SMB Technology

Keep software up-to-date

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by Andrew Newton Brown

Software needs to be kept up-to-date with the latest updates and patches to ensure its efficient operation and to also help keep it secure. Keeping software current will also help prevent your computer from crashing and as a result losing work and productivity.

The importance of antivirus software

Antivirus software is essential for any computer. If antivirus software is not installed and up-to-date, your computer could be at risk of malware (viruses, worms and Trojans). You can get a virus on your computer in many ways, such as through a file downloaded from the web or from an email. Sure, you may trust the sender of the email, but the sender may not be aware they have a virus on their computer and hence your computer will be at risk.

What’s worse is you may not even know your computer is infected. New viruses are being invented all the time, so it is crucial to download the latest virus definitions through your antivirus software.

There are many different antivirus programs on the market and some may be more suited to your business or personal needs than others. For example, prices could vary depending on how many computers you have in your business. That is why it is important to do your research first. Run a virus scan often on your anti-virus software often to ensure it is free of malicious software that may put your computer at risk. It’s possible with most anti-virus programs to schedule a virus scan.

Keep spies at bay

Also consider running an anti-spyware program to remove spyware from your computer that can cause problems such as slowing your internet connection speed. This is software that may be installed on your computer without you knowing, whether through a program on the internet or email and so on.

Update your computer regularly

Windows and Macintosh often release updates for their different operating systems. Use the software update feature to keep your computer protected from vulnerabilities and to fix known bugs. Bugs can detrimentally affect the performance of a program, perhaps even causing it to crash. This can result in lost data, which of course can be very annoying. On that note, if you are working on something, say, in a word processor or spreadsheet, ensure you save your document often to prevent losing your work.

Tips for an efficient computer

Update software regularly to ensure it is running efficiently and any vulnerabilities are dealt with. This will also help to fix bugs that can cause the program to crash resulting in lost data.
Install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. Also consider running anti-spyware software.
If you have staff, consider educating them on the risks of downloading files from unknown emails, or even following unknown links in emails. If you don’t have an IT department, ensure your staff know how to install updates and patches.

Important information: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. For this reason, any individual should, before acting, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual’s objectives, financial situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

Don’t know what to do when disaster strikes? Here are seven tips to keep your business running.

And, ensure you keep your wireless networks safe and secure. Find out how.

Plus, when it comes to your technology, have you got protection?

Published on: Friday, November 19, 2010

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