CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. Applying patches
and updates.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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– Patches and updates.
– Upgrading vs. downgrading.
PACE-IT.

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Applying patches and updates.

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Today’s modern operating
systems are very complex
and are composed of tens of
millions of lines of code.
Even the network devices and appliances that are used have
very complex software packages and configurations.
The complexity of the modern operating system (OS) has led to
the necessity for updates, patches, and hotfixes. These are used
to add features, fix bugs (glitches in the systems), and repair
security holes that become known.
One goal of administrators is to keep systems as up to date as
possible through the use of updates, patches, and hotfixes—
reducing the system’s vulnerability and increasing its
functionality, while reducing costs.
Applying patches and updates.

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– Patches, updates, hotfixes, and service
packs.
» A patch is small section of code that is used to either increase
functionality or fix a problem within a software package.
• A patch will change the version of the software package in a
minor manor (e.g., version 1.0.0 will become version 1.0.1).
» An update is a large section of code that is used to either
increase functionality or fix problems within a software
package.
• An update will change the version of the software in a more
major manor (e.g., version 1.0.0 will become version 2.0.0 or
Windows 7 becomes Windows 8.1).
» A hotfix (also called a vulnerability patch) is similar to a patch,
but is actually smaller than a patch. They are designed to be
deployed to fix very specific issues within an operating system
or other software package.
» A service pack is a cumulative Windows update package that
contains all patches, updates, and hotfixes between two points
in time.
• Microsoft releases service packs as a method of easing the
installation of an OS, helping to keep it current.
Applying patches and updates.

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In most cases, it is possible
to automate the patch and
update process through
registering the product with
the vendor who created it.
Microsoft OSs can be set to automatically check for updates to
download and install. Most hardware vendors offer the same type
of service for firmware and drivers. In most cases, these services
can also be set to just inform the system of the patches and
updates—allowing administrators to manually download and
install them.
In a production setting (e.g., an office or enterprise network), all
patches and updates should be installed and tested in isolation
(e.g., a testing lab) before they are installed on production
equipment.
Applying patches and updates.

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Applying patches and updates.

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Quite often, it is highly
desirable to install the latest
patches and updates in
order to keep systems
running efficiently.
However, sometimes issues arise with the installation of a patch
or update, leading to problems that were not caught during the
testing phase.
Backup copies of all systems and configuration files should be
maintained in order to downgrade (roll back to the previous
version) when this occurs. Being able to rollback to a prior
version is often easier and more efficient than trying to resolve a
problem that was introduced with an update.
Applying patches and updates.
Administrators should keep backup copies that include the base
package, a backup of the system before the patch was installed,
and a backup of the system after the patch was installed.

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Applying patches and updates.
Modern computing systems contain millions of lines complex code, leading
to the need for patches, updates, and hotfixes. A patch is a small section of
code used to fix a problem. An update is larger than a patch and often
includes increased functionality. A hotfix is usually smaller than patch and is
used to fix a very specific problem. The update process can be automated
in most cases, but it is wise to test updates before deploying to a production
environment.
Topic
Patches and updates.
Summary
While it can be desirable to have all operating systems and software
packages up to date on patches, updates, and hotfixes, sometimes this
process can introduce new problems into the computing environment. If this
happens, it can lead to the need to downgrade a system to a previous
stable version. Administrators need to keep backups of all software and
configuration files in order to facilitate the downgrade process.
Upgrading vs. downgrading.

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THANK YOU!

12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
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