Tech Force
  • Home
  • I.T. Support
  • Managed Services
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Tech Bits & Bytes Blog

Why Your Updates Are More Important Than Ever

7/29/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Stories about hackers and virus attacks seem to be making the news almost every day, and many of these news stories include tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim. One common theme among these tips is making sure your Windows operating system up to date.
Every day hackers are trying to figure out new ways to break into Microsoft Windows and once they do find a weakness, they try and find a way to spread it. This could be through a malicious email attachment or even something that spreads without your involvement.
 
Updates Explained
Whenever Microsoft discovers a potential flaw, they push out a small piece of software to all Windows computers running a supported version. If set correctly, your computer will check if there’s any updates or patches and install them automatically. In new versions, this usually happens when you’re shutting down or starting up, and doesn’t impact your experience at all. Unfortunately, some users will manually disable or delay their updates, creating a risky situation.

The update may include security patches, drivers or a simple tweak to address bugs or issues with Windows. Sometimes, they even include new features or applications to improve the stability of your operating system. They’re a good thing!

Not All Versions Get Updates
Some older operating systems are no longer supported, which means unless there are extenuating circumstances, Microsoft won’t issue any new updates. Not a single one – generally, if cyber criminals discover a flaw after support ends, they’re free to exploit it.  For example, Windows XP support ended in 2014, and Windows Vista just ended in April this year. The moment an operating system is retired it becomes a playground for cyber-criminals.

It’s not just Microsoft walking away from these old versions either. Third party software like the Google Chrome browser will still work, but they’ve also stopped supporting old versions with crucial updates and patches. It might seem like everything is working fine because your anti-virus isn’t pinging in alarm, but it just becomes a case of risk, upon risk, upon risk.

What to do with older Windows
As much as you’re comfortable with your older version of Windows, each time you boot up you’re exposing your system, important files and entire network. It only takes one weak entry point in the chain to allow malware into all connected devices. That could mean your photo storage, media center or even smart appliances. It’s not worth it - if you’re running Windows XP or Vista (or older), you need to update to a more modern operating system ASAP. Give us a call to upgrade your computer.

We can also monitor your system remotely and apply your Windows updates with our Managed Services packages, ensuring you are always up to date and protected. Give us a call at 262-515-9499.

Comments

    Tech Force Blog

    We provide you with  important, practical tips and insight for your technology and networks for both home and business.

      Contact Us for Help!

    Submit Request

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

    Categories

    All
    Business Continuity
    Business IT
    Cloud Computing
    Cyber Security
    Networking
    Tech Talk

    RSS Feed

Get in touch with us!

p.   (262) 515-9499
e.   support@techforceonline.com

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:  9am - 5pm

Contact Us Today!
Remote Support
Residential Online Backup

Picture

See what our clients have to say...

Very pleased with Tech Force!  We've been using Tech Force for over four years now.  We've had a lot of different people do computer and IT stuff for us, but Tech Force is the first to come in and implement a plan.  The plan was executed and we've had no problems.

Tech Force is very good at getting back to you when you have a problem. You don't have to wait and wait for things to get done. If they can't take care of the problem remotely, they will come over here. They always send somebody who is skilled and knows how to take care of the problem, unlike the companies we've used in the past. We've been very pleased with Tech Force!  ~ Ed V., Advanced Spine & Sport

More Client Reviews

Read Our Customer Reviews


We service Racine, Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Wind Point, Union Grove, Elmwood Park, Franksville, Caledonia, Kenosha, Somers, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, Parkside, Oak Creek and Franklin, WI and surrounding areas. Copyright © 2009-2020 Tech Force Computer Service, LLC.
  • Home
  • I.T. Support
  • Managed Services
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us