We’ve all been there. While trying to check our e-mail, the Internet slows to a standstill. “Now what’s going on?!” After a few agonizing minutes, a message pops up at the bottom of the screen proclaiming “New updates are available.” Now it makes sense. The updates were being downloaded, and this slowed down the computer. How about the aggravation of being told to not turn off your computer because updates are being installed when you were simply trying to shut down your computer? What are these updates anyway?
Unless you have an Apple computer (read another of our blog entries if you do), chances are your computer utilizes a version of Microsoft’s Windows platform. If you have an older computer, its operating system might be Windows XP. Newer computers will have Windows Vista, 7, or 8. Coming in the middle of this year will be 10. Why they skipped 9 I’ll never know. Anyway, all of these platforms utilize Windows Update to release patches or improvements to improve the experience of computer users. Think about how quickly technology changes. A program created in 2010 is way behind the times of one from 2015. Consider this too: computer hackers and general miscreants work around the clock to develop viruses and malware to harm our computers and ourselves. How could an operating system close these vulnerabilities and keep us safe? With Windows Updates, that’s how!
There are two types of updates: Important or Optional. Important updates include security updates which protect against vulnerabilities to either malware or security exploits. Optional updates include updates to programs or to improve general functionality of the computer. Periodically, Microsoft will release a “Service Pack” which is a bundle of important updates. You might have noticed when buying software that a program will list the system requirements needed to use that program. Often it will say something like “Windows XP Service Pack 2”. Without doing the required update to your computer you won’t be able to use that program! This is another reason why updates are important. The first thing we do at Finish Line is make sure a computer is up-to-date with all important updates.
So, you’re convinced. You want to ensure that your computer is fully updated. Now, how do you do it? Unfortunately, if you have Windows XP you’re out of luck. Microsoft ended support of the operating system in 2014. It’s in your best interest to upgrade as soon as possible to 7 or 8 to ensure your safety. If you have Windows Vista or 7, click the “Start” button, then find “Windows Update” in the list and click on it. Click “Check for updates” on the top left. After a few seconds (depending on your Internet speed) the results will pop up on the screen. If any important updates are available, simply click “Install updates” and sit back and relax. If you’re a Windows 8 user, hover the mouse to the right of the arrow at the bottom of the “Start” screen. Click “Settings”, “Change PC settings”, “Update and Recovery”, then “Windows Update”. If you’d rather let the computer take care of it for you, updates can be installed automatically, downloaded but not installed until you tell them to be, checked for updates automatically but not downloaded or installed, or never checked. You can access these options by clicking “Change settings” in Vista or 7, or “Choose how updates get installed” in 8.
As you can see, Windows Updates are an important thing to consider in your daily activities, not only for the health of your computer but your bank account as well. The next time the dreaded message appears on the screen proclaiming that updates are available, don’t be so quick to brush them off. The computer you save may be your own!