1. A method for determining patches to apply to a computer system, wherein the patches includes content to add to the computer, comprising: providing a realization list of realization identifiers corresponding to realizations associated with the computer, wherein each realization defines a state of the computer; providing a realization database of realization objects, wherein each realization object is uniquely identified by a realization identifier of one realization and includes a patch list indicating those patches whose installation relates to the computer state defined by the realization; accessing from the realization database the patch lists of those realization objects whose realization identifiers match the realizations identifiers on the realization list; determining all the patches on the accessed patch lists; and determining from the determined patches on the accessed patch lists those patches that are capable of being installed on the computer.