Windows PCs
If you have a Windows PC, you might often see messages or other references to ‘Windows Update’. There are wo types of Updates that you may receive:
- 'Quality' Updates - The Windows Operating system is a very complex software program, consisting of millions of lines of code, and the developers don’t always get it perfect first time! When they find some issues to be resolved, it may be security issues, usability issues or something else, the developers issue a Fix to correct the problem(s). In order for all PCs to get this Fix as soon as possible, the Developers transfer a file to your PC at regular intervals, that contains one or more fixes, or Updates, to the Operating System. This type of update may happen as often as once per month.
- 'Feature Updates' - The Windows Operating System is also evolving, with new features and improvements being introduced. These updates happen much less frequently than Quality Updates, maybe twice in a year, and are more significant updates to the software.
The default process for receiving updates is that your PC will periodically ask the system if there are any updates to be processed, usually when the PC is not doing anything else at the time, or when the PC is first switched on. If there are updates to be downloaded, the PC will automatically do this for you, and you may get a message to say that ‘Updates are available’, or the PC may install them automatically at a fixed time during the day or night. Sometimes, it will be necessary for the PC to be restarted in order to properly install the code changes, so users will get a message to allow you to choose a time to do this. Make sure you finish what you are doing and save any work before allowing the restart!
Advanced users may choose to become 'Insiders'. This allows their systems to be updated more frequently with changes that may be still under development. The idea of this is that the developers need feedback from users on bug fixes and new features from advanced users in order to help the development process. Users should not become Insiders unless they are comfortable with accepting software updates under development and these updates should not be installed on PCs containing critical software or documents.
Apple PCs
Software updates for Apple PCs are similar in nature to Windows PCs - there will be bug fix updates and feature updates, and users are notified that an update is available by a pop-up message on screen or in the task bar.
Other software suppliers, and phone/tablet software such as for Apple or Android, also have a similar system to keep their software up to date, so watch out for any messages that are associated with Updates, and make sure they are installed as soon as possible.
Naming Conventions
Apple gives each new Feature Update a new name, of an animal or plant or something similar, while Windows updates are usually identified numerically, e.g. 24H2 indicates the 2nd build in 2024. Windows 7/8/10/11 indicate major 'Generation' versions and are only released every few years.
Want to find out more?
The BNBu3a Computer & Technology Group has people who will be able to help you with software updates, whatever device you have, and explain more about this important topic. Have a look at the Computer & Technology Group page to find out more about our meetings.