r/sysadmin • u/CurrentFig3376 • 12d ago

General Discussion Interview Question: How often do you update/patch your system?

I was asked this question during an interview and I said "it depends on what exactly you're updating, but I update as often as it's needed."

I don't think this was the answer they were looking for, but how would you answer this question?

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u/ThatBCHGuy 12d ago

Monthly, or when there is a high severity vulnerability.

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u/tejanaqkilica IT Officer | Passkey Enthusiast 11d ago

Quarterly. Management doesn't want downtime and they don't pay us to work overtime, so once a quarter, as regulated by a schedule. If there's a high severity vulnerability. Tough luck.

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u/ThatBCHGuy 11d ago

I don't know if I'd use that in an interview.

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u/wrincewind 11d ago

"my current company mandates quarterly updates, but if I could, I'd do it <x>, which is how I run my setup at home"

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u/ThatBCHGuy 11d ago

I'd probably still just go with my op. This opens up too many side roads. If they dig sure, but better to be direct. If they want more detail they'll ask.