Should I Click That Update Button..?

Should I Click That Update Button..?

First you may ask, what are “update buttons” They usually sit in the lower right corner of your screen right next to your clock. Sometimes they just sit there and don’t do anything. Sometimes they blink constantly warning you to do an update. And you may wonder…which ones are good to do?  In today’s blog I will alert you to some updates you should be doing and some you should not be doing. Most of our clients do not click any update buttons or alerts to update and that usually need to be done and some can safe you from getting a virus!

Update buttons for the most part, should be done and the software you have installed have asked for your permission to do the update. Many times, the update button is just there and doesn’t ask, so you have to do the all manually. It’s probably a good idea that once a month, you roll your mouse over those icons and see what your computer would like to do.

Java is an important update. It’s icon has a little coffee cup and it usually orange. It’s important you do this update because if you do not, a virus can get through Java, it’s called a Java exploit. Right now, I have yet to see a malware or virus use this icon, so it should be safe to always click on.

What is Java and why do you need it? It’s a software tool used for your internet browsing. Some websites need it so you can use it or view it properly.  Official description from Java: There are lots of applications and websites that won’t work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to data centres, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere!

Adobe Reader: This update is only really important if you are having a problem with your current Adobe, but if you don’t do the update, it will sit there and keep looking at you. Adobe X is the latest update and most folks have Adobe 7,8 or 9 on their computers. Most Adobe updates download and install just fine.

Windows XP updates: If your computer is old and you see the yellow exclamation mark by the clock, it’s up to you to do the updates. We will run updates for our clients, but if they fail we don’t put a lot of time into troubleshooting XP updates. It’s a older version of Microsoft’s operating system and is not supported anymore by them.

Windows Vista or 7 Updates: Should be done. If you are having issues with those updates and get fail messages, you can find more information here and get assistance if you can’t find help on these pages. Microsoft Support

Keep in mind that not all update buttons are safe, some might be acting as malware or a virus. The icons below are generally “safe”…but some viruses try to hide under an icon looking like the Windows XP update icon (the yellow exclamation mark). Be careful when clicking on those, be sure it says “Updates are available” when you roll your mouse over it.

If you would like assistance with any of these updates, install failures or if your pc just needs a tune-up, contact us today.