Our publication date, the second Tuesday of the month, coincides with Microsoft’s Patch Day. It’s when the software gods in Redmond, WA, issue the latest security patches, bug fixes, and performance updates for all their products used by billions of people worldwide. If you don’t see an automatic update for your Microsoft products, it’s always a good idea to check on that day to see what’s new. But Microsoft is not alone in issuing updates. Every software publisher and equipment manufacturer does it.
You could make every day Patch Day, but it’s probably more efficient to set aside some time every two weeks to look for updates on all electronic devices. In our age of the Internet of Things, our apps and device operating systems virtually run our lives. We keep vital information about ourselves within our own technology systems, and financial institutions, healthcare providers, and shopping sites have information about us.
Electronic systems are subject to wear and tear. A bug can get into a system from anywhere and corrupt performance or security. Hackers can find holes in a system and plant bugs or malicious software. The tech industry is good at finding bugs and developing patches to fix them. Software engineers are always looking for ways to improve apps’ performance.
Hence, Microsoft’s Patch Day. However, Microsoft is just one of many who constantly issue patches, and they can publish them anytime as the need arises. Apple also issues updates for its products and operating systems, but not on a specific date. You can go into Settings and initiate a check for updates for both companies. We recommend doing that every two weeks or whenever your device’s performance seems sluggish or inconsistent. We use TeamViewer for our remote support, and once we are able to get inside your computer, we can tell if it’s operating properly or if something is off.
App providers and equipment manufacturers typically notify you when they have updates. Because of the age in which we live, it’s probably best not to click a link in a notification. Instead, we recommend you visit their website and look for updates to protect your security.
Operating system software for office equipment, such as printers, routers, etc., is called firmware and needs updates, too. You should also update firmware for devices in your home, such as security cameras and TV streaming devices, to name just two.
Wireless routers deserve a special note. They are radio devices that require an upgrade every two or three years. Newer routers handle higher internet speeds and manage more Wi-Fi traffic more efficiently over multiple channels. This is critical as offices and homes add more devices while keeping older devices that create network traffic jams.
This is where we can help. Routers need to be configured for maximum performance, especially if used in conjunction with a VPN, where we need to ensure everything is connected to the router. Call us – 973-433-6646 – or email us to discuss your router needs. We can help you select the one that best meets your budget and performance needs and ensure it’s installed and configured correctly.