Keeping software current.
WHY UPDATES MATTER
They fix security weaknesses, and those weaknesses are published and scanned for.
WHAT TO UPDATE
The operating system Applications The browser and its extensions Device firmware, where applicable
WHAT TO ENABLE
Automatic updates, wherever practical.
WHY
Manual updating depends on remembering, and nobody does.
WHAT TO CHECK MONTHLY
That updates are actually applying.
WHY
Machines stop updating without anyone noticing.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT AN UPDATE THAT BREAKS SOMETHING
Establish what specifically, before reversing everything.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A MAJOR UPGRADE
Back up Check that essential software supports the new version
WHAT NOT TO DO
Postpone indefinitely because updating is inconvenient Continue using a version no longer supported
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR OLD MACHINES
A computer that cannot run a supported system should be replaced or isolated.
WHAT TO PLAN
Replacement, before support ends.
