Use of software update policies

A method of using a compliant version of software on a first host, the method comprising:

• using a processor to perform acts comprising:
• receiving a communication connection from a guest device that stores a first version of a software item;
• checking whether said first version of said software item complies with a first policy on said first host;
• determining that said software item is of a more recent version than said first policy allows;
• copying a second version of said software item from said first host to said guest device;
• executing, on said first host, said second version of said software item;
• and
• using said second version of said software item to perform a tangible action.

A system for using a compliant version of software, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory;
• an interface through which a guest device is connectable to said system;
• and
• a policy compliance component that is stored in said memory and that executes on said processor, said policy compliance component determining that a first version of an item of software stored on said guest device is too old to comply with a first policy on said system, said policy compliance component copying a second version of said software that is stored on said system to said guest device, said second version being newer than said first version;
• wherein said system uses said second version of said software stored on said guest device to perform a tangible action.