Glossary of Terms - Server Software

Some software vendors will duplicate security fixes and bugs from their most recent, supported versions of their software to certain older versions which would otherwise pose a security risk, as a courtesy to their customers.

Deprecated software versions are those for which newer versions are available, and the software vendor has declared they are ending support for that particular version.

System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.

Example: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS

A variation on an operating system that is distributed by a vendor. Ubuntu and Debian are distributions of Linux. BSD is a distribution of Unix. Windows and Mac OS do not have distributions.

The software version which could be supported, but it needs a minor update (patch) first.

A software package is specific to an operating system distribution.

A patch is an improvement made to software on a specific operating system distribution.

Software versions which are supported have the latest bug fixes and security fixes, and present the least risk to businesses that use them.

Software versions which are unsupported are known to have bugs or security holes, and the continued use of unsupported software creates a liability for businesses that don't upgrade to newer versions.