Importance of Software Update

How do you feel when an update notification suddenly pops-out in the middle of your busiest time? It is totally annoying because you were distructed and so you have to click "remind me later" button. But because you're unable to install the updates, the message box will keep on reminding you.

A software update is required to keep your devices threat-free and convenient to use. Sometimes, bugs that are encountered on the system will possibly ruin the software or even made a way for hackers to attack. If the software encountered vulnerabilities, it is fixed, and in order for the user to utilize the changes, an update is required. Aside from that, development are built to enhance the ability of the software and its features.

It is important to always keep an updated software to prevent malicious threat to enter your world. It is better to see pop-up message for an update rather than seeing a message box saying "you are infected ".

You are absolutely right. Update is very important from a security point of view. But this is utmost important if you are running a website or server. Update will also speed up your software with new features. So, it enhances overall functionality. Updates can also function as bug busters as the developers come to know of these bugs at a later stage based on user experiences.

But it can also be an issue when programs start checking for updates and installing the latest versions without our knowledge. So, it would be better if we can activate the option which will enable us to decide the time for update.

When it comes to software updates I'm sure I'm not the only person that thinks they're a hinderance, especially as they always seem to happen when your busy.

That a why for some time now I've had auto update enabled and at least then it gets automatically done at a time convenient to you.

Originally Posted by pwarbi

When it comes to software updates I'm sure I'm not the only person that thinks they're a hinderance, especially as they always seem to happen when your busy.

That a why for some time now I've had auto update enabled and at least then it gets automatically done at a time convenient to you.

I agree on that point. It will become more of a nuisance than a necessity when the application starts checking for updates and keeps on downloading every now and then. This will become a headache when large number of applications start doing that. We will not able to use computer most of the time then.

In mobile phones, these updates can even eat away battery life. In Android phones Google updates are causing abnormal battery drain. In their new version called Marshmallow they are coming up with an application called "Doze" as a remedy to this. Hope we can get rid of this issue then. Let's hope for the best.

But when computer is concerned, we should select the timing for update or it should ask for our permission before updating. In any case the decision making power should be with us.

There are times though when its better to avoid updates as I love the app the way it is. There are so many apps that I use that got ruined after I updated them and I really want to restore them in their older version. Google chrome app is unusable to me when it is updated, it kept on crashing and websites gets unresponsive. I enjoyed that App more units factory version be cause the updates gives me nothing but annoying lags that drives me insane. I regret the day I updated Clean Master because it became bombarded with invasive apps and it deletes updates of my games because it thinks that my game updates are junk.

You have your point of view @Cashewfruit_wine and it is sometimes a fact that upon update, a possible changes is achieved by the App which often disappoints us. But, we should consider that an update is way useful in terms of bug fixing and software upgrade, if there's any. I happen to experience such problem too, but, later on solved. We can't predict the specific time of perfect update, so were less known to the current activities going on with the Software/App. Maybe at the time we made an update, the App is facing bug threat and currently having maintenancd. Better reinstall the App again if the Sotware is bug free. Sometimes, changes is for the better.

particularly in mobile upgrades are often retrograde as the apps demand more permissions than they originally wanted, most of them unnecessary permissions. I never allow automatic update. and if an app stops working because of non update then its time to decide whether any alternative is available or not

Originally Posted by panchabhut

particularly in mobile upgrades are often retrograde as the apps demand more permissions than they originally wanted, most of them unnecessary permissions. I never allow automatic update. and if an app stops working because of non update then its time to decide whether any alternative is available or not

Updation of mobile devices is becoming very important these days. Every day we can hear of new threats to mobile phones, especially Android phones. The latest one being the threat of second series of Stagefright bugs which is going to affect Android phones very badly. Through this hackers can easily take control of a device just by sending a MMS. There is no need to even open the MMS. So, just imagine how dangerous it could be.

Eminent players like Samsung has already said that they are regularly updating Stagefright patches to handle this situation. But what will happen if we decide not to allow any update. Just think about it.

When it comes to mobile devices, then it seems like a lot of people don't update as much as they should, for that exact same reason. I like my phone as it is, so why should I update because they say so?

That stubbornness can often lead to security breaches, because with every new update comes enhanced security, and if your device isn't kept up to date it will be more vulnerable.

If your computer is a licensed version then I believe you don't necessarily have to update your software. Bit Defender along with Firewall will take care of virus and threats.

Originally Posted by iamkkris

If your computer is a licensed version then I believe you don't necessarily have to update your software. Bit Defender along with Firewall will take care of virus and threats.

Every computer needs an update, the Operating system requied that. It is advised to keep the Desktop safe from threats and other possiblility of malicious attack. Every update there is an performance improvements and latest security installed to defend your computer from attackers. Among us, the OS developer is the most aware person regarding the software performance, so they're the one who knows about the importance of an Update and so they advised users to at least install it.

Software update is really important, especially in the present scenario. Nowadays, we can hear news of mobile software threats almost every day. The recent one is the Stagefright virus which only needs an MMS to be sent to the targeted mobile number. The virus has a capability of infecting a huge number of Android phones and its infection is very fatal. By this a hacker can possibly take control of your Android device.

As confirmed by Google they were releasing regular security patches for this from day one. So we need to update it as and when they are available. If we opt to set out of updates then that can create serious issues. So regular software update is very essential.

@webworld is right, this vulnerable bug found in our devices is the target of possible attacker. Such malicious MP3/MP4 file would triggered the exploitation in our databases which will cause a big problem for users, pertaining to the access of some important files, which supposed to be known privately. This vulnerability was once detected and attacked but unfortunately tye first attempt seems to fail. And now that another Stagefright attack is established, Andoid users must be warned. Hopefully Google can handled this problem as soon as possible because millions are at stake.

I think the debate about how important software updates are will continue to run and run, and a lot of people won't update because they don't like change.

The most worrying part for me, is the security aspect of it, as the main reason behind the update us improving the security, so anybody who doesn't are going to be at risk.

Originally Posted by pwarbi

I think the debate about how important software updates are will continue to run and run, and a lot of people won't update because they don't like change.

The most worrying part for me, is the security aspect of it, as the main reason behind the update us improving the security, so anybody who doesn't are going to be at risk.

You are absolutely right. That is where the importance of educating users comes into play. Each and every users need to be aware of the importance of software update.

Most of these updates allow users to have more features and functionalities. The most important part is the security patches that are being released from time to time. If user put the update option off, he could be at high risk of new attacks. Software update is also an opportunity to correct bugs from previous versions. Usually software developers do this based on the feedback received from current users.

To be honest I can see a time with android were the user can pick and choose what updates they want to install, much like a Windows user can on a PC.

If you like the OS and the way the device runs then just update the security patches and leave the rest, that kind of idea.

More and more people aren't updating because they don't want to start having to mess about with the settings again, but as a security issue that's bound to cause some problems. Being able to pick and choose just what they update might be the answer.

Updating the firmware is a very important part for a mobile. Sometimes, the OS contains some bugs which could cause problem to the users or the new update could bring additional features to your OS. For example, the Android Lollipop in Moto G came with a bug which caused a SIM malfunctioning. The bug was later fixed by releasing a small OTA update. Hence, I feel updating the firmware could be very useful, if you are facing issues with the current firmware. However, if the current firmware works fine then its not necessary to update it.

Even if your device us working fine and a OTA update becomes available I'd still recommend updating to be honest. I understand why people don't, but there's more reason to do it than not do it in my opinion

Software Update is highly recommended for the purpose of making a certain device to be secure. Device security should be taken cared of because the possible vulnerabilities can be detected and exploited. In the process of performing an update, the chances of securing a device by delivering some revisions from an updated software will fix the flaws. Why not keep your device protected as well as your information?

A software update can also make your device more user friendly. While an application is developed by a programmer he may not be aware of its practical difficulties or bugs that the program may face in due course of time. Once the application is in the hands of real users, they will come to know what are the practical issues based on the feedback received from users. Then they will develop updates to cover up the shortcomings. Also in case of bugs, they will take care of it by security patches which will be part of regular software updates. So a software update can really make the life of your device easier and secure.

I think when it comes to making a device more user friendly then that will just be down to the individual. When anybody gets a new device it takes a bit of time to get used to it, so when an upgrade comes along a lot of people are wary of what it's going to change, and they won't upgrade simply because they don't want their device to change now they've got used to it.

I have auto update enabled on my devices, I do not like the pop ups for updating coming up when I am in the middle of something. I think updates are very important. For instance, sometimes if an app is not updated it can run slowly or freeze when you are in the middle of something and important data could become lost.

An update setting can be edited if unexpected pop ups does disturb you. But be responsible enough to remind yourself. Actually, having an auto-update, even though it acted as a disturbance, but it does create an important role in reminding us. Its up to the user on how to have their selves reminded with regards to the maintenance.

The only issue I have with auto update is that if your not using your device over a WiFi connection, it can consume a lot of data that sometimes you aren't aware of.

On some devices you can auto update, but then choose when to actually download, and if that setting is available, I usually do that.