Updating to the latest patches versus compatibility

php_rules · #1 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 13:11

I always hate this problem: do you upgrade to the latest updates to fix the vulnerabilities your system has and risk breaking your server, or do you stick with the system you have, keep everything working and risk leaving the hole unplugged? Usually there are workarounds that you can apply to your system temporarily while you work on a second (identical) system to find an upgrade path, but all this takes time and also requires the use of a second system. Oh the joys of being a system admin.

carl owen · #2 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 17:30

According to me, it is always better to update the patches you notice on your server. However, if you are not sure whether you should do this or not then, I would suggest you to contact the Technical support department of your web hosting provider which will be the best option.

php_rules · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-09, 17:33

Usually its fine to apply updates, but sometimes it can break things (like if you need to upgrade apache, or mysql, or php, or your kernel =| but as I said most things can be updated to newer versions with out breaking mission critical components, its the odd time when its going to break that you have to watch out for!

BodShane · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-09, 09:29

With Apache, MySQL or PHP, updates are not a problem. But when it comes to Updating / Compiling kernel, it is always suggestive that you should conact your service provider ( Possible Risk of Server Crash )

clarabean · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-09, 10:28

This is the part that scares me off of administering a server. If I was to get one, it would definitely be through Bodhost now that I know they will do the dirty work of managing it for me.

BodShane · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-09, 13:56

That's true.

carl owen · #7 (**permalink**) 02-19-09, 16:44

Once you are with BODhost, just contact us for anything with regards to the server and we will take care of the rest.