Workspace VM Patching Policy

Aridhia will update all workspace virtual machines on a regular basis.

Linux Machines

Updates for Linux machines will checked for nightly, or if the VM is switched off then the check will run when the VM is next started. Most packages will update in the background and the user will not be aware.

Any packages which require a reboot (kernel upgrades for example) will be installed but no reboot will be carried out; the update will be applied on the next scheduled or manual shut down and boot. For users who use a VM with no scheduled shut down, a regular shut down should be carried out to ensure that packages are up to date. This will be agreed with Aridhia before the VM is provisioned so that we can schedule the update process to occur at a regular interval.

Should you require a specific version of a package in your VM, Aridhia will arrange this by request, please send a request to servicedesk@aridhia.com or communicate it to the team via your Aridhia Project Manager. You may also run the following command within your VM:

apt-mark hold <package>

This will ensure that the particular package is not updated.

Windows Machines

Updates to Windows Virtual Machines will automatically download and install on the first Saturday of every month at 2am UK time. The VM will be automatically rebooted as part of this process. If a user is signed in, they will be notified and given the opportunity to delay the reboot.