This post x-rays how mobile software updates keep devices safe and other relevance of keeping device software up to date always. Mobile technology giants always advice users of mobile phones, tablets, computers and all forms of internet devices to ensure regular software updates on their devices. They maintain that these are the best ways to keep devices safe and secure from viruses and other forms of malicious threats. Furthermore, newer software releases always come with improved security, faster and more efficient functionalities. They also come with bug fixes and a lot more improved features. Most upgrades may become necessary to fix the bugs or errors of existing software versions. In some cases too, you may flush out viruses or malware or even a ransomware by just upgrading a software or operating system. However, there are two ways of keeping devices safe through software updates.
Two Methods of Updating a Device Software
All devices have an Operating System software as well as Utility Application software. These two types of software run alongside each other to solve user’s requests. However, you may be able to delete a utility software app, while you may only be able to upgrade an operating system software. In any case, you may only erase an Operating System software if you are formatting (totally wiping out) the device in order to install a fresh operating system. Therefore, the two ways to update a device software are thus;
- Operating System software updates
- Utility Application software updates
Safe Devices through Operating System Updates
Mobile software updates that involve an Operating system are deeper, more comprehensive and more effective on a device safety and security. This method of software updates clean out and refurbishes every fabrics of the devices, turning it to brand new. For instance, an android version update ensures your android device stays on the latest and most secure version. Other operating systems such as iOS, Windows etc also ensure total bug fixes, better securities, enhanced features as one upgrades to their latest releases accordingly. However, you must take some care whenever you wish to run mobile software updates for optimal device security and performance. Ensure that you have sufficient free storage space before commencing download. Furthermore, ensure there is an available latest release or version. In this, your device will prompt to notify you of a newer release and it is your responsibility to download and install it.
Device Security and Safety through Utility Application Updates
The individual applications which you install in your device also require regular updates from time to time. Have you ever seen your WhatsApp tell you that you can no longer use this App because it is out of date? Although some utility Apps can still run even when it becomes obsolete. However, n outdated App lacks in so many features and potentials such as;
- It lacks the latest features to protect you from ever evolving viruses, malware or other malicious attacks
- Lacks in the latest performance features and plugins that ensure optimal functionality.
- It may no longer be fully compatible with the latest version of your device’s operating system.
- It may start hanging, accumulating unnecessary junk files and can easily crash your device
- Hackers may easily get at you when you work with obsolete utility Apps.
However, there are Apps that would only work when you stay up to date and run a correct time and date on your device. These are called Date-dependent Apps. WhatsApp is one of them. Your WhatsApp would not work if for any reason, your device date goes wrong. In fact, this is what happens when your WhatsApp expires. It stops reading the correct date and time and asks you to upgrade. As a result, I wrote an article on how to use an expired WhatsApp – certainly only on emergency purposes.
Mobile Software Updates and Battery Life / Performance
Apple recently made a disclosure about one of its iPhone models with battery life and performance issues. This revelation came after series of reported unfortunate slow-down of some models of Apple i-phones. An application which was programmed to improve battery life of those devices caused the slowed performances.
Although Apple apologized for not advising customers on i-phone models with aging batteries, here is their advice. The mobile technology giant affirmed that it is necessary to always update device’s software. This is the only way to keep it functioning at optimum capacity as well as safe from any form of malicious threat.
However as the world becomes a global village due to busy internet and cyber space traffic, a lot of malicious contents abound. There are billions of sources of mobile or device utility software, apps and operating systems threats. These sources release viruses and cyber worms into the cyber space. Furthermore, some cyber security threats are so powerful that they are able to tear down firewalls of many devices. Sadly, firewalls help to keep the latter safe from internet and cyber attacks by building defensive lines of security against cyber invaders.
Other Sources that Threaten Device Safety Despite Mobile Software Updates
However, an up to date software alone cannot guarantee total security of your device from viruses and other malicious threats. You may also be at risk when you download or share files with sources you can not trust. What about security certificates you do not trust? They contribute in exposing our devices to threats. Hackers via the internet, cyber space, WiFi, wire connections etc always look for the weakest point in a system software build-up.
Therefore, using an outdated versions of phone or device software provide a veritable vulnerability for malicious attacks by hackers or cyber terrorists. The primary essence of developing newer versions of software or apps is to correct previous anomaly. By conducting mobile software updates, you strengthen the defenses of your phone or device. With the release of any new version, software companies expects all users of their software or devices to upgrade immediately. Updates ensures that you enjoy the gains of the improvement that came with the latest software versions.
Therefore whether you are using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, decoders, or any devices which has a software updating feature, always ensure you try your best to keep your devices up to date. More important is to always download newer softwares or latest versions or upgrades from the recommended sources.
You are encouraged to share this piece of information on your Facebook and other social media platforms.
