Updating Software

parkland-update-apps

KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE

 

Set Software to Auto-Update!

Outdated software can expose you to security risks. Vendors release updates to fix these vulnerabilities, so it’s essential to keep your software up to date. Avoid the hassle by setting your software to auto-update.

Three Simple Steps to Stay Updated:

  1. Watch for notifications: Devices often notify you of updates—especially for operating systems, browsers, and antivirus software.
  2. Install updates quickly: Don’t delay, especially for critical updates.
  3. Turn on auto-updates: Enable automatic updates in your device’s settings for hassle-free security.


Use a Software Update Utility!

So, you set all apps that have an auto-update feature to do so and set this up on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer... Nice job!   But what about all those other apps?

Some software stubbornly just doesn't have an auto-update feature. Further complicating this is the software manufacturers' tendency to not align their release dates. This causes us to have to monitor the software for new versions and then manually install them when and if we are made aware of them.  Unfortunately, most of us do not have the time to constantly check if every program we have installed has a new version released.  This is a repetitive task that has us perform the same action over and over again... Sounds like a good job for automation, right?

Enter the Software Update Utilities:  Programs that check for updates for you and will apply them to your favorite apps without you having to manually do it yourself.  Software Update Utility programs vary in complexity, the number of applications they support.  Additionally, you do have to keep your software update utility up to date but this is one that is worth doing, since it saves you the work of updating all your other apps.  The good news there is that most of them will auto-update, as well.

Some of software update utilities are free and some are not, but they may be a worthwhile investment if you find them useful and they help to keep your personal computer secure.

Some examples of Software Update Utilities:

Using strong passwords and password managers

Enabling multi-factor authentication

MFA

Recognizing phishing and reporting it

Keeping your software up to date and secure