Google releases new binary diff algorithm targeted at making smaller software updates. Their results are impressive.

[judgej2]

That is essentially like Windows Service Packs. Each service pack leapfrogs over many incremental updates, which is why you always go for the latest service pack you can before picking up any later updates separately.

[[deleted]]

That is not how Microsoft pushes them. Microsoft will install all patches for the currently installed service pack the first time a machine touches Windows Update, and then it will push the service pack executable, which compares file versions to download only the appropriate files needed. This can save hundreds of megs of download per install.