Software Updates (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)

Revision Note

Author

Expertise

Computer Science Content Creator

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

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

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Unpatched/outdated software can lead to: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

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

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)

to absolutely everything:

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

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