Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating the software used in remote computer systems from a central computer system. The method includes storing in the central computer system, copies of the software executable used in each remote computer system. When the copies of the software in the central computer system are upgraded, for example, to correct the software, to add new facilities, to change user interfaces, to make cosmetic changes, to improve performance, etc., each change made to the software is monitored and stored. The remote computer systems are permitted access to the central computer system via communication links and the software in the remote computer systems and the corresponding software in the central computer system are compared. All of the changes that have been made to the software at the central computer system which have not been made to the corresponding software at the remote computer system accessing the central computer are detected.