Types of Updates

An update is a collection of files and directories that replaces or updates existing files and directories that are preventing proper execution of the existing software. An update might also introduce a new feature to the system. Such an update is called a feature update. The existing software is derived from a specified package format, which conforms to the application binary interface (ABI).

You can manage updates on your Solaris system by using the Update Manager application, the smpatch command, or the patchadd command.

Do not use the Update Manager GUI, the smpatch command, and the patchadd command simultaneously to manage updates on your system. While the Update Manager GUI is running, changes made by smpatch and patchadd might not be reflected correctly in Update Manager.

Signed and Unsigned Updates

A signed update is one that has a digital signature applied to it. An update that has its digital signature verified has not been modified since the signature was applied. The digital signature of a signed update is verified after the update is downloaded to your system.

Updates and patches for Solaris releases are available as signed updates and as unsigned updates. Unsigned updates do not have a digital signature.

Signed updates are stored in Java^TM archive format (JAR) files and are available from the Sun update server. Unsigned updates are stored in directory format and are also available from the Sun update server as .zip files.