Software companies are constantly updating their software. New features may be added, bugs may be fixed and security holes may become closed. Regardless of the reasons for the update, it is usually a good idea to review the updates and determine if you should update the software.
For some software, however, it is a good idea to install the updates, mainly because of security concerns. The software listed below are well-known to be exploited for security holes, or help keep your computer free from malware.
Software You Should Update
Below is a list of software that you should keep updated. This list is in addition to updating your operating system, and similar to operating system updates, you should regularly update the software listed below.
- Security Software. This software includes any antivirus, antimalware, antispywhere, as well as software firewalls. Many people are probably good at keeping their antivirus software update, and such updates are usually automatic. For antimalware, and antispyware, you will usually need to run the software for them to become updated. For software firewalls, you may be prompted for an update, and should review the changes and if the update includes security updates, you should proceed with the update.
- Web Browser. Web browser developers regularly release patches that close known security holes, so keeping your browser updated will help keep you protected while online. Also, you may also want to upgrade to the latest version when you are able to, but as long as you keep updated with security patches, upgrading to the next major release can be put off for a bit, especially if you use plugins that aren’t yet compatible with the new version.
- Adobe Flash. Many web sites use Flash for presentation, which makes Adobe Flash an important piece of software for getting the most from the Web. Unfortunately, Flash is also commonly targeted by hackers so there are constantly security patches being developed. It is very important that when you receive notice of an update to Flash that you go ahead and install the update.
- Adobe Reader. Similar to Adobe Flash, Reader is also targeted by hackers on a regular basis. The best solution to using Adobe Reader is to use an alternative reader. If you can’t switch readers, then you will need to keep Adobe Reader fully patched, to ensure you reduce the number of security risks presented by the PDF reader.
- Java. Some websites use Java, while some others don’t. If you visit websites that don’t utilize Java, then I recommend you uninstall Java from your system. If you need Java installed, then ensure you keep up-to-date with the patches that are released.
If you have the above software installed, you should ensure that you keep them updated to the latest version to help keep your computer secure.
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on June 26, 2011 at 6:00 am
I am using Windows 7 and pre-installed Operating System in my windows.
The Java update notification is annoying, but I realize updating it will bring good advantage in my laptop.
~Jenn.
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on June 27, 2011 at 8:10 am
The update notices are annoying, but many times they are necessary, especially if they contain security fixes.
on June 26, 2011 at 3:36 pm
As it is mention in this article updates are important to keep our computers protected and running smooth. but there are also cases where it may be a good idea not to update, like for example, when you are working in a corporate environment and you have a critical application that may stop working after installing certain updates.
My point is that as good updates are, and you should update, you have to consider the benefits and potential issues that it may cause.
Thanks,
PS: always consider testing updates!
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on June 27, 2011 at 8:13 am
Corporate environments are different than the personal home environments. There are usually teams/groups that are responsible for installing and updating software, as well as testing the updates to ensure nothing breaks in production. In the home environment, however things are a little different in terms of updating in that you don’t need to worry about hundreds of computers and as many applications to test.
on July 4, 2011 at 5:09 am
I am leaving them all in auto update so i am always up to date.
on July 4, 2011 at 8:47 am
I usually keep mine on auto update as well, but I am usually prompted to download and install the update. Many people may just click cancel to avoid the necessary hassle.
on July 6, 2011 at 5:42 am
I prefer auto update it’s easy to use it… nice post!
on August 8, 2011 at 8:37 pm
This reminds me, i have a strange problem with Flash, it keeps crashing my Chrome browser. I first thought they just needed an upgrade, but now i’m using the latest versions and i still get crashes. Just to show an up to date program can still have problems.
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on August 9, 2011 at 10:13 am
There may be times when an update to a program won’t solve all problems, but it should help with a majority of issues. As for the Chrome browser, it has Flash built-in and updates that version itself so you shouldn’t need to update Flash manually. So far, I haven’t had issues with Flash and Chrome.
on August 9, 2011 at 12:15 pm
5 years ago upgrades did solve things. I remember those time perfectly. But nowadays i don’t know what’s going on, it happens to me more often than it should – i’m forced to downgrade just to have a functional program again. Maybe it’s because of the diversity in coding methods, no idea…
on August 9, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I find that many upgrades today are there to close security holes for software that can be used over the Internet. I have heard of some people having to downgrade, either because something stopped working, or the functionality had changed with the upgrade.