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From my own experience, good patch management software is a key part of making it easier to keep software on computers and IT networks across the world up to date. I care about the safety and performance of my devices, so I know how important it is to run Windows and app security patches as soon as they become available to protect against new vulnerabilities and exploits.
The usual way of managing patches, where each app handles its own changes, can be hard to keep up with. It usually needs to be set up carefully, and sometimes speed problems happen by accident when software updaters are turned off. For a simpler answer to this problem, however, patch control software is available. It puts everything in one place, which lets multiple program be fully scanned to find missing patches and, in some cases, the update process be done automatically.
For me, these tools are especially helpful because they are more than just notes. They actively let you know when new patches are available and help you organise the process of updating. While it might cause a small problem from time to time, like needing user input, the time and effort it saves can be very substantial. In some cases, changing only takes seconds, making sure that your computer experience is smooth and safe. Having bought and used reliable patch management software, I know that it is an important investment for keeping my digital surroundings safe and healthy.
Best Patch Management Software Comparison Table
The administration of patches is an essential component of cybersecurity that does not receive nearly as much attention as it ought to. It’s also much harder than it appears, witness the data breaches that happen daily because of old vulnerabilities that a company failed to patch.
Feature | Operating systems supported | Vulnerability scanning | Patch deployment | Patch prioritization | Pricing | Website Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avira Software Updater | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Automatic, manual | Yes | Based on number of devices | Visit Website |
Avast Business Patch Management | Windows, macOS | Yes | Automatic, manual | Yes | Based on number of devices | Visit Website |
SanerNow Patch Management | Windows | Yes | Automatic, manual | Yes | Based on number of devices | Visit Website |
Syxsense Manage | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Automatic, manual | Yes | Based on number of devices | Visit Website |
Tanium Patch | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Automatic, manual | Yes | Based on number of devices | Visit Website |
Best Patch Management Software
A patch, which is also known as a bug fix, is a set of code that is meant to fix, update, or make an application or program better. Checking all the devices and program linked to your network for security holes and then putting the right patch on any holes you find is what patch management is all about.
Avira Software Updater
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Automated Patch Management | Keeps software and applications up-to-date. |
Vulnerability Scanning | Identifies software vulnerabilities. |
Scheduled Updates | Allows for updates at convenient times. |
Reporting and Alerts | Provides detailed reports and real-time alerts. |
Multi-Platform Support | Works on various operating systems. |
For example, the free Avira Software Updater utility has been quite helpful in ensuring that all of my operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, remain in good condition. It will check not only the operating system but also any third-party apps you have installed to see if there are any patches that are missing. In addition to that, it offers capabilities such as vulnerability scanning and patch prioritization, which combine to make it a complete solution.
The Good
- User-friendly interface.
- Supports multiple platforms.
- Automated updates and scheduling.
- Real-time alerts for vulnerabilities.
The Bad
- Limited features compared to some other solutions.
- May not be suitable for large-scale enterprises.
Avast Business Patch Management
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Comprehensive Patching | Covers a wide range of software and applications. |
Customizable Policies | Allows for tailored patch management policies. |
Centralized Control | Manage patches for multiple devices from one place. |
Reporting and Analytics | Detailed reports and insights for patch management. |
Third-Party Software Support | Includes patching for third-party applications. |
Even though it costs money, Avast Business Patch Management has been a great purchase. It works on both Windows and macOS and has the same features. It instantly looks for missing patches and installs them. It also has tools for vulnerability scanning, patch prioritisation, and reporting. The extra reporting tool has helped me a lot in keeping track of how my devices are being patched.
The Good
- Extensive software coverage.
- Customizable policies.
- Centralized management.
- Third-party software patching.
The Bad
- May require some configuration.
- Cost may vary based on the number of devices.
SanerNow Patch Management
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Vulnerability Assessment | Identifies vulnerabilities across the network. |
Patch Deployment | Automates patch deployment across devices. |
Compliance Management | Ensures software compliance with policies. |
Asset Management | Tracks and manages IT assets for patching. |
Reporting and Dashboards | Provides detailed reports and informative dashboards. |
SanerNow Patch Management is a premium Windows solution that includes a comparable set of capabilities that keep my Windows system secure and up to date. It is even safer because to the vulnerability scanning and patch prioritisation features that it has.
The Good
- Comprehensive vulnerability assessment.
- Automated patch deployment.
- Compliance management.
- Asset tracking for patching.
The Bad
- May have a steeper learning curve.
- Pricing may vary based on the scale of deployment.
Syxsense Manage
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Automated Patch Management | Streamlines the patching process. |
Inventory and Asset Management | Tracks and manages IT assets efficiently. |
Security Scanning | Conducts security scans to identify vulnerabilities. |
Remote Control | Allows remote management and support. |
Customizable Reports | Generates customized reports for insights. |
The cloud-based tool Syxsense Manage has proven to be an excellent resource for managing patches across several Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. Because of its extensive feature set, which includes endpoint visibility, I now have a crystal clear understanding of the patch status on each and every one of my devices.
The Good
- Streamlined patch management.
- Comprehensive inventory and asset management.
- Security scanning for vulnerabilities.
- Remote support capabilities.
The Bad
- May not offer as many advanced features as some other tools.
- Pricing may vary based on deployment scale.
Tanium Patch
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Patch Prioritization | Prioritizes patches based on criticality. |
Vulnerability Identification | Identifies vulnerabilities in real-time. |
Patch Deployment | Automates patch deployment across the network. |
Detailed Reporting | Provides in-depth reports and analytics. |
Scalability | Scales to accommodate large enterprise networks. |
Tanium Patch, a paid program that works with Windows, macOS, and Linux, has always kept my computers up to date. Its full set of features, such as vulnerability scanning, fix prioritisation, reporting, and endpoint visibility, makes patch management more complete. Most importantly, the endpoint visibility tool has been very helpful in keeping my systems safe and healthy.
The Good
- Prioritizes critical patches.
- Real-time vulnerability identification.
- Automated patch deployment.
- Scalable for large enterprises.
The Bad
- May be more suitable for larger organizations.
- Can have a steeper learning curve for smaller businesses.
Key Features to Look For Patch Management Software
Patch management that works well is essential for keeping software and systems in an organization safe and running well. When choosing patch management tools, these are the most important things to think about:
- Patch deployment by automation: The software should automatically apply fixes and updates to your whole network, so you don’t have to do it by hand and run the risk of making a mistake.
- Scan for and find patches: It should be able to scan for lost or out-of-date system patches and software and find them. This includes firmware, running systems, and third-party apps.
- Setting Patch Priorities: The software should put patches in order of importance and seriousness, making sure that the most important security holes are fixed first.
- Windows for scheduling and maintenance: To keep operations running as smoothly as possible, look for scheduling choices that let you plan patch deployments for times when maintenance isn’t happening.
- Places to test: Some patch management tools let you test patches on a small scale to see how they work before putting them in place across the whole business.
- Stats and Reporting: Strong reporting tools are needed to keep track of fix compliance, find security holes, and make reports that are ready for auditing for compliance reasons.
- Making changes: The software should be flexible enough to be changed to fit the patch management rules and workflows of your company.
How to Choose the Right Patch Management Software
Picking the correct fix management software is very important for keeping your company’s systems safe and reliable. Here are some steps that will help you decide what to do:
- Look at what you need: First, figure out what your company needs from patch management. Think about how many devices you have, how complicated your network is, what tools and systems you use, and what compliance rules you need to follow.
- Draw up a budget: Figure out how much you can spend on patch management software, taking into account the setup fees, ongoing subscription fees, and any other costs that come up during installation and support.
- Look into Vendors: Check out a number of different patch control software providers and products. Check out reviews, ask for suggestions, and think about things like reputation, customer service, and knowledge of the business.
- Write down your goals: Make your patch control goals very clear. Are you most concerned with system safety, security, compliance, or all of these things? Knowing your goals will help you decide which qualities are most important.
- Look at the features: Make a list of the most important patch management software features and functions you need. Look at the list of “Key Features to Look For” again and see how well each option meets your needs.
Questions and Answers
It is the process of installing new firmware, drivers, operating systems (OS), and applications on your computers. Patch management is very important for keeping systems up to date, lowering attack areas, and making sure employees are productive.
Windows Update is usually used for computers that work on their own. In a business setting, on the other hand, WSUS is usually used for Microsoft patch management with the goal of centralising patch management. System Centre Configuration Manager (SCCM) from Microsoft is a paid tool that you can use instead of WSUS.