How can you patch an operating system?

1 Why patch an operating system?

Patching an operating system is important for several reasons. First, it can protect your system from hackers and malware that exploit known vulnerabilities. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 targeted unpatched Windows systems and encrypted millions of files. Second, it can fix bugs and errors that affect the functionality and reliability of your system. For example, a patch can resolve a memory leak, a blue screen of death, or a corrupted file. Third, it can enhance the performance and usability of your system. For example, a patch can optimize the speed, the battery life, or the user interface of your system.

2 How to find patches for an operating system?

There are different sources and methods to find patches for an operating system. One of the most common ways is to use the built-in update feature of your system. For example, Windows Update, Mac OS Software Update, or Linux Package Manager can automatically check for and install patches from the official vendors. Another way is to visit the websites of the operating system developers or third-party software providers and download the patches manually. For example, you can go to Microsoft, Apple, or Ubuntu websites and search for the patches that match your system version and configuration. A third way is to subscribe to newsletters, blogs, or forums that notify you of the latest patches and updates. For example, you can follow the US-CERT, the SANS Institute, or the Patch Management mailing list to stay informed of the patch news and recommendations.

3 How to prepare for patching an operating system?

Prior to patching an operating system, it's important to do some preparation work to reduce the risks and guarantee a successful process. To start, you should back up your data and read the patch documentation to ensure compatibility with your system and applications. Additionally, you should test the patch on a non-critical or isolated system and monitor for any errors or issues before deploying it on your production system. Finally, you should plan the patch deployment at a time that minimizes disruption to your system availability and user experience. Make sure to notify your users and stakeholders of the patch schedule and duration.

4 How to apply patches to an operating system?

There are various ways to apply patches to an operating system, depending on the source, type, and scope of the patch. For instance, you can use the update feature of your system to install patches automatically or manually. You can also use a patch management tool like Microsoft SCCM, IBM BigFix, or SolarWinds Patch Manager to scan, download, deploy, and monitor patches across multiple systems or networks. Additionally, you can use a command line or a script to apply patches to your system or a remote system; for example, PowerShell, Bash, or Python to run commands or scripts that install patches. You can also employ ssh , scp , or rsync to transfer patches to a remote system.

5 How to verify patches on an operating system?

After you apply patches to an operating system, you need to verify that the patches are installed correctly and that they do not cause any problems. To do this, you can check the patch status on your system or patch management tool (e.g., Windows Update History, Mac OS Software Update History, Linux Package Manager History). Additionally, you can test the system functionality by rebooting your system, launching applications, connecting to the internet, and accessing files. You can also measure the CPU, memory, disk, and network usage of your system with benchmarks and metrics (e.g., Task Manager, Activity Monitor, System Monitor). Lastly, you can scan your system for vulnerabilities and malware with security tools (e.g., Windows Defender, Mac OS XProtect, Linux ClamAV) to ensure its security.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?