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QUESTION: What's the difference between an "update" and an "upgrade" when applied to computer software or hardware?

ANSWER: On the surface, it would seem that an "update" and an "upgrade" are synonymous. Webster's defines "update" as making something conform to the most recent methods. "Upgrade" is defined as making something raise in value, rank or quality. And therein lies the subtle difference when these words are applied to computer products. I should preface this explanation with the caveat that there are no hard and fast rules or guidelines here. There will always be exceptions to the following but they hold true for the most part. When a company announces an update to its product, it's usually free or has a nominal service charge. The version number is also usually raised but only fractionally rather than by a whole number. For example, the Macintosh operating system "Mac OS 8.5" was updated to "Mac OS 8.5.1" and then later on to "Mac OS 8.6." Updates usually consist of bug fixes to existing problems in the former version and may often even have small cosmetic changes. Updates are part of how manufacturers and publishers maintain and insure that its products will perform properly and in a way as promised by the original version.

An "upgrade" is usually a major enhancement to a product. Upgrades usually offer many new features and abilities not found in the previous product version. Upgrades are usually given a half or whole number boost or even a complete name change. Sticking with our Macintosh example, "Mac OS 8.6" was upgraded to "Mac OS 9." People wanting to upgrade had to pay anywhere from $19.95 to $99. Companies typically offer upgrades at a discount to prevent users from switching to another brand of product. Upgraders must usually offer some sort of proof that they owned the previous version to qualify for a lower upgrade price.

Staying with Apple and upgrades, Apple has just released their AppleWorks upgrade. AppleWorks 6 ($79) succeeds AppleWorks 5 and offers over 100 new features and enhancements. It keeps its six core capabilities: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, drawing and painting. Users of 5 will be able to productively use 6 without cracking the manual and should be able to adapt to the new interface features like a customizable button bar and 6's near seamless integration to the Internet. Clicking on the Web tab of the Starting Points menu gives you access to the online AppleWorks newsletter and Apple's hefty library of templates. If you have a fast Internet connection, it's hard to tell if you're accessing data on your computer or Apple's web site from within AppleWorks 6.

As with most upgrades, there are some problems in AppleWorks 6 such as sluggishness when trying to Open or Save a document and no live scrolling. But after speaking with the acting AppleWorks product manager, I was assured that they are very aware of these small problems and that these difficulties will all be fixed. In their next update.

Apple Computer www.apple.com

Microsoft upgrades mouse

Speaking of upgrades, I recently reviewed Microsoft's IntelliMouse Optical that uses light instead of a mechanical rolling ball to track movement. The light is superior in many ways including the more accurate measurement of tracking and movement. And unlike its rolling ball counterpart, there are no mechanical parts to collect dirt which can cause the mouse cursor to "stick" on the screen. But the mouse was curved and designed for right-hand use only. Now there's a new ambidextrous Optical IntelliMouse version which is straight and can be used with either hand in compete comfort. Functionally, the ambidextrous model offers the same performance and features as the right-hand only model, connects via USB, works on both PC and Macintosh. You can't upgrade your old model to the newer one but it sells for around $20 less than the right-hand-only model. $54.95.

Microsoft www.microsoft.com/hardware