Whether you find it irritating or somewhat amusing, if you use a computer that’s connected to the Internet, updates are constantly coming across your screen. They may seem to be plaintively begging for your attention, much like a child in a candy store, but the fact is, updates are essential to your computer’s well being. While ignoring a child’s cries of “more, more, please” is probably in their best interest where candy is concerned, the same approach is inappropriate in the world of ones and zeros. Updates serve several purposes, and ignoring them could put your computer and your data at risk.
First, updates often address bug-related issues. They help to seal off open holes where malicious codes created by hackers and others with naughty intentions tend to find a home. There are well into the hundreds of thousands of known viruses, and catching one is about as easy as turning on your computer and opening your email. Get the update, limit the threat. Secondly, updates offer enhancements to the present configuration of a program. Whether it’s layout-related improvements or code changes that facilitate speedier operating times, the update always offers an improvement over what you’ve got in hand. And last, updates help to keep your programs synchronized with programs from other manufacturers. Running a version of a program that is eight years old tends to elicit offers of upgrades virtually every time that you use it, and in the meantime, compatibility issues rear their ugly heads.
So, to keep your computer running as smoothly as possible, it’s important to treat it like a car, which requires regular maintenance. While you don’t need to change any oil inside a computer (in fact, don’t put any oil near a computer!), updates are the computer-based equivalent. Be sure to set up your preferences to search for and install updates regularly. Once a week is a sufficient interval.