Security system having segregated operating software

A method for a control apparatus of a premises based system, the method comprising:

• storing life safety code in a first partition in memory;
• storing life style code in a second partition in memory different from the first partition;
• and
• causing the operation of the life style code to be changed while the operation of the life safety code remains unchanged.

A system, the system comprising:

• a remote server, the remote sever configured to store updated life style code configured to support life style features;
• and
• a premises based control apparatus, the control apparatus including:
• a remote communication element, the remote communication element configured to receive at least a portion of the updated life style code from the remote server;
• a memory configured to store life safety code and life style code;
• a processor configured to operate the life safety code and life style code;
• and
• the memory and processor are configured for separate operation of the life safety and life style code for changing the operation of the life style code based at least in part on the received updated life style code without changing the operation of the life safety code.