Are you up to date?

Do you know when the software on your computers and mobile devices was last updated? Keeping them updated with the most current software versions is very important, and neglecting to perform updates can degrade performance, increase instability and a make the system vulnerable to security threats. 

The operating systems, often referred to as an OS, is the software that controls a computer’s basic functions, and is the most important software installed on our computing devices, and the one most at risk for causing problems. Operating systems are given version numbers, sometimes followed by a code name. Major updates are introduced at intervals of a year or more, and incremental updates are released several times a year, usually to address security issues. Ignoring these updates cannot only degrade performance, but increase the risk of security breaches. 

Apple releases a major new version of its Macintosh, iPhone and iPad operating systems every fall, with minor updates available as they become necessary. MacOS 10.14, code name Mojave, for Mac computers was released in September 2018, and the most up-to-date version, released earlier this month, is 10.14.3. Apple also released its updated mobile operating system, iOS 12, last September, and the most current version is 12.1.2. 

Microsoft Windows 10, which runs on most other computers, was released in 2015, and periodic updates have been issued as needed, the most recent being version 1803. The current Android mobile operating system, named Pie - version 9.0, was released in August of 2018, and since then there have been several security updates.  

Both Microsoft and Apple include options to automatically download OS updates in the background. To activate automatic updates on a Mac running Mojave, open System Preferences and select Software Update and check ‘Automatically keep my Mac up to date.’ The actual installation process will be completed once the computer is restarted. In addition to MacOS, this also includes updates to software applications purchased through the App Store. 

For Windows 10 Home users, manual updating is not an option — the OS automatically updates whenever a new version is released. Most Windows users have had the experience of turning on their computer and getting the message that an update is in progress and the computer needs to restart. Since most OS updates require the computer to restart, you should always save your work when you leave the computer unattended, as most of us never know when an update will take place. Application software (word processing software, photo applications, etc.) should also be kept current, and most publishers notify users when updates are available.

It is also important to keep mobile devices current, and activating automatic updates is the best course of actions. On Apple iOS devices go to Settings; General; Software Update  and turn on Automatic Updates if it is not already turned on. iOS updates will be downloaded in the background, and you will be notified when an update is ready to be installed. You can then postpone the actual installation until you are not using the device.

You can also set your Apple devices to update installed apps as they are released. To do so, go to Settings and select your name, which appears at the top of screen. Select iTunes and App Store from the list, and turn on Updates. To view recent update activity, select the App Store app and tap Updates from the menu bar. The resulting screen shows a list of updated apps, with the most recent app at the top of the screen.

The Android operating system runs on devices made by a variety of manufacturers, and in most cases OS updates are the responsibility of the cellular carrier. As I have never used an Android device, I did some research on how to enable automatic updates, and it appears that each manufacturer handles the update system differently. My advice is to visit your carrier’s website for directions on how to enable updates of the OS and installed apps. It is also important to remember that updates to mobile operating systems can only take place when the devices are fully charged or plugged into a power outlet. 

When major OS updates are announced, Microsoft and Apple will include requirements for running the new software. Some equipment is just too old to be compatible with operating system versions that require additional memory and processing speed. It is also important to note publishers of application software must issue updates to keep pace with the updates to operating systems. If your computers and devices cannot run new versions of an operating system, then you may not be able to run current versions of your valued applications.