What you should know about software updates  [29.08.22]

Software updates means an update offer by the manufacturer for software programs. The update is usually provided free of charge. For example, software errors are corrected and security gaps are closed that have been found and discovered afterwards. An upgrade, on the other hand, is in most cases subject to a charge. The focus of a software upgrade is on a new software version with additional functions.

Updates are only made available for a certain period of time. At the latest when the software is "End of Life (EOL)", a chargeable upgrade becomes necessary.

With Windows there are feature updates. Updates are made available for these in a certain period of time. A change to a current Windows version is mandatory after this period has expired, since the device otherwise represents a security gap in a shared network. Currently, Windows 10 Education supports the current version 21H2 and still the two previous versions 21H1 (until 13.12.2022) and 20H2 (09.05.2023) with the provision of updates. Tip: The current Windows version can be retrieved via the key combination [Win] +[r] and the input winver.

Depending on the operating system and the software used, updates are installed automatically or manually. "Windows Update" updates the operating system, Office and other products from Microsoft. Other software programs, such as a browser or e-mail program from another manufacturer, must be updated manually.

As a general rule, software updates should be installed promptly after they are made available. Especially when the updates are critical and close security gaps, as these can otherwise be exploited by criminals, e.g. to install malware, steal personal data or passwords. Therefore, you should regularly check whether the automatic update is active and whether updates are pending. Some software programs also check at startup whether updates are available.

If you have any questions, please contact the IT service desk.

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