A software update or a patch can be an upgrade (adding increased features), a bug fix, a new hardware driver or update to address new issues such as security or stability problems.
Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows. It provides updates for the operating system and its installed components. Microsoft Update is an optional feature that can be enabled to provide updates for other Microsoft software installed on a Windows computer, such as Microsoft Office, Windows Live applications, and Microsoft Expression.
Security updates are delivered whenever a software update is required to prevent an exploit targeting Windows users. Windows Update can be configured to automatically install updates, ensuring that a computer is always up-to-date and not vulnerable to computer worms and other such Malware.
Most of the times patches are free to download, however the developer will determine which versions of their software will be updated for free (older releases of a program usually get fewer updates). In certain cases, only registered users may get upgrades. If not, the only way to upgrade is to purchase the newer version at a discounted upgrade price and reinstall the program. Typically, a patch can be installed over the top of an existing program, but again this will depend on the supplier and the nature of the patch.
Our Remote Computer Geek can check the current version of the software and install the latest updates.
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