# SUSE zypper update then patch?

**URL:** <https://forums.suse.com/t/suse-zypper-update-then-patch/41146>\
**Category:** SLES Configure-Administer\
**Created:** [July 19, 2023, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.suse.com/t/suse-zypper-update-then-patch/41146 "2023-07-19T11:11:18Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mr\_M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forums.suse.com/mr_m/32/10373_2.png) [@Mr\_M](https://forums.suse.com/u/Mr_M)\
**Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.suse.com/t/suse-zypper-update-then-patch/41146/1 "2023-07-19T11:11:18Z")

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I have a SUSE SLES15 SP2 system that needs patching / updating. I am not sure of the differences between updating the OS and patching the OS.

The way I have read it, updating - updates any rpms installed that it can. Patching applies SUSE security fixes. I am not sure if the zypper tool checks patches against package versions? if so would it not be best to update and then check for any patches ?

My question is; What is best practice here ? update or patch ? Or update and then patch ?

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**Author:** ![smflood](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forums.suse.com/smflood/32/10576_2.png) [@smflood](https://forums.suse.com/u/smflood)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://forums.suse.com/t/suse-zypper-update-then-patch/41146/2 "2023-11-03T18:50:16Z")

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Does [SLES 15 SP2 | Administration Guide | Managing Software with Command Line Tools](https://documentation.suse.com/sles/15-SP2/html/SLES-all/cha-sw-cl.html#sec-zypper-softup) help?

Personally I update rather than patch.