Some Frequently Asked Questions
at pcOffice Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are updates released
for applications, drivers and operating systems?
Is my brand new computer
I bought up to date?
How frequently are updates
released?
What are drivers, applications
and the operating system?
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Why are updates released for applications, drivers
and operating systems?
Operating systems and applications are huge and complex
programs that take years to develop. Despite significant
testing before the software is released, certain unexpected
bugs and errors are discovered after the software is
released to the general public. In order to correct
these problems, the software manufacturer releases updates
to deal with the problems that are discovered in the
software. The software manufacturer sometimes adds new
features to the software and releases updates to provide
these new features. Finally, security problems are often
found in applications that allow others to easily attack
your computer.
Is my brand new computer I bought up to date?
Unfortunately not. A brand new computer only has the
latest OEM release of the operating system installed
onto the computer. Updates might be needed to be installed
onto your brand new computer to make it current. The
hardware drivers might also be out of compliance for
the same reason. Any applications preinstalled on your
computer will likely also require updates.
How frequently are updates released?
It is dependent on the company that provides the software
and the problems encountered in the general public with
the software. Major application vendors such as Microsoft,
release updates and patches on a regular basis to deal
with problems as they are found. Other companies only
release updates for severe issues on an occasional basis.
What are drivers, applications and the operating
system?
Computers systems are complex machines that require
careful maintenance to run reliably.
Operating system: The operating system
is the underlying software that ties together the software
drivers and applications and allows them to run together.
Examples of operating systems include Windows 98, Windows
ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and XP Pro. The operating
system instructs the computer how to handle applications
and hardware. Updates to operating systems are released
on a regular basis to deal with system stability, to
add features and, most importantly, to deal with significant
security issues discovered in the operating system after
the software was released.
Drivers: These are pieces of software
that tell the computer how to interact with other
pieces of hardware attached to your computer. For
example, you must install a driver to be able to print
to a new printer. Until the driver software is installed,
your computer has no way of knowing how to communicate
with the printer. Hardware drivers are updated on
a regular basis to improve stability, improve performance
and/or to add new features. Out of date drivers can
cause significant problems with your computer being
able to operate correctly. Examples of drivers for
your computer include a video driver, sound driver
and printer driver.
Applications: Applications are the
programs that you use to perform work on your computer.
For example, Microsoft Word is an application that
allows you to write letters and Microsoft Outlook
is an application that lets your read and write Email
messages. These applications are typically purchased
separately from the operating system.
