Multi-Branch Management for Updating Software

One or more device-readable media encoded with device-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:

• identifying a new general update of an executable component for installation onto a computing device;
• identifying a previously installed update of the executable component;
• determining whether the previously installed update is a general update or a specific update;
• if the previously installed update is a specific update,
• determining a first version number of a specific update associated with the new general update;
• identifying a second version number of the previously installed specific update;
• and
• installing the new general update if the first version number is higher than the second version number.

A system for updating an executable component comprising:

• means for separating updates into a general updating branch and a specific updating branch;
• means for reserving a range of version numbers for general updates;
• means for determining whether an identified update belongs in the general updating branch or a specific updating branch based on whether a version number associated with the identified update is in the reserved range;
• means for preventing the installing of new updates over inconsistent, previously installed updates using version numbers of the updates;
• and
• means for installing an update on installed copies of the executable component currently on the specific updating branch.