Patches and updates

A patch is a small file which you "apply" against the program on your disk. Patches are usually very small, because all they contain are the differences between your version and the new version. After you apply the patch, you've updated your program's files.

Updates are usually complete files which replace some of the program files on your disk.

Some vendors (though not many!) will only send you a patch or update on disk or CD-ROM. This is often the case if the update contains a complete copy of the software.

Some people constantly watch for new patches to be released, especially if they have a problem they can’t fix, especially when a vendor has promised a fix Real Soon Now.

Should you install a patch if you aren’t having a problem? Maybe.

• Don’t be the first to install a patch. Even though patches are usually tested thoroughly, it’s impossible for them to be error free. They could actually make your program or system worse!
• If the patch only fixes a feature you’ll never use or a feature you’ve never had trouble with, don’t bother. Sometimes patches and updates actually introduce new problems!
• If you do install a patch, make sure you have backups of your data. If the patch doesn’t work, you might end up reinstalling your software.

Tip: Often you have to reboot/restart before a patch or an update takes effect. The good update installers will remind you of this.

Hint: After you install a patch, make sure you make a note to yourself that you did it! If you reinstall the software later (overwriting the patched program with the original program), you may forget about the patch, and have the same problem all over again.

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©1997, Mike Molloy, Mountain Data Systems