Keep Your Software Up-to-date

Updates popping up on your computer can be a bother, but don't hide them for another day! Adobe Reader, Flash, Java, and other programs update their software regularly to patch security holes. The longer you wait, the more vulnerable you become. 

Updating Programs

Restart your computer and run any updates prompted by programs. In the program’s menu or update menu, look for an option to run updates automatically in the future. Also, open programs you use frequently, like Microsoft Office, to check for any pending updates. If nothing pops up when you open the program, look for an option in the menu or settings to ‘Check for Updates’. 

Updating Mobile Apps

Your mobile apps probably are updating automatically, but it doesn't hurt to check.iPhone: Open the App Store, select updates from the menu on the bottom. Select updates, or update all.Android: Open the Play Store. In the menu, select My apps & games. Select updates, or update all. 

Updating Your Operating System

Updating your operating system can be a large undertaking. If you do have updates to your operating system, make sure you have your information backed up and time set aside specifically for this task.Mac: Click the Apple icon in the top-left, choose About This Mac > Software Update...Windows: Right-click the Windows icon in the bottom-left. Select Settings > Update & Security > Check for UpdatesiPhone: Settings > General > Software UpdateAndroid: Settings > About > System Updates