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Ease of Update  - software basic information series

Your new software is up and running and that's super great.

But what now? Will your software adapt to keep current with the existing computing environment or will it become a dinosaur?....Softwarosaurus Rex?....

After installation and as part of configuring your software it's good practice to immediately check for 'updates' so you have the latest features. This is especially important when it comes to Spyware, Virus, and Trojan defense - most security products require an 'update' that includes the latest 'definitions'.  Without the latest definitions your computer won't be able to detect the latest pests.

Most all software products offer general product updates - software developers are constantly improving their products, adding features, and adapting to keep pace with the latest technical changes. Keep in mind that usually you will not be entitled to receive updates indefinately - you are typically entitled to updates for a specified period, such as a year.

Regarding 'ease of update', the software should have a readily available button so you can simply click to get your update, the process should be quick and easy, the software contacts the update server and obtains the update, installs it quickly, and that's it. Done.

In many cases the software may provide an option to enable 'automatic updates', in which case the software will contact the update server on a regular basis without further attention from you the user.

Headaches begin when: the update server is too busy and so you have to check back for your update, the update starts and then hangs up, the update appears to continue endlessly, the software freezes following an update, or your whole system freezes or crashes following an update (very bad).

A small amount of minor malfunction along this line may be tolerated by a user fairly well if he likes the software, but on-going problems become annoying quickly and of course crashes rarely please.

 Helpful: Simplified Computer and Internet Glossary