We live in a world where man and machine have virtually fused into one. We are still two independent entities, but can you imagine your life without a computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet? Our computers essentially run our lives nowadays and it is vital that they do so properly and quickly. This is only really possible if you also have the best antivirus installed on your machine. However, just having it one your machine isn’t enough. You also have to make sure that update the program regularly, so you don’t get faced with problems in the future. After all, this program is what defends you from people with malicious intent, like the pirates of the high seas of the past few centuries.
Features
Each antivirus program is unique, which means that their update procedures are all different as well. Before you choose your software, you need to compare their policies and procedures in terms of updates as well. You need to make sure that you understand exactly why you need to do in order to keep your system up to date. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
- Automatic updates are common, which are done over the internet as soon as your computer connects.
- Popup messages to say that you need to update your system, with a click through link. These are becoming less common, because it is all too easy to fake them, thereby actually infecting your machine.
- Yearly updates, which are very rare. You will be prompted to update your system when your subscription is about to end. If you don’t update it, the system will be disabled.
- Authorized website updates, which means going to the website of your software developer and downloading their latest version. Most antivirus programs have this option as well as the automatic update option.
How to Update an Antivirus Program
If, for some reason, you choose not to have an automatic update, it is important that you know how to do this. While each software developer will have a few different requirements, you usually have to follow the same or similar steps, being:
- Download the latest version of the program, saving it to your computer.
- Keep a copy of the installation file on an external drive (this is a handy tip, not a requirement).
- Log off the internet.
- Run the setup.
- Select manual update.
- Reconnect to the internet.
- Click update in your new software.
- Follow the installation wizard.
The above method of updating antivirus programs is quite archaic. However, some people prefer it because they prefer to have 100% control over everything that is on their computer. They will check and double check the installation file’s different elements, for instance, making sure nothing malicious is in there. Overall, however, simply having your automatic update switched on is more than enough and will ensure you always have full protection on your machine. Doing this also means that you will never miss anything.