How Automatic Updates Are Not So Automatic

Do you use automatic updates on your computer?  A lot of users will set their computer update settings to check and install updates automatically and then never give a second thought to updates again. 

Automatic updates are good except when they aren’t.  What the heck does that mean?  Well, as long as everything works the way it should, automatic updates can help ensure your computer is updated with the latest software and security patches.  However, if something goes wrong with an update to your computer, the whole system can fail.  That can mean that your computer can’t check for updates or install any new updates giving you the illusion that your computer is up-to-date with the latest patches. 

Update installation can fail for a variety of reasons and subsequently cause the update system to break.  Make sure you take some time each week to check on your updates and ensure everything is working properly.  

Here are a few ways you check your system to make sure the updates are working:

·         Check the status of windows updates:

·         Check your update history to see when updates were last installed:

If you notice that you haven’t had any updates in the last month or longer you will need to do some troubleshooting in order to get your Windows updates working again.  Check out the Windows Update Troubleshooter or Contact us and we’ll be happy to resolve any issues you are having with the update process and make sure your computer is safe and secure.

Show Some Love This February

February is here, which means Valentine's Day is coming up.  While you are thinking about things to do for the person you love make sure you are thinking about loving your computers and network too.  Your computers and network need love all year long to make sure they are running properly and are protected from viruses and security threats.

Here are some things you can do to show the love:

• Check for any Windows security patches and critical updates that need to be installed
• Check for any third party software updates that need to be installed such as java & adobe
• Check your network devices for firmware updates 
• Check your antivirus software for program updates and to make sure virus definitions are updated regularly

These checks will help make sure you are not leaving any open doors that hackers can use to gain access to your systems and data.

It's important to have a system maintenance plan in place to ensure these updates are applied on a regular basis. It can be very time consuming just maintaining your systems, however, we have a service that can take that burden off your plate.  Our Core Security service provides you with antivirus and patch management protection for all of your workstations and servers.  We take care of monitoring and updating your systems to ensure the latest antivirus definitions have been applied, Windows updates and patches are installed, and third party software is updated so your systems are secured.

Make sure you take some time this month to put a plan in place for keeping your systems updated or reach out to us so you can take of our Core Security Services and we'll take care of your systems for you.  Showing your computers and networks the the love they deserve means your systems will keep you happy by running smoothly and protecting your corporate data.