A methodology for creating and using information identifying what and how software and/or firmware modules are used in computer systems, called functional exploitation data. The functional exploitation data can be used to identify what modules should be updated and how updates should be implemented. The functional exploitation data can also be used to identify other computer systems as candidates for updates based on similarity to computer systems that have reported problems, and propose implementing similar updates on the candidates. Functional exploitation data can also be used to identify under-utilized modules for enhancements or greater advocacy. The functional exploitation data can be implemented in the form of a concatenated string.