Tech Term of the Week: What are Software Updates and Software Upgrades?
Two terms that float around the computer world, sound similar, but have totally different meanings are “software update” and “software upgrade.” You may even hear professionals incorrectly using the terms interchangeably, but there are important differences between the two that you should know.
Software update
An update is offered to you, free of charge, by the manufacturer of your original software. Manufacturers constantly monitor and improve their software programs to manage security issues that may come up over time. An update may also repair a problem that was discovered in the program code. A repair update is sometimes called a “patch.” A patch replaces parts of the program to repair flaws while maintaining the integrity of the original program itself.
An update may improve a specific feature of the software, but if the software is not installed on your computer, you cannot update it. You are encouraged to download the update as soon as the manufacturer tells you it is available. The manufacturer does not want you to be using a flawed program that may have security issues.
For example, if you have Adobe Reader, you have probably noticed that you are asked frequently to update your program and it only takes a few seconds. Adobe constantly monitors it's program for security breaches, fixes them and provides updates to the software. You can only update Adobe if you have it installed on your computer.
Software upgrade
As opposed to the free software update, a software upgrade will cost you money. It is an entirely new improved version that totally replaces the older one. It's features are not just to get out the flaws or improve security but to provide an entirely new version with new basic features. You will need to install the entire software program the same way you do any new program.
Purchasing an upgrade is entirely optional and depends on the desires of the user. For example, Windows 8 is an upgrade to Windows 7. You may be very happy with your Windows 7 and, after reviewing the new improved features of Windows 8, decide you do not want or need it, so you do not purchase the upgrade. On the other hand, you may want the features of Windows 8. You purchase it from Microsoft and install it over Windows 7. You now have only the features of Windows 8.
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