Define Hotfix versus a Critical Update

O

O2Flow

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 8, 2004
Messages
371
Can someone explain to me the difference between a hotfix and a critical update?
From what I understand, hotfixes are generally manually researched and applied, unless they are known to fix a bug which affects a large amount of Windows users, at which point they are delivered via a Critical Update. If that is true, what does a critical update contain? just hotfixes?
 
From my understanding/opinion you are mostly correct. I believe the "Critical Update" mantra is reserved for fixes that greatly affect user and system security as well.
 
Your description is pretty much the correct one.

Microsoft considers a "hot fix" to be any patch that can be installed but isn't absolutely necessary for continued operation. Also basically means something discovered in between service packs.

A "critical update" is one that's considered to be critical for safe and secure continued operation, and should be applied ASAP.

At least that's how a friend of mine that's been in the beta lab at Microsoft for 13 years explains it. Go figure.

;D

br0adband
 
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