Patches and Security Packs

Keep your system up to date with Patches and Security Packs

Patches

Patches are small pieces of software intended to update or fix problems with a software program. Patches are released to fix programming bugs in a program, add graphics, change the functionality or improve performance. Vendors often provide free patches on their website. Occasionally a patch can fix one problem, but cause another. Some patches are released to address a specific problem, if you are not experiencing the problem it is best not to install the patch.

Service Pack

A Service Pack (also known as an SP) is usually a collection of patches, updates, fixes and/or improvements for a software program. Some companies, such as Microsoft®, often release a service pack when the number of patches for a given product get too large.

Check your Patch and Service Pack Levels

How to check your patch and service pack level if you have been blocked or 'Can't Access the Internet?'