Software patches got their name from methods in the mid twentieth century by which a computer’s data was stored on cards or tape via small holes that were inserted into the hardware or mainframe. Rather like the workings of a player piano (also known as a pianola or autopiano) that uses holes perforated in a roll of paper to play the correct keys, the computer required similar holes punched in the tape, and computer repair came in the form of strips of tape or card that could be patched into the existing tape or card by software experts. This was early software coding, and it’s from where the word “patch” is derived. Obviously, it was prone to lots of trial and error. Before the Web, as computers got smaller and more powerful, a software patch came in the form of a floppy or a tape that was posted out to the user from the software manufacturer’s base.

Today, software coding has nothing contained in it that could be construed as hardware in the same way as the progenitors of today’s processors. However, patches are still required. Obviously, glitches and bugs are ironed out by developers over the Web. Sometimes rather than fixing problems, they compound matters. Downloading updates can cause more harm than good. A problem you weren’t aware of becomes a nightmare.

However, if you’ve outsourced many or any of your services to a managed host, these issues are no longer your concern. Costs to you will be lower, and the service will ensure that your own software runs smoothly at the frontend while they do the work at the backend. For example, the providers of the servers on which to run your blog need their software in tip top shape. Otherwise, they will lose business and hits, revenue will drop and their users will abandon the service. You want to be able to upload material to your blog or site: Managed hosting makes this easy. And they’ll provide software patches that you don’t even notice.