Cisco IPS-4255-K9 - Intrusion Protection Sys 4255 Installation Manual page 223

Chapter 11 Obtaining Software
Note
Minor Update
A minor update is incremental to the major version. Minor updates are also base versions for service
packs. The first minor update for 7.0 is 7.1(1). Minor updates are released for minor enhancements to
the product. Minor updates contain all previous minor features (except deprecated features), service pack
fixes, signature updates since the last major version, and the new minor features being released. You can
install the minor updates on the previous major or minor version (and often even on earlier versions).
The minimum supported version needed to upgrade to the newest minor version is listed in the Readme
that accompanies the minor update. With each minor update there are corresponding system and
recovery packages.
Service Pack
A service pack is cumulative following a base version release (minor or major). Service packs are used
for the release of defect fixes with no new enhancements. Service packs contain all service pack fixes
since the last base version (minor or major) and the new defect fixes being released. Service packs
require the minor version. The minimum supported version needed to upgrade to the newest service pack
is listed in the Readme that accompanies the service pack. Service packs also include the latest engine
update. For example, if service pack 7.0(3) is released, and E3 is the latest engine level, the service pack
is released as 7.0(3)E3.
Patch Release
A patch release is used to address defects that are identified in the upgrade binaries after a software
release. Rather than waiting until the next major or minor update, or service pack to address these
defects, a patch can be posted. Patches include all prior patch releases within the associated service pack
level. The patches roll into the next official major or minor update, or service pack.
Before you can install a patch release, the most recent major or minor update, or service pack must be
installed. For example, patch release 7.0(1p1) requires 7.0(1).
Note
OL-18504-01
The 7.0(1) major update is used to upgrade 5.1(6) and later sensors to 7.0(1) If you are
reinstalling 7.0(1) on a sensor that already has 7.0(1) installed, use the system image or recovery
procedures rather than the major update.
Upgrading to a newer patch does not require you to uninstall the old patch. For example, you can
upgrade from patch 7.0(1p1) to 7.0(1p2) without first uninstalling 7.0(1p1).
Cisco Intrusion Prevention System Appliance and Module Installation Guide for IPS 7.0
IPS Software Versioning
11-3