One computer in the network acts as the release host, which does not need to run Rational® ClearCase®. A directory on this host, known as a release area, stores an entire product release, which has been extracted from distribution media or downloaded from IBM. When necessary, fixes and fix packs can be applied to update a release area. Rational ClearCase can then be reinstalled from the release area to deploy these updates to individual hosts. Certain installation options allow Rational ClearCase hosts running Linux® or the UNIX® system to access many Rational ClearCase executables and libraries through symbolic links to the release area instead of installing them locally. Rational ClearCase hosts on Windows® do not access the release host after installation is complete.