# Software update

> A new version of a program sent to your device to fix problems or add features.

- Level: Basic
- Topics: Software
- URL: https://tidbit.legios.com.ar/software-update/
- In Spanish: [Actualización de software](https://tidbit.legios.com.ar/es/software-update/)

Software is never finished. After a program ships, its makers keep finding bugs, discovering security holes and building new features. A **software update** is how those changes reach the copy already on your phone, computer, TV or car: the device downloads a newer version and replaces the old one, usually keeping your data and settings.

Updates come in sizes. A small one may fix a single bug or a single security flaw, and is often called a patch. A big one, like a new yearly version of iOS or Windows, can change how the whole system looks and works. Phones and many other devices receive them over the internet without any cable, which is called an **over-the-air update**. Many apps and systems now apply **automatic updates** at night or in the background.

The most important reason to update is security. Once a flaw is fixed and the fix is public, attackers study it and go after everyone who has not updated yet, so an old version becomes more dangerous over time. Updates can occasionally bring new problems, which is why companies release them gradually and some people wait a few days. But staying several versions behind, or using a device that no longer gets updates, is a much bigger risk.

## An analogy

The recall notices a car maker sends: "bring your car in, we found a part that can fail." A software update is that, except the mechanic comes to your driveway at night and swaps the part while you sleep.

## Keep in mind

- Updates fix bugs, close security holes and add features.
- Small updates are often called patches; big ones change whole versions.
- Security is the main reason not to postpone them.
- A device that no longer receives updates becomes riskier every month.

## Go deeper

- [Patch (computing) on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_(computing))
- [Over-the-air update on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-air_update)

## Related terms

- [Bug](https://tidbit.legios.com.ar/bug/): A mistake in software that makes it behave differently from what was intended.
- [Internet](https://tidbit.legios.com.ar/internet/): A worldwide network of networks that lets any connected device reach any other.