Key Programs to Keep Up-to-date

The main reason software producers provide updates is to plug security holes in their software. That is especially true of those programs nearly all of us have in our systems. If I were a creator of malicious and destructive viruses, I'd want to go for maximum impact, so I'd choose a program or operating system that is most used. (That's the reason Apple Macs have not been attacked by viruses, not because their operating system is "better" than any other, it's just not used by a significant number of people to be of interest to the virus creators.)

For example, Adobe Reader (the free version) has been the subject of a number of security updates recently, simply because nearly all of us use it to access pdf files and the virus makers found a security hole in earlier versions.

So, which are the programs we should all regularly make sure are up-to-date? Here are some suggestions:

• Adobe Reader (as mentioned above)
• Adobe Flash Player - because we all use it for the moving image bits of websites
• Java Runtime Environment - it sits there doing nothing most of the time, but occasionally other programs require it, and it is the only form of Java freely available
• Apple iTunes (and other Apple software) - especially in households with teenagers, as it is the place for downloading, storing, and playing music
• Any popular web browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer, e.g., Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome
• Any non-Microsoft program you use to send and receive emails, e.g., Mozilla Thunderbird
  

And of course: Windows!

As other programs spring to mind, I will be adding to this post. Suggestions also welcome.

"How do I make sure my software is up-to-date?" I hear you cry! The answer to that question will be the subject of a separate post. Watch this space!

Windows XP

Windows XP has been the most successful operating system ever! But some good things have to come to an end. As of now, there will be no new sales of Windows XP. However, Microsoft will continue to provide updates till April 2014. Their argument is that will give us all enough time to plan the migration to Windows 7.