Regular computer maintenance involves updating software and hardware drivers. Updates fix bugs, while upgrades add new features. Updates are usually free, but upgrades may require a fee. Software can be updated manually or automatically, but automatic updates can consume system resources. Critical programs should always be set to check for updates automatically.
The old adage nothing lasts forever has never been truer, especially when it comes to technology. Hardware and software are continuously improved to better meet your needs and eliminate bugs. Routine computer maintenance involves keeping your hardware drivers and software programs up-to-date. When newer versions of programs are available, you can upgrade your computer software as needed, although sometimes this involves purchasing a new license.
The words update and upgrade are often used interchangeably. Updates are small fixes in the software code intended to eliminate unwanted behavior under certain conditions, otherwise known as bugs. An update is a recoding of the program that adds functionality or otherwise improves the software, or should.
Updates are reflected in version numbers with small increments in the decimal. For example, moving from software version 4.2.01 to 4.2.03 would indicate a very minor fix or update. Moving from 4.2.02 to 4.3 would indicate a more significant update or fix group. A software update changes the primary version number, for example from version 4.x to version 5.0. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as some software authors may consider a fix package significant enough to change the major version number, even if no new features are added.
You can manually update your computer software by opening a program and going to a screen that will check the manufacturer’s website for version changes. This is commonly found in the Help menu in the top toolbar. If not, check the manual by entering the word “refresh” or “refresh” in the Help search box.
Updates to the current version are usually provided free of charge. If you own version 3.x, you will be able to download free updates to version 3.x. When the software is updated to version 4.0, the license agreement may require a fee. This rests entirely with the author or manufacturer of the software, as dictated in the electronic user license agreement (EULA) agreed to by the user when installing the software.
You can update your computer software which is freeware and open source by following the instructions above. Once a new version is found, it will be downloaded to your computer. Depending on the program, it may complete all the steps for you, requiring only a restart of the program or, in other cases, a reboot. The update must always be installed in the same directory as the previous version to preserve user profiles, settings and data.
In some cases, when you try to update the computer software, a pop-up informs you that the previous version of the software must be uninstalled first. This is more common when updating firewalls and antivirus programs. When an update requires you to uninstall the previous version, it may offer to do it for you. Clicking the pop-ups allows you to update the software without having to take any manual action.
Another way to update your computer software is to set up programs to automatically check for version changes on a schedule. The controls for this are usually found in the program’s Tools menu, in Options or Config, although software design varies. Updates and upgrades may have separate checks, allowing the program to check for one and not the other. This is useful for people who don’t want to update their computer software but want to continue receiving free updates for the version they are using.
Setting programs to automatically check for the latest versions saves you the trouble of remembering to update computer software yourself, but some people prefer to update manually. An automatic update can come at an inconvenient time, in the middle of an activity you don’t want to interrupt. Also, configuring all programs to check for automatic updates causes dozens of processes to run in the background. This consumes system resources, can extend the time it takes for the desktop to start up, and can interrupt your browsing intermittently.
A good compromise is to allow only critical software programs to check for automatic updates. Your operating system, antivirus, antispyware, and firewall should always be configured to check for updates. Programs that have nothing to do with security or system operations can be checked manually.
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