How to get a list of installed operating system patches and fixes

Sometimes, in the release notes or installation guide, there is a reference
to a system patch, or a specific upgrade that needs to be present on the 
system prior to the installation. In order to verify these patches and upgrades, the
list below has been compiled to determine the current system version and patch versions 
previously applied.

Windows NT
----------

1) To get the name of the OS, and the current version:

      C:\ > ver

2) Patches on NT are bundled in 'service packs'. To see which service pack
   is currently installed on the system, issues the following command:

      C:\ > winmsd

   On the first tab, the version, build number and service pack number are
   displayed.
   Example:

      Version 4.0 (Build 1381: Service Pack 3)
 

IBM AIX
-------

1) To get the name of the OS, and the current version:

      $ uname -a

2) To get the complete list of all patches installed:

      $ instfix -i

   To search for a specific patch: (like patch IX71948)

      $ instfix -i | grep IX71948


Sun Solaris
-----------

1) To get the name of the OS, and the current version:

      $ uname -a

2) To get the complete list of all patches installed:

      $ showrev -a

   To search for a specific patch: (like patch 106040-03)

      $ showrev -a | grep 106040-03