Editing Upgrade (section)

==Computing and consumer electronics==
Examples of common hardware upgrades include installing additional memory ([[RAM]]), adding larger [[hard disks]], replacing microprocessor cards or [[graphics cards]], and installing new versions of software. Other upgrades are possible as well.

Common software upgrades include changing the version of an [[operating system]], an [[office suite]], of an anti-virus program, or of various other tools.

Common firmware upgrades include the updating of the [[iPod]] control menus, the [[Xbox 360]] dashboard, or the non-volatile flash memory that contains the [[embedded operating system]] for a [[consumer electronics]] device.

Users can often download software and firmware upgrades from the [[Internet]]. Often the download is a [[patch (computing)|patch]]—it does not contain the new version of the software in its entirety, just the changes that need to be made. Software patches usually aim to improve functionality or solve problems with [[software security vulnerability|security]]. Rushed patches can cause more harm than good and are therefore sometimes regarded{{By whom|date=January 2010}} with skepticism for a short time after release.<ref>{{cite web| title = Windows Vista patch ready for download | author = Lea Rush | date = 2007-08-07 | publisher= IT News Digest | url = http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/tech-news/?p=976 | access-date = 2008-07-30}}</ref>{{OR|date=April 2024}} Patches are generally free.

A software or firmware upgrade can be major or minor and the [[Software versioning#Schemes|release version]] code-number increases accordingly. A major upgrade will change the version number, whereas a minor update will often append a ".01", ".02", ".03", etc. For example, "version 10.03" might designate the third minor upgrade of version 10. In [[proprietary software|commercial software]], the minor upgrades (or updates) are generally free, but the major versions must be purchased.

Companies usually make software upgrades for the following reasons: 1.) to support industry regulatory requirements 2.) to access [[emerging technologies]] with new features, and tools 3.) to meet the demands of changing markets 4.) to continue to receive comprehensive product support.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Marini|first1=Paul|title=Best Practices for a Successful Software Upgrade|url=http://blog.spartasystems.com/feed/best-practices-for-a-successful-software-upgrade|publisher=Sparta Systems|access-date=22 June 2015}}</ref>