Topic 1: INSTALLING CRITICAL SOFTWARE UPDATES
INTRODUCTION
Are Windows updates necessary? Applying updates every month is not something system
administrators look forward to but they are necessary and extremely important in the times we
live in.
Most updates each month include security updates. Security issues are the worst possible type as
they may be exploited by malware or hackers. These types of situations are regularly identified
in various parts of Windows – ActiveX, IIS, Internet Explorer and .Net Framework are just
examples. Other updates address other bugs and issues in Windows. Even though they are not
responsible for security vulnerabilities, they might impact the stability of your Operating System.
Last, but not least, Windows Updates sometimes come with new features, while patching some
known issues – and the best example for this is IIS and Internet Explorer.
The code that makes up the Windows operating system contains security loop holes, errors,
incompatibilities, or outdated software elements. In short, Windows isn’t perfect, we all know
that. The latest Windows security patches fix the vulnerabilities and errors in Windows and
associated software, and they occasionally add new features. This essentially summarizes why
you should regularly run a Windows Update.
Security issues are regularly identified in various parts of the Windows operating system,
including the main platform. Even if you do not run the respective software, it is a risk not to
patch it, simply because it is installed on your system. Note that these updates are required, even
if you are running anti-malware or anti-virus software, as that software may not sufficiently
protect you from Windows security issues.
IMPORTANCE
You’re at work on your device and a pops up comes up saying, “a software update is
available”. You’re busy, so you click “cancel” instead of “install”, thinking you’ll get to it later,
but you never do. Sound familiar? In many cases, we’re so used to updates changing things that
we like or are used to that we’re actually reluctant to ever install them. So what do software
updates have to do with security?
Software updates are important because they often include critical patches to security holes. New
vulnerabilities are discovered all the time, both by malicious ‘black-hat’ hackers and ‘white-hat’
hackers, who are paid by software developers to find security issues in their applications. Once
these vulnerabilities are discovered, the software developer releases a ‘patch’ to fix the
vulnerability.
These ‘patches’ are what are contained in most software updates – and they fix issues that would
otherwise have left your system vulnerable to hackers getting in. Any new patch will alert more
hackers to the existence of the problem – leaving your system at more and more risk the longer
you fail to install it.
APPLICATION
The application for "installing critical software updates" is just updating to the most recent
software or any minor changes that the developer will provide.
In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device
running smoothly and securely. To manage your options and see available updates,
select Check for Windows updates. Or select Start > Settings > Windows Update .
In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device
running smoothly and securely. To manage your options and see available updates,
select Check for Windows updates. Or select the Start button, and then go
to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
In Mac, before installing new software and updates, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac.
1. From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen:
Choose System Settings. Then click General in the sidebar, and Software Update
on the right.
Or choose System Preferences. Then click Software Update.
2. If Software Update finds new software, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now
button to install it.
3. Enter your administrator password, if asked. During installation, your Mac might
restart, and you might see a progress bar or blank screen several times.
If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently
available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only updates and upgrades that are
compatible with your Mac.
OUTCOME
The Install Software Updates step is commonly used in Configuration Manager Task sequences.
When installing or updating the OS, it triggers the software updates components to scan for and
deploy updates. This step can cause challenges for some customers, such as long timeout delays
or missed updates. Use the information in this article to help mitigate common issues with this
step, and for better troubleshooting when things go wrong. Now it’s time to put a software
implementation plan in place. Proper implementation will maximize the value of your new
system so that you can quickly take advantage of the process and efficiency improvements
software provides.
Businesses that fail to define and achieve a software implementation plan might not realize the
full benefits of the tool, risking lost time and money.
That’s why we’ve put together a five-step software implementation plan. Regardless of your
industry or what type of software you’re implementing, the following steps will ensure you have
a successful implementation and get the most out of your new systems.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, It is critical to install security updates to protect your systems from malicious
attacks. In the long run, it is also important to install software updates, not only to access new
features, but also to be on the safe side in terms of security loop holes being discovered in
outdated programs. And it is in your own best interest to install all other updates, which may
potentially cause your system to become vulnerable to attack.
REFERENCES
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-windows-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984b5e0412c556a
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/basic-computer-skills/how-to-update-your-windows-software/1/
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/basic-computer-skills/how-to-update-your-mac-software/1/
https://sota.co.uk/software-updates-important-install/
APPENDICES
Windows Critical Updates for windows 10 and 11
MacOs Critical Update for iMac