Software Updates (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)
Revision Note
Written by: Robert Hampton
Reviewed by: James Woodhouse
Software updates
Why is software updated?
Software is updated to:
Fix bugs or software vulnerabilities
Increase compatibility with newer operating systems
Improve performance
Introduce new features
Improve usability
Updates are typically downloaded from the internet by a user or automatically from within the software itself
Operating system can schedule updates to suit user needs and minimise disruption
What are the risks of updating software?
Software updates typically require the removal of components to be replaced with new ones
This process can cause
Incompatibility - may not work with older hardware or software
Workflow disruption - new features/interface tweaks may need time to adjust to, slowing down productivity
Update issues - in rare cases the installation process can go wrong, leading to data loss
What are the risks of NOT updating software?
Software is often released in a less than perfect state and flaws/vulnerabilities may exist which can provide an opportunity for hackers
Unpatched/outdated software can lead to:
Data breaches
Installation of malware
Worked Example
Fyn want to play a game he installed a year ago
A. Describe how Fyn can update the game software
[2]
B. Give 2 reasons why Fyn should update the game software
[2]
Answers
A.
Download (the update file) [1]
Install (the file) [1]
B.
Any two from:
To get new features (perfective)
Improve compatibility e.g. with operating system/hardware changes (adaptive)
To fix/patch bugs (corrective)
To protect against new security vulnerabilities (preventative)
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