Update
- Software file that contains updated information and various fixes that resolves issues that have been located by the software developer to help prevent those errors from occurring in the future. Because these updates fix problems with the program, they are often offered to the user for free.
- The process of running an update on the computer that installs the latest up-to-date code and fixes. For example, Computer Hope may recommend updating your software to resolve an issue you may be experiencing.
Tip: Upgrading and updating a software program are two different things. When upgrading a software program you will almost always have to purchase the upgrade. However, most updates are small and usually free programs that can be run to update the program. See the upgrading definition for additional information on this term.
Also see: Hotfix, Fix, Preventive maintenance, Security definitions