Here you can take a look at the reasons why it’s important to keep your software up to date. It doesn’t matter what purpose you are using the software for. You may be using it at work or in your own home but it is essential to keep your software current.
To help you gain a better understanding of the importance of periodic updates to your antivirus software or other programs and apps, some things are highlighted here that you may not be aware of.
The differences between updating and upgrading your software
Before you see the importance of keeping your software up to date. It might help to know the differences between upgrades and updates.
Software updates
This is where the software developers have fixed minor bugs and other issues. This can be for any type of software from a simple app or program or even an operating system. These changes will be barely noticeable as they won’t drastically change the way the software works. The core structure of the software will remain the same but minor issues and other problems will be fixed and tweaked. This could be to enhance security or to make sure it is compatible with new driver releases.
The files are usually small and will often be called patches. Some of these can be ignored and others will be mandatory. For example, you pick up your smartphone to play your favorite game and as it connects to the servers but instead of playing it shows a message: Something like, ‘super atomic road wars needs to download an update before you can continue’. Therefore you have 2 choices. Either update or don’t play anymore. Other updates may be optional but by ignoring them you can open yourself up to problems.
Upgrading software
This is when there is a serious change to the software. An update may add maps to a game or a change of interface. It may be a significant difference between operating systems and in this case, the upgrade will be shown in the name and number. Ie Windows 7 to Windows 8.
An upgrade is going to be far bigger than an update and will usually involve a hefty download depending on the type of software it is. It may also lead to financial outlay. You could visit softwherediscounts for upgrades and possibly keep your costs down. Some upgrades are free and others are not.
What are the reasons for keeping software up to date?
Well firstly and most enjoyably they can supply new content. Other times it is due to a security issue. Here are some of the important reasons you should be updating your software.
Because you switched off the automatic updates
One good reason to go and check if your software is up to date is that your settings don’t allow automatic updates. There are legitimate reasons for doing this such as saving data if you are using your smartphone as a hotspot. However, it means you miss out on updates so you need to update manually.
Security issues
The most common reason to update software is to keep one step ahead of hackers and ransomware. Hackers are always looking for new ways to attack software and to exploit coding weaknesses. They want to steal your passwords, login details, and financial information. These days people store an incredible amount of personal information on their devices and online. To keep it safe you need to keep your software up to date and this area should never be ignored.
Infecting yourself and others
This refers to viruses and malware not those other types of infections that can be passed on. You might swap files, attachments, and other material between yourself and your friends or colleagues. If your antivirus is not up to date you may have something undesirable on your device. By mailing it on or passing flash drives or external hard drives to a friend you can be spreading the virus unknowingly. Simple viruses might not be too harmful but others can infect whole systems and cause serious damage.
There are also fun reasons to update
Once the software is released (and even before) developers start looking to improve the features and remove any issues. With games, this can mean new weapons and costumes or just improved controls. If you don’t update then you will not get these cool new features.
Summary
So you can see the reasons for updating are to keep on top of security and to avoid viruses and malware. This keeps your documents safe and away from any damage. There are reasons to avoid updates such as when you are running old equipment that may not work with newer software versions but generally it is important to stay up to date.
