Should You Worry About Updating Your Desktop Programs?

Installing updates for your software, hardware, as well as for any other program is an essential and important task to keep your programs ready to combat emerging threats and comply with the technological advancements. There was a time when users actually have to worry about manually updating their desktop applications, failing which will keep their software and machine’s security at stake. But those days are gone now and options like automatic updates have come up to reduce the stress of users and make them free from the worries of updating a desktop program manually. 

In earlier days, some heavy applications like Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader were full of security loopholes and didn’t update themselves, but those days are gone now. Nowadays, software comes with pre-installed features that enable a user to opt for ‘Automated updates’ and makes them relieved from the stress of  checking manual updates at regular intervals. It has been found that Windows desktop is the only OS platform that needs user’s permission to update applications thus, compels every developer to code their own updater.

What was the previous picture of update install?

First of all, you will be required to install updates for your web browser and browser plug-ins such as Flash, Adobe Reader, Java, and so on as these are the easiest targets to spread the malicious infections. In the past, you might have heard technicians talking about that the Flash didn’t update itself, nor did Adobe Reader, and browser updates were also not automatic. All of these have always required manual acceptance to install a new update that can enhance the functioning and performance of such software. This leads to force a user to keep an eye on updates and install them promptly, leaving users stressed and concerned as soon as an update is released.

Browsers and OSes aren’t untouched from automatic updates

Since the modern world has more seamless and less-painful update installation process, it makes a user feel free when it comes to deal with the security of the software. Google Chrome updates itself in the background and thus reduces the worry about having the latest version installed on your device. Responding positively to the tough technological competition, Firefox also followed the Chrome’s lead and updates itself in the background. Microsoft also developed the latest version of Internet Explorer (IE) in such a way that it updates itself separately from Windows Update, ensuring that users have the latest version.

Most essential ones are somewhat streamlined, but not fully

Adobe Flash has also emerged from its previous stage and checks for updates automatically. It requires permission from user thus, sends alerts to you for the same. Chrome users should not worry about Flash updates, as the browser handles updates for Flash and Adobe Reader automatically. Users might feel a bit concerned about handling Java updates as it checks for updates once every month and might ask you to download an update that contains junk software. Users can ask Java to check for updates more frequently, but it is recommended to uninstall it right now, if you don’t need to have Java installed on your device. If you think that you’re concerned about installing updates for Windows, then you need not to worry as Windows is also capable of automatically updating itself via Windows Update.

Conclusion

Presently, majority of applications support built-in features that regularly check for updates and automatically install them on your device to ensure optimal performance. No matter what software is it or on the platform it is installed, the built-in tools will check for the latest updates and let you know when a new version is available. It will be a surprise to know that most of the games now automatically update themselves too. In addition to this, games purchased through an online storefront like ‘Steam or Origin’ is offered with some extra features and bug fixes to offer streamlined gaming experience. Since the phenomenon of automatic updates has been fully-blown into the tech industry, you don’t need to hunt down patches on websites.