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Software Installation & Upgrades
Computer Software Upgrades or Installation
Using a computer that’s full of old, poor quality software is like living in a beautiful mansion filled with cheap patio furniture. It’s amazing how many people end up in exactly this situation though because they don’t upgrade their software. Some folks avoid upgrading because it can be a hassle. Some don’t do it because they’re worried about messing up their computer. Others simply forget or don’t think about it. This article is here as a friendly, nerdish wake-up call! Yes, upgrading your software is not the most fun thing to do but there are a lot of good reasons to do it. We’ll run you through those reasons and give you some practical tips on how to decide if it’s time to upgrade.
Updating vs upgrading
Before we delve into the why’s and wherefores, it’s important to make sure you’re aware of the difference between a software update (also known as a patch) and a software upgrade. Let’s jump back to the metaphor of your computer as a mansion and your software as the furniture.
Updating your software
A software update is the equivalent of putting nice fabric covers over your existing patio furniture, patching any holes and performing basic repairs. It will look a bit nicer. It may even be more satisfying and comfortable to use. At the end of the day though, you’re still sitting on patio furniture.
Upgrading your software
A computer software upgrade, on the other hand, is more like getting rid of an old piece of furniture entirely and purchasing a brand new, super comfortable replacement, complete with USB chargers and awesome beverage holders. However, there’s a catch. To get that new furniture you’ll have to pay more and there’s also the hassle of getting it moved into your house. A software upgrade is the same trade-off. Installing the latest version of a software package typically brings major improvements. However, the process of installing it usually involves additional cost and work.
How to update your software
Usually, updating your software will be a pain-free and easy process. Software these days is designed to improve over time and most halfway decent packages are set up with an inbuilt mechanism to check and run an update with minimal messing around for the user.
On a Mac, the easiest way to check is to go into your App Store. Right up at the top of the screen, you’ll see an ‘Updates’ button. Click and you’ll be taken to a neat list of software you can update. All you need to do is give your Mac the go-ahead, enter your admin password and the operating system will do the rest. If you have software on your system you didn’t install using the App Store, you will need to open the software manually, then at the menu at the top of the screen, pull down the bolded menu to the right of the Apple icon. There you’ll usually see ‘Check For Updates’. On a Windows PC, the process can be a little more involved. You’ll need to go into the software you regularly use and search for the update feature in the menus.
