Safepath: Step 4

“Hi. Chris Parker here, founder and CEO of WhatIsMyIPAddress. This is Step 4 of the 5-Step Challenge. Today, I’m going to help you update the operating system on your computer which will help avoid ransomware and other viruses.” Microsoft routinely posts software updates for the different versions of Windows and Apple does the same for its Mac operating systems (macOS). You can check for updates from here. One way you can accidentally allow viruses on your computers is by not updating your computer’s operating system, or OS. The operating system is the brains of the computer, the main software that runs the entire show. Microsoft and Apple stay on top of their technology if and when they discover there’s a tiny flaw in their operating systems, they fix it. It’s vital that you keep your operating system updated, especially if you use Windows. Here’s why. Almost 90% of all personal computers (PCs) use Windows. That’s a big target, so if there is a small flaw found in the Windows and hackers find out about it, they will try to exploit it with attacks. By the way, updating Window or macOS is not the same as upgrading . An occasional fix to the OS (referred to as a patch ) is an update—not an upgrade. Here's the difference: Updating your current version of Windows or MacOS is pretty simple, and that’s what we’re helping you with here. Microsoft provides complete instructions for you, for whatever version you are using. Here is the link: HOW TO KEEP YOUR WINDOWS COMPUTER UP TO DATE The process for updating the version of Windows you are using starts on a page called Microsoft Update, which is called the “online extension of Windows that helps you keep your computer up to date.” Here’s what Microsoft says on their website regarding installing “high priority updates” for Windows: “Use Microsoft Update to install updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly so that you can obtain recent updates and fixes to help protect your computer and to keep it running smoothly.” The process is simple and it’s all spelled out for you on the Apple website. Here is the link: HOW TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR MAC On their website, Apple says this about updating your operating system: macOS updates improve the stability, performance, and security of your Mac, and they include updates for Safari, iTunes, and other apps that are part of macOS.” Step 4 is complete when you: