UPDATE MESSAGES

As we use our computers we’re constantly bombarded with notices to update this program!  Update that program!  It gets to the point where we tend to do one of two things; we just ignore all the popups, saying ‘I’ll do that later’ but never do perform the updates, or we click the ‘OK’ or ‘Update Now’ button for every update notice that pops up.

I’m not sure which is worse – not performing updates will leave you open to myriad security holes in programs, while doing every single update notice that pops up can get your system infected with a nasty malware program faster than you can say ‘Here’s the keys to my computer kingdom’

So what should I do?

The majority of the update notices are valid – things like your antivirus program(s), Microsoft updates, Adobe reader, Java and the like. When you do download and apply updates for valid programs be sure you take a close look at what you are downloading.  Many of them will try and add additional unwanted software to your downloads.  See our article about downloading unwanted programs.

When you get an update notice, determine what program it is that is wanting to be updated.  If it’s a program that you have installed on your computer go ahead with the update.

If it’s an unknown, such as ‘Windows Antivirus 2011’ don’t do the update!  The key is *knowing* what programs are installed on your system, particularly your antivirus/antimalware programs.  If you are using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Antimalware (the two programs we use here at Scurlock Systems) and you get a popup from any other antivirus program do NOT do that update.  It’s a popup from an infected website just hoping you press the OK button.

A very common way for computers to become infected with nasties is by using scare tactics.  You’ll be surfing away and suddenly get a popup that says something to the effect of ‘WARNING! Your computer is infected by eighty-gazillion viruses.  Click here now to run a scan!’.  Whatever you do, do NOT run that scan.  If you press OK or run the scan you’ll be infected by a nasty and at that point you’ll be in a world of hurt.

If you get one of those popups simply reboot your computer and run a full virus scan using your valid antivirus program.

If you haven’t updated your computer in several months or more you might consider having a professional go over your system, perform the necessary updates and do a tune-up on your system.  Of course we here at Scurlock Systems would be honored to assist you via a remote session in updating your system, but whatever you do, make sure your systems are updated and stay that way!

We welcome any feedback, and as always if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give us a shout!

Web www.scurlocksystems.com and www.ssaremote.com

Scurlock Systems and Associates LLC

866.665.1750 | 972.633.1111

Scurlock Systems is located in Plano, Texas and provides both remote computer service and computer repair in Plano, Dallas, Richardson, Allen and surrounding areas.  We also make killer desktop computers.