Most people believe that computers are static things. The only ‘updating’ they feel they need to do is when they buy a brand new computer and get rid of their old one. This is especially true of office computers; since many larger companies have an IT department, many people think they are free from the responsibility of caring for their work desktop. However, in this day and age of new software, viruses, and other tech concerns, it’s important to make sure that your computer and its components are kept as up-to-date as possible. This is especially true for people who plan to keep their computers for more than a year or two, since hardware and software incompatibilities can adversely affect a computer’s functionality.
So how often should computer software be updated? It depends on the software. Here are some general tips for keeping things running smoothly:
Antivirus & Anti-Malware: Because new malicious threats are always being discovered, antivirus and anti-malware software is constantly being updated. Whenever you see the pop-up from your antivirus provider telling you there is an update, you should run it right away to ensure your computer is optimally protected. You’ll also want to upgrade to new software when each year’s release comes out.
Operating System: Windows and OSX will both let you know when updates are available. These generally install automatically, and you should allow them to install unless you have been specifically warned not to install a particular update by either Microsoft or Apple.
Backups: Keep a backup of your important files? Make sure you update it at least once per week to protect your data from accidental loss.
Other software: Make sure to check with software manufacturers on a monthly basis to see if they have updates to their programs. This will keep them functioning more efficiently.
For more information, contact CompuMarc Computer Services today. We are experts in all things computers, from data recovery to software, we're you're #1 source. Call us today!