Do you regularly update your computer software?

[Goingitalone]

I have been having an interesting discussion with a colleague regarding Microsoft Office and whether I should upgrade to Microsoft Office 365. At this point I will say that I use Microsoft Office 2010 which does exactly what I need. Do I need to upgrade to a new version of Microsoft Office or switch to the Microsoft Office 365 cloud service?

 

[lookingforadvice]

I have heard many people complaining about various Windows updates crashing their systems. However, these updates are rolled out for a reason, very often to do with security, so what should you do, do you hold back in case it causes problems with your system and potentially leave yourself exposed, or take a chance?

 

[forevergroup]

A user at one of our clients had a very targeted attack where they were sent an attachment with an old exploit from 2013 that targeted earlier versions of Microsoft Office.

This example shows you two things. One, that older versions of software outside of patch/security update support are vulnerable. And two, that malicious actors know this and are looking to exploit them.

Gone are the days of just sitting on old software you are comfortable with I'm afraid. Make sure all of your productivity apps and OS are within current vendor support, and patch/update them religiously.

 

[Business Upside]

Computers should be on a regular update and replacement schedule. Update your software at least once every month, and swap the computer hardware at least in every 5 years.

 

[ssadchyk]

yep, Windows Update is doing it automatically

 

[martinwayne]

Thanks all members for this discussion.

 

[Brandon Kooper]

Yes, I make it a point to regularly update my computer software to ensure optimal performance and security.

 

[Adam NN]

Basically, most software and drivers are updated automatically, but there are those that I update manually, every few months.