Most of us use Microsoft operating systems on our devices at work and home. In our costly bandwidth environment, many people try and reduce their usage to keep costs down – and one of the most common ways is by avoiding carrying out their regular Microsoft updates. Is this a good idea? First and foremost, what are these updates? Microsoft updates are usually run on the second Tuesday of each month across the globe. (This is a massive undertaking and I am sure most ISPs that charge by data usage, rub their palms together in glee.) These updates are categorised as security or critical updates or optional updates. The first two categories are seriously important and must not be skipped at all.
The last category is optional but in fact (with the exception of Windows 10, although there are ways around it) all these updates are optional and users can and often do ignore them. What are the risks of this? Very simply, Microsoft updates prevent problems. Although there are rare occasions when updates cause a new issue to appear, generally they benefit the user and improve the security and efficiency of the device. Not only do Microsoft updates fix known bugs in software and operating systems, but they protect critical security vulnerabilities that could drastically affect your security.
Remember, most virus attacks are aimed at Microsoft products. Why? Very simply, it is the most widely used software platform for attackers to target. It does not mean that Microsoft is more insecure or vulnerable than any other operating system. Although I do believe they have made some major gaffes over the years and could have handled some things better. My strong recommendation is that users ensure that all critical and security updates are processed as soon as a warning is received.
This ensures that you and your data is safe, your device is not being controlled as a drone by any other organisations, and your friends and other contacts are not compromised via your account. These updates are required, even if you are running anti-malware or anti-virus software, as that software may not sufficiently protect you from Windows security issues. Critical updates also patch your software to stop any unexpected hardware or software behaviour. Non-critical or optional updates ensure that your software, applications and device work efficiently on a day to day basis. They also include extended features that make your device interaction more rewarding.
A further category of Microsoft Updates is Service Packs. Service Packs normally combine and include all previous updates and new and updated features that reflect changes in technology since the first release of the software. An example would be compatibility issues with your existing operating system and say a new smartphone or other device that has subsequently appeared on the market. In the summer, Microsoft will be launching its Windows 10 anniversary update.
This will include, amongst others, new functionality such as Windows Hello (biometric functionality which will include fingerprint and face recognition logins), Windows Ink, which will enable users to draw and write on their touch enabled devices, and more compatibility with Linux based development. I perceive Microsoft Updates as a commitment by Microsoft to continue to support and “selfheal” their products, and enable users to maximise their experience of Microsoft.
Currently, Microsoft is spending more than US$10 billion a year on their research and development programmes to ensure this which places them fourth in the world with this expenditure after car manufacturers and domestic device producers.
Microsoft updates can be configured a number of ways to ensure that this process is automatic and hassle free on your device. Please check this in your Control Panel and select the best option for you.
On a related note, be reminded that the Windows 10 update will be free to all legal users until July this year. After this date it will have to be paid for. Microsoft is also scaling down its full support for Win7 and Win8 operating systems, and will only release the most critical security updates for these. Customers are likely to face difficulties with running these operating systems with newer hardware components and devices
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