Issue 23.17
We visited about this issue a few months back, but it bears repeating and, with the new importance of making sure your computer has the most recent updates to avoid ransomware and other troubles, should be paid attention to as quickly as possible.
An upgrade is a change of version or specific functions of a program. Examples of upgrades are from Windows 8 to Windows 10 or from the free version of AVG Anti-Virus to their Internet Security program that also takes care of the Anti-Virus issue but adds other capabilities. Upgrades almost always carry a cost. The AVG upgrade goes from free to $50 per year. Windows 8 to 10 costs $120 one time. Other examples are Quick-Books, Quicken, Adobe Photoshop, etc. Some minor upgrades can be had for free, but major revisions and version changes (such as 4.1 to 5.0) almost always will require a payment of some kind.
Updates include additional features, bug fixes and cosmetic changes. You might see the version number go from 4.1 to 4.2 or even 4.11. Bug fixes are installed when the programmers are informed of problems in the program and create solutions to them. These fixes are usually provided free through updates and are important, especially when it comes to discovered security flaws that allow hackers to get into your programs and change or destroy them.
If you are presented with a pop-up that encourages you to upgrade your software and if it is software you use, you should consider it, but understand that there will be a cost, even if the upgrade is free for 30 days or some such come-on to get you to make the change. If the pop-up indicates you need an upgrade, check the following before proceeding.
Make sure it is a valid program you use. Make sure the upgrade is from the company it purports to be from. If possible, go to the website of the program manufacturer and download the update from there. This is not always possible but it preferable. If it says it is from Microsoft, do not click on the pop-up. Instead, type “check for updates” in Windows 10 or click on “Windows Update” in your program list on Windows 7. This assures that you are actually getting the updates and not a scam that could allow viruses or hackers into your computer. Follow the instructions on those screens to make sure your system is up to date and as safe as possible.
Finally, realize that updates sometime fail or get into a logic loop. I fix computers fairly often that have crashed during an update or upgrade even from Microsoft. Before installing any updates or upgrades, always make sure you remember to protect your data, documents, pictures and your computer, phone and tablet by always backing up anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 34 years, 27 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or mccausland.shaun54@gmail.com .