Why You Should Not Postpone Software Updates

There’s no denying that installing software updates is arguably one of the most significant security actions that you can take to protect your computer systems. However, most folks usually delay installing updates.

How many software updates have you postponed thus far? Several of them, right? – you are not alone!

Perhaps, those software updates happen at inopportune times – you want to finish writing your report first. Often, you’ll probably postpone downloading the updates until the next day, week, or month.

As much as it may seem tempting to delay the download, you leave your device open to enormous security risks. Moreover, it means that you’ll miss the improved functionality.

So, are software updates that important?

Importance of Software Updates

As your new device ages, so does its Software. Therefore, to ensure that the device runs smoothly, gadget manufacturers often issue regular updates. Unfortunately, those patches are nothing if you can’t install them.

Ideally, an update is meant to improve the existing Software. The most crucial thing about updates is that they’re meant to tighten your security. They try to fix flaws in your app that most hackers can exploit. So, here is the thing; you postpone that software update, and you open the window for hackers to visit you!

Also, software updates are meant to make the app better, safer, and even more efficient. Moreover, the updates may include new improvements and new features. Perhaps, they’re the features that you have been crying for since you installed the app. Therefore, it’s important to update that Software once you receive an update notification.

Hold it up! Here’s What You Should Remember

Software updates are massively essential, and now you want not to waste any second installing all the updates to your apps on your device, right?

It’s a good step towards security, but hold up a moment!

There’s one thing that you must be aware of – software updates have been known to break things occasionally.

What?

Simply put, app developers can’t test the new Software on each device; therefore, the easiest way is to do it via updating the app, and they focus on popular platforms.

However, there could be some incompatibility issues on other platforms with the Software, and thus things might go south.

So, what are you supposed to do now?

Ideally, before you install any software update, you ensure that you check it out on Google. Ensure that you go through reviews of other users to learn whether the software update has system-breaking issues.

Nevertheless, even if you learn that it looks fine, it’s always wise to back up your data before proceeding to make the update – just in case.

Do Updates Have Any Negative Impact on My Device?

With time, your device could be getting gradually slower. It’s something you would expect given the period you’ve used the gadget, and you might wonder if that’s as a result of a software update.

The truth is that software updates usually focus on solving a particular problem; others are meant to integrate a new feature. Therefore, when that happens, there are high chances that your app might need more resources for it to run, hence making your gadget slower.

So, that could be an impact as a result of updating your Software. However, it would help if you also remembered that continuous use of the device online would result in the machine slowly filling up with unimportant files. Therefore, if you don’t clear cookies and cache files regularly, your device will slow down.

Tips on How to Keep Up with Software Updates

Undeniably, installing software updates can sometimes be inconvenient. However, for the security of your devices, you should ensure that you regularly keep up with the latest updates.

Here are some of the tips you need to make it a hassle-free affair;

Install Third-Party Programs

You don’t have to be the one that looks for all the updates all the time and updating them. Therefore, all you need is to install a third-party program that will help you check for all the updates in the background and then update them on your behalf.

Eyes Open!

Ensure that you always stay in the loop. Explore online communities as well as forums where users share their experience about software updates. That way, you’ll be able to know any issues that might result from making a specific update. Furthermore, you can go the extra mile and turn on Google Alerts for Software you might be interested in.

Get Rid of Unwanted Apps

Why would you have an app in your device that you’re not even using, leave alone updating it? As a rule of thumb, you should permanently delete apps that you don’t use. That way, you’ll close unwanted windows for hackers to get in.

Should turn on Auto-Updates should turn On Auto-Updates

Some app developers have done beautiful jobs by ensuring that some apps check for updates and some automatically install them in the background. Therefore, it saves a lot of energy to be doing it personally. All you have to do is check the settings for apps with that feature (auto-update) and turn it on.

Don’t Ignore Read Notes

Usually, every software update release is accompanied by release notes; they contain information about new system changes, features, and security issues. Therefore, to ensure that you have all the information about the latest update, ensure that you go through the release notes.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself More

Updating software is one of the best ways that you can use to protect yourself. However, there are several other ways that you can deploy to make your online experience safer and enjoyable:

Use Strong Passwords

You don’t want to make it easy for a hacker to get around your password. Therefore, your passwords should be complex but safe. For instance, you can seek help from a password generator tool, such as the one offered by PrivacySavvy or Passwordsgenerator.net, to come with strong and secure passwords quickly.

Avoid Clicking on Any Link

Getting into trouble is always a click away, and unless you avoid clicking on any link you come across, you might land into trouble. Therefore, learn to prevent suspicious banners, links, and attachments. Those could be the channels that could bring unwanted Software and malware into your device.

Use a VPN

If you indeed take your online security seriously, then you must always use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) and dependable antivirus. A good VPN will help to encrypt all your traffic and assign you a new IP address. That way, you’ll stay away from hackers and any other prying eyes. Whatever you do online will be safe and private. If you need a quick recommendation for the best VPN, then you might want to try ExpressVPN or SurfShark.

Nevertheless, ensuring that systems and software are up-to-date and patched can help protect you from cyber-attacks – and will help provide you with an efficient and easier-to-use PC.