Microsoft Word Hardware Reconfiguration Methodology V final2

Updates

Updates are not generally as far reaching as an upgrade as the intention of an update is to provide bug fixes, enhanced features, security, and functionality. Sometimes updates may also provide

enhanced performance and system stability. Nevertheless, the changes imparted onto the system should not generally affect other programs, including outdated programs that require recently updated libraries for their dependencies³. This is because updated libraries are not generally different enough from their predecessors to cause serious compatibility-based issues.

Most if not all updates are transparent to both the user and the system administrator in terms of the overall system impact. It is rare for system wide and user-based preferences to be changed. Furthermore, updates generally increase functionality, not take it away. However, the possibility is always there.

Interestingly, updates can perceptually require every bit as much time as an upgrade to rollout in order for the operating system to be reaccredited and recertified as suitable for redeployment. This is particularly true when many system components are updated on the system. However, with updates, as in contrast to upgrades, only portions of the system can be updated at any time such as the kernel and its related subcomponents or an application suite.

The key difference between updates and upgrades is that updates generally cease to be able available after a set period. It is common after several years for updates to no longer be available, as the distribution’s maintainer will inform customers that support is no longer available and persuade them to upgrade. Updates, as examined in this text relate to packages provided by the maintainer for use with an application specifically for updating. Although manual updating is possible, this is generally considered as manual maintenance, is very time consuming, and not suggested except when required by circumstances.

Updates are generally used to keep an operating system up to date on an intermittent basis before an upgrade is actually available. Sometimes, it may not be desirable to proceed to an upgrade just yet. In this event, updates can be used to not only keep the system up to date but also to potentially exploit some of the newer benefits imparted onto to the newer operating system by the maintainer; however, this may vary as not all maintainers will provide new functionality in their updates.

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