Windows Software Updates

Have you ever noticed those pop-up messages or little icon appearing in the system tray, telling you there is a new software update available and you can download/install? Some may find it disrupting or insignificant which is why many ignore this type of notifications. If you are one of these people, understand that updating your software regularly is one of the most important things you can do on your computer. This can give you protection for malware attacks or being hijacked.

 

Understanding Software Updates

The software updates is also called a “Service Pack” or “Patch”, released by the vendors of software to deal security vulnerabilities in the product being used. From time to time, it can contain to fix bugs and the enhancement of the product. When there is an update program, it will install on its own and you just need to let it process on its own.

 

The General content of Software Update:

• Product Improvement and Bug Repairs. Addressing holes of the existing programs are one of the goal of updates. This can give the user a better performance in their end.
• To Fix Security Exposure. Updating the software and the operating system (OS) is more than 90% of the program to mend vulnerabilities of the security. This method will prevent a security breach that can do harm to any computer. Cyber criminals have different methods deliver malware, hence the software updates can keep them away.

 

The Difference Between Software Upgrade to Software Update

The software update is about the different versions of the program improvement from the current version. Just like when you install the service pack 1 on Windows 7 on your computer, this means you are updating your Windows 7. This may come as free.
While software upgrade is the advance program of the present version you have. Just like when you are going from Windows Vista to Windows 7, this is the process upgrading the software., which come with a cost in every upgrade.

 

The Reason Why the Software Updates Exist

During the development of the software program, the software is run through several tests and quality checks. Once the software vendor is really satisfied with the stability and functionality of the product. However, as the product is launched to the public and used, it may encounter different problems with the program and these will be reported back to the software vendor. Then the software vendors will formulate a program to fix that particular software until software updates are released.

To fight and prevent any cyber attacks, the software vendors are working and committed to develop software updates to enhance its capabilities.

 

Efficiently Manage Your Software Updates

Commonly, letting the software update do what it needs to get done is the best way to do the updating process. Just like the update of Antivirus program, the OS (Operating System) and other software can be configured (set up) to automatically download to install the upgrades.

Nevertheless, there are softwares that don’t offer automatic update feature. The programs generally used like this are Adobe Reader and Java, have not update automation. Check the icon near the clock, you’ll notice the relevant program that needs updating, you need to activate them to begin the update procedure.
If you have programs that supports automatic updating, you need to turn it on. Below are the ways to do it:

 

MS Windows 7

1.  Go and click the Start button and click the Control Panel.
2. Find and access the Windows Update.
3. On the left pane, click the Change Settings.
4. Below the title Important Updates, select Install Updates Automatically (recommended). Or you can also select the preferred time and days to install the updates. Once done, click OK.

 

Skype Update

1.  Access the Skype and login using your Skype username and password.
2.  On the Tools menu, choose Options.
3.  On the left pane, click the Advanced.
4.  Under the Advanced, click the Automatic Updates and then click Turn on automatic updates.
5.  To confirm, click Yes.
6.  Then click Save.

 

There is no limit on software updates. You can also update mobile devices such as MP3 player, digital camera, smartphone and more. The update on these devices is also called a “firmware updates”. A smartphone can receive application updates to be installed on your phone like computer do.