What in the world is software patch management? Well, simply put - it is just as it sounds. It's a software "patch" used for "patching up" or fixing something in your downloaded software - or in your computer system itself. It works a little like a patch for a bicycle tire, but it is a wee bit more complicated than that - and a lot more technical.
But don't worry if this type of "fix" is confusing to you - you aren't alone. So, if this subject interests you, please keep reading for a brief overview of it, and a few examples of the fixes themselves:
Know that your personal computer or your game console is more than likely to already come with previously built-in patches. These are placed there to keep your machine or software functioning correctly. These machines also usually come with patches that automatically fix glitches and fight the viruses that you may not be aware you are up against when you go online to surf, or to play a game.
One of the best examples of common software patches is that "installation update notice" you frequently get when you are on your computer. And, as it usually happens, you will see this message right when you are in the middle of a project. Moreover, you know what happens next - you have to stop what you are doing in order to close out of the programs you have open, so you can restart your computer and make sure that the updates are correctly installed.
Another excellent example of these programs are those messages you get from your computer that a program "has stopped working" for whatever reason - problems your computer will now "attempt to fix". Then, when the problem is fixed, you are notified by your computer - and, it is almost guaranteed that a certain patch was applied to whatever the problem was.
And, there are also those patches that come with your new downloaded software - and the ones that come with a particular console game, as well. Patches like these are created in order to find, and fix, problems in the software or game system BEFORE they have a chance to become detrimental to the health of your machine. And, when updates to these patches become available, you are usually sent a copy of them over the internet - or, sometimes you might find a link to them in an email sent to your account. Many times a person with a certain software or gaming console can go online and do a search for their product, and will find that free updates, upgrades and other "patch fixes" are being given away for download at the product website. However, download these at your own risk - and make sure that you know just who you are downloading the patches from. Many times you can mess up your software, or even your computer, by downloading the wrong version of the patch, or inadvertently downloading one that has been infected with a virus.
So now you are a bit more aware of what software patch management is, as well as having been given a few examples to clarify the topic. If you'd like more information on this subject - or you'd like to try and find a patch for your own software - just hit the internet, and do a search on the subject!
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