The different update categories specified in the previous chapter are still very much valid when talking about deployment methods for updates. So first let's start with a quick recap of the different categories as I see it:
Major updates (that is, full version updates): This update category is typically a major product version update. For example, Microsoft Office 2007 updated to Office 2010.
Minor updates (typically point releases or service packs): This category is typically feature updates and bug fixes within a specific full version. For example, updating from Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0 to 8.1. Both are within the full version of 8.
Patching and hotfixes: These updates are typically smaller in size than minor updates/point releases but are essentially within the same update category.
Configuration changes: Configuration changes typically involve very few changes. These are often only a couple of registry changes or a change to an .ini configuration file...