you just install patches just as you will install it the first time from "ootp19setup.exe"
every once in a while they will post an "UPDATE" thread stickied to the top of forums with a new version number.. i.e. 19.0.1, then something like 19.0.32, or 19.1.25 etc.
simply download, and run... if you use default locations, you merely have to blindly hit "enter" and let it go. If you do any custom install paths, you need to re-do those as you did for the initial installation of '19.
it will not copy over anythign of yours - like leagues.
if you replace any 'default' files... like a logo or a cap file.. that will be copied over. (NOT in your league, but the stock stuff in the data directory used to create games, and not exisitng games at all, ever.)
steam is doing the exact same process. no difference in time or fuss, except you have to check forum/ootp website if an update was released.
pro tip for games: never update immediately. always let the early adopters fall on the proverbial land mine, first.
never delay on security updates for any software, though. only delay on feature improvements or the like so that the kinks get worked out. i.e. don't wait a week for an OpSys security update or any app that opens your computer to the world. games - definitely hold off. maybe if it says somethign about online play having a security flaw, you want that game-patch immediately.
mistakes will happen during the patching process.. maybe not every update or even every year, but when it does happen you can avoid the severe repercussions, like damaging your created league, with a little patience and restraint. for ootp, i'd give each update ~5-7days unless it specifically touches something you feel is very important for you to have immediately. if you see any posts of angry nerd-rage, you know to hold off
