Skipping Updates Can Cost You Big Time
You’re deep in the middle of investigating your high school nemesis’s new Goldendoodle on social media…and you get a popup: “Updates ready to install. Update now?” Grrr! You hit “remind me later,” eager to get back to your very important snooping.
Or, maybe your computer is running slower than molasses when you see that little orange “Updates Ready” icon—but you can’t lose all your open tabs!
Routine updates can be a serious buzzkill for your workday or play, and we’ve all been guilty of delaying them. But here’s a sobering fact: not installing those updates leaves your devices open to all kinds of serious hacking and malware.
What do technology updates do?
Regular updates are crucial for the health and operation of your devices. Not only do they shut down vulnerabilities and easy access points for hackers, but they also make sure your speed is as fast as possible, and your device continues to do what it’s supposed to do as it ages—giving you more bang for your buck. Below are several of the most common types of computer updates:
Ctrl+Alt+Del Your Troubles Away: Critical Updates for Your Computer
To maintain optimal performance and security on your computer and laptops, ensure your systems are updated with the following:
- Operating System Updates: These updates include patches, bug fixes, and new features provided by the operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Software Updates: Updates for applications and programs (like Chrome) ensure they run smoothly, fix bugs, and introduce new features.
- Driver Updates: Drivers are software components that allow your computer’s operating system to work with devices like printers, graphics cards, and networks.
- Security Updates: These updates address vulnerabilities and security flaws to protect against malware, cyberattacks, and unauthorized access.
- Firmware Updates: Firmware updates provide enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches for hardware devices.
- Application Store Updates: Updates for apps downloaded from official app stores (e.g., Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store) ensure they have the latest features and security fixes.
If your device recommends you perform an update, do it—with caution. Your regular Microsoft updates are safe to install, but if you see a new or unusual pop-up alerting you to update something, take a minute to investigate. Hackers do like to use them to access your network! Keeping these computer updates current helps maintain the stability, security, and functionality of your computer, ensuring it performs optimally and securely.
Ring, Ring: Essential Phone Updates You Can’t Ignore
Phone updates vary depending on the specific model and operating system (like iOS or Android), but here are six types of updates you shouldn’t leave unread:
- Security Patches: These updates fix vulnerabilities and security issues with the potential to be exploited by hackers or malware.
- Bug Fixes: Updates often include fixes for software bugs causing apps to crash, the phone to freeze, or other unexpected behaviors.
- Performance Enhancements: Updates can optimize the performance of your phone, making it run faster and smoother and improving battery life.
- Feature Enhancements: Manufacturers often introduce new features or improvements through updates, enhancing the functionality of your phone.
- Compatibility Updates: Updates may include improvements to ensure compatibility with new apps, accessories, or services.
- Operating System Updates: Major operating system updates (e.g., Android or iOS updates) can bring significant changes, new features, and improved security to your phone.
Regularly installing these updates ensures your phone remains secure, performs well, and benefits from the latest features and improvements.
Feel like throwing your computer out the window? Try an update first!
Slow and frustrating devices often just need a quick restart to speed up and keep the bad guys out.
Unless you’re on a call or in a meeting, lean into the inconvenience. Take a break from the computer and let it reboot. Do some squats in your cube. Go chat with George, your favorite coworker. Or take a lap around the office and catch up on the latest water-cooler buzz. However you decide to spend it, you and your company will be glad you took the time to update and ensure regular phone and computer maintenance.
Looking to automate these updates—or hand them off to somebody else altogether? At Stratti, our IT experts have your back and can keep you and your devices updated.
Start with a free 15-minute assessment to see how Stratti can help you.
