Over the years--but no more so than in the past year--I've spent countless hours updating software. It's that dreaded message that goes something like this: "Newer version available. Upgrade to 5.1.2.7a.3 by clicking this button". Argh.
For a guy who has been involved in computer software training, support, presenting, and teaching for over 20 years, well, you'd think I'd get used to this by now. But I haven't.
Granted, some software companies must release constant updates to their products. Anti-virus and anti-Spyware software comes to mind right away, as do software drivers (those little programs that 'drive' or supply instructions for many devices and other software we use on a computer). But really, what's been added that's of any value to a PDA-based calendar application that was updated two months earlier? Was it really necessary to release version 5.1.2.7a.4? Can they not simply tell me, plainly, why I need the upgrade?
Every week, E and I run full anti-virus and anti-Spyware scans on all computers. You can still use the machines while they're scanning, but performance is greatly impacted. In addition to those scans, I run scans on the Windows registry on each machine, at least once a month. Oh yeah, and then there are the regular backups we do to external hard drives.
Did I mention I can't get any work done some days? Okay so it's not that bad. But it does try one's patience sometimes...
Firefox routinely (and often, it seems) updates its browser. Every time it does, it checks to see if add-ins--those little extras that make browsers fly--are compatible. Often enough, the current version of the add-in will not work in the newer version of Firefox. Help! The cycle goes 'round and 'round.
A few months ago, Skype (the software I use for free VoIP phone calls), updated its software. It was a major update, and guess what? It was well worth it. Sound quality has improved tremendously. But I think Skype's story is a bit of a rare one. Most software updates are minor ones. So what to do about all those updates and fixes? Despite my griping, I'd say to follow three simple steps:
- Try to find out (even if at a glance) if you really need the update. It may be of the "critical" variety. It will usually say so if it is.
- Determine as much as possible its compatibility. Here, I'm speaking of compatibility with other software programs, and in some cases, with other components/features of a larger program.
- If you can, schedule for an 'off' time. Some updates will allow this.
For a few all-too-brief moments, yes, you too can have the absolute latest software!
