Many times while using the computer, you can see a pop-up asking you to update particular software. While some of us choose to ignore it, a software update is necessary for the computer.
The need for a software update
A software update, also known as a software patch, is a set of changes to a computer program or its supporting codes, designed to fix, improve or update it.
An update is usually a free download for an application, operating system, and a software suite.
Usually, a software update offers fixes for features that are not working properly (bugs) or to ass minor enhancements and compatibility to the software. Sometimes they are released to address security issues, to improve the operation of hardware, and support new models of equipment.
A software update is not just limited to the computer. Any technology that uses software, such as a smart speaker or a smartwatch, requires a software update from time to time to keep it functioning in optional condition.
How is it beneficial?
They might be free, but software updates are important for the health of your system. Some of the benefits of a software update are:
It enhances existing features of the software, ensuring a seamless user experience at all times.
It protects the software and the system from any kind of security risk.
It fixes bugs in the software that can affect the user experience.
It extends the life of the equipment by allowing for its maximum productivity, while ensuring improved performance.
The difference between an update and an upgrade
We often use the words “update” and “upgrade” interchangeably. However, the two have many differences.
To start with, a software update adds new features to the existing product or fixes a problem.
However, a software upgrade is a new version of the software. This means there’s a significant change or improvement from the previous version of the software.
While software updates are free, a software upgrade can be priced. For example, if you are using Windows 7 as your operating system and you need to upgrade to Windows 10, you will have to buy the Windows 10 software. However, if you are lucky, Microsoft might allow for auto-upgradation of Windows 7 users to Windows 10.
Examples for a software update
Imagine you are using Adobe Reader to open the PDF documents on the system. As you use the software, you can encounter a minor issue of text getting jumbled up. You wonder what is wrong, and when you check online, you realize that there are others facing similar issues.
Soon, Adobe will get to know about the problem and release an update to fix it. This will come to you as a pop-up on your computer, or when you open the software. All you need to do is to install the update and voila! Your issue has been fixed.
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