files are useful and which are not. Other websites provide numerous add-ons and whilst they may be all useful in some context, it is unlike that a single user can reasonable download and install all of them.
- Linux Updates come in the form of an erratum which is a group of individual updates released to address a certain batch of bugs and security vulnerabilities. There is a string reliance on the users of Linux to communicate issues found so that fixes can be developed and implemented. Notification of new updates is available through a number of methods. Postings via the NIST National Venerability Database focus on serious and potentially widespread security risks, whilst other means of receiving notification include RSS feed and email watch lists.
Suggestions for additional resources which could be included in the Free Operating System Updates section should be submitted via the contact us form. A brief description of the application and URL is required.
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