1.1.14 Managing releases and updates

Question 1

What is a product release?

Answer 1

• The process of launching a new product for a specific market or user base

Question 2

What is an update?

Answer 2

• A small program that fixes bugs
• provides security updates to the software
• and adds new features to the program

Question 3

What is a patch?

Answer 3

• Code inserted into into the code of an executable program
• They are often temporary fixes between full releases

Question 4

What are some purposes of patches?

Answer 4

• To fix a software bug
• To install new drivers
• To address security vulnerabilities
• To upgrade the software

Question 5

Evaluate manual updates

Answer 5

Updates that are downloaded and installed by the end user

Benefits:
- more control and flexibility

Disadvantages:
- the user can forget to install updates, (e.g important security update)
- manual updates take a long time -> user cannot use their device whilst it’s updating

Question 6

Evaluate automatic updates

Answer 6

Uodates that are downloaded and installed without the user needing to intervene

Benefits:
- Updates can be scheduled for times when the device isn’t being used
- Ensures all updates are installed and device is up-to-date and secure with latest security updates

Disadvantages:
- Less control
- Update may break legacy systems or applications

Question 7

What is the aim of managing releases?

Answer 7

• to shorten the development cycle and reduce time taken for the feedback loop
• allows to market products quicker, improves productivity and efficiency, creates more reliable releases, and improves product quality and customer satisfaction