Difference Between Update and Upgrade

Most of the beginners new to Linux dedicated server, gets confused about the several terminologies used for new software's. The most confusing words in the web hosting industry are "updates" and "upgrades". Both of them should not be exchangeable, since, both of their functions are different and carries different meanings and has different effects. Before that you need to know the working of Linux distributions. Actually, the Linux operating systems released under the GNU project consists of a Linux based kernel and various components that works with it. However, there are many necessary software's included by the vendor in the installation of Linux server operating systems, that you receive after the installation is completed on your dedicated server. Also, you get access to a software repository containing the binary packages the distribution merchant has maintained. Updates and upgrades are the two most important thing which are necessary to perform on time, in order to secure your server and increase its life and performance. Usually, new people in the web hosting ignores the updates which leads them to deal with a lots of trouble. Updating your operating system with security patches and upgrading your server operating system version will ensure the security of your server and information stored on it. What are Updates? Basically, updates denotes the insignificant fixes to the server core operating system. Usually, these can be security updates or bug fixes. The Linux distribution version will never change, however some updates may get release to fix the bugs in the existing operating system. An update may be a single file of may consists of multiple software packages. For a web server, you might have a Linux distribution for long-term, but the updates are crucial for the security reasons to make your operating system more stronger and prevent attacks on the server. What are Upgrades? An upgrade is an absolute system-wide version change, it may be of all the software's and applications within your Linux distribution. In an upgrade, your dedicated server may get a new kernel version, libraries, software packages or may consists of new configuration file changes. Most of the times, old version packages are not compatible with the new one. Hence, when upgrading your dedicated server, you need to be very careful. Unless it is mandatory to upgrade the server, you should avoid it upgrading. Upgrade only when there is a new and stable version of Linux is available. Else, just maintain the old version properly with new updates released.