Software Patch Definition

We can define a software patch as a specific type of software that is released by a vendor or a third party to fix a specific bug or a vulnerability in a pre-existing software. The two main types of patch are:

• Bug fixes: These patches are specifically designed to fix bugs that are causing malfunctions in the software. For example, there could be some simple mistakes in the lines of the code that are causing it to crash or it could be more systemic bugs that cause problems.
• Security patches: These patches are particularly important because, if not issued, they can allow attackers and hackers to gain unauthorized access to a device or a network.

While bug fixes can sometimes be very important, security patches tend to have a greater degree of urgency—especially in specific industries that deal with sensitive information.

Among the reasons why it’s recommended to install these patches:

• They can prevent you from being exploited by a hacker;
• They can help with interoperability and compatibility;
• They often introduce new features that you previously did not have;
• They can significantly improve the performance and stability of the software.

You should install the patches as soon as they are available—after verifying their legitimacy. It is also recommended that you backup your data before installing them, since it occasionally can cause a loss of data.