PACE-IT: Applying Patches and Upgrades
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The document discusses the importance of applying patches, updates, and hotfixes to complex modern operating systems, emphasizing their roles in fixing bugs, enhancing functionality, and addressing security vulnerabilities. While these updates are essential for system efficiency, they can occasionally introduce new issues, making it crucial for administrators to maintain backups for easy downgrading if necessary. The document also outlines definitions and differences between patches, updates, hotfixes, and service packs, along with best practices for managing them in production environments.
PACE-IT: Applying Patches and Upgrades
- 2. Page 2 Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications PC Hardware Network Administration IT Project Management Network Design User Training IT Troubleshooting Qualifications Summary Education M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions. Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.
- 3. Page 3 – Patches and updates. – Upgrading vs. downgrading. PACE-IT.
- 4. Page 4 Applying patches and updates.
- 5. Page 5 Today’s modern operating systems are very complex and are composed of tens of millions of lines of code. Even the network devices and appliances that are used have very complex software packages and configurations. The complexity of the modern operating system (OS) has led to the necessity for updates, patches, and hotfixes. These are used to add features, fix bugs (glitches in the systems), and repair security holes that become known. One goal of administrators is to keep systems as up to date as possible through the use of updates, patches, and hotfixes— reducing the system’s vulnerability and increasing its functionality, while reducing costs. Applying patches and updates.
- 6. Page 6 – Patches, updates, hotfixes, and service packs. » A patch is small section of code that is used to either increase functionality or fix a problem within a software package. • A patch will change the version of the software package in a minor manor (e.g., version 1.0.0 will become version 1.0.1). » An update is a large section of code that is used to either increase functionality or fix problems within a software package. • An update will change the version of the software in a more major manor (e.g., version 1.0.0 will become version 2.0.0 or Windows 7 becomes Windows 8.1). » A hotfix (also called a vulnerability patch) is similar to a patch, but is actually smaller than a patch. They are designed to be deployed to fix very specific issues within an operating system or other software package. » A service pack is a cumulative Windows update package that contains all patches, updates, and hotfixes between two points in time. • Microsoft releases service packs as a method of easing the installation of an OS, helping to keep it current. Applying patches and updates.
- 7. Page 7 In most cases, it is possible to automate the patch and update process through registering the product with the vendor who created it. Microsoft OSs can be set to automatically check for updates to download and install. Most hardware vendors offer the same type of service for firmware and drivers. In most cases, these services can also be set to just inform the system of the patches and updates—allowing administrators to manually download and install them. In a production setting (e.g., an office or enterprise network), all patches and updates should be installed and tested in isolation (e.g., a testing lab) before they are installed on production equipment. Applying patches and updates.
- 8. Page 8 Applying patches and updates.
- 9. Page 9 Quite often, it is highly desirable to install the latest patches and updates in order to keep systems running efficiently. However, sometimes issues arise with the installation of a patch or update, leading to problems that were not caught during the testing phase. Backup copies of all systems and configuration files should be maintained in order to downgrade (roll back to the previous version) when this occurs. Being able to rollback to a prior version is often easier and more efficient than trying to resolve a problem that was introduced with an update. Applying patches and updates. Administrators should keep backup copies that include the base package, a backup of the system before the patch was installed, and a backup of the system after the patch was installed.
- 10. Page 10 Applying patches and updates. Modern computing systems contain millions of lines complex code, leading to the need for patches, updates, and hotfixes. A patch is a small section of code used to fix a problem. An update is larger than a patch and often includes increased functionality. A hotfix is usually smaller than patch and is used to fix a very specific problem. The update process can be automated in most cases, but it is wise to test updates before deploying to a production environment. Topic Patches and updates. Summary While it can be desirable to have all operating systems and software packages up to date on patches, updates, and hotfixes, sometimes this process can introduce new problems into the computing environment. If this happens, it can lead to the need to downgrade a system to a previous stable version. Administrators need to keep backups of all software and configuration files in order to facilitate the downgrade process. Upgrading vs. downgrading.
- 12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53. PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call 425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814. Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.