A software update provides bug fixes and minor software enhancements and is freely made available to current users of the software (for both Free/Open Source Software and Proprietary Software). Software updates may also include new drivers to support the latest hardware such as printers or updates to fix security loopholes. A software update is sometimes called a software patch because it is applied over software that you already have installed. A software update does not provide a full software package installation.

A software upgrade involves changing to a newer version of software you currently use. Depending on the type of software license, this upgrade will be free or at a financial cost.

The upgrade is free for Open Source/Free Software. For example, if you currently use Ubuntu 8.10 and you install Ubuntu 9.04, you have just upgraded your Ubuntu Linux software and it is free. You can download it off the internet or share a CD/DVD with a friend.

However, for Proprietary software, you will be required to purchase the new/upgrade software. For example, if you currently use Windows XP you will need to buy Windows Vista to upgrade your Windows software. There is usually a cost for upgrading proprietary software, except in rare circumstances when the software manufacture/developer chooses to give it free to a particular user.
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Compiled by WOUGNET TechSupport Team