Rob Jensen’s Blog » If it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it. Installing Service Packs
If it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it. Installing Service Packs
Today I was on the SolidWorks Forums and got to thinking about installing Service Packs (SP) in SolidWorks.
I was wondering if users run right out to the SolidWorks Customer Portal and just download the latest and greatest SP or do they look at the bug fixes (SPR) and make their decision on that.
When I get a e-mail (or whatever) telling me there is a new SP ready, I will wait a few days to even look at the Fixed SPR list. The reason I do this is usually there is a lot of traffic on that site when a SP update is announced and I don’t want to even attempt to download the patch.
Next, I see if there are any fixed SPR’s that will affect us. If there isn’t, I won’t even bother upgrading. Currently, I’m running on SP 3.0. All of my users are fine (at least I think so cause there isn’t a line outside my office) so I don’t touch my installation.
If you do upgrade, make sure you test the install before deploying it. You don’t want to have a user come by and tell you his macro worked yesterday and it doesn’t today. I’ve been there and done that. That user will haunt you until it’s fixed..:-)
Bottom line is if all is good in your SolidWorks World, then just let it be. You;ll be glad you did.
3 Comments
1. Lou Gallo replies at 1st August 2009, 3:03 am :
I agree. The same thing goes for new releases. If the new release adds features that are going to make you more productive or address issues that the previous version did not, then do it. I think doing your homework before pulling the trigger on any update is a good idea…however on a personal note, technology pulls me in and I sometimes go against my better judgement just to see the shiny…
2. Stephen Burke replies at 1st August 2009, 7:41 pm :
Apart from fixed SPR’s, there is now new functionality been introduced in Service Packs. Noteably in SW2009 SP4 decals are supported in PhotoView360. Also circuitworks was introduced in a Service Pack last year.
Of course I totally agree. Users should decide to upgrade to a SP, test it, test their files and then roll out. For a small company, this can take a little time.
3. Rob replies at 3rd August 2009, 7:52 pm :
That is another great point. SolidWorks will add new functionality in SP releases also and not really tell you about it…:-)
Leave a comment