Online updating of files
Introduction
Generally speaking, you should always keep systems software such as operating systems updated, to ensure that all potential security problems are blocked and your software is more stable. You could also be taking advantage of improved drivers and updated features, for example. Whether or not you want to update applications is a personal choice. Some people take the view that they will only apply minor updates, bug fixes and security updates because they like the software just as it is. They don't want to do a major upgrade, which will change the layout of their favourite software (and they may be charged for a major update) and mean they have to spend time learning new things again instead of actually just using the software. Whatever you decide to do, there are a number of particular issues to be considered when updating files online.
Patches
Companies usually quickly produce a software patch if they identify a serious potential problem with their software and these should be applied immediately. A patch is simply a small piece of software that you install to fix a very specific problem in some software.
Check your hardware and software before starting the update
It may seem like an obvious question, but what hardware and software do you need for the update to be successful? For example, do you have enough hard disk space for the update? Is your software compatible with the update? You need to check the requirements for the update before attempting to run it.
Back-up files before attempting an update
When you try to update some software, things don't always work out. Sometimes, the update just doesn't work for unknown reasons. Sometimes, you are missing a piece of software or hardware that is required for the updated versions to work. Sometimes, some other software you are using interferes with the updates and sometimes, you don't have the necessary driver software for the new software to function correctly. Another issue you may have is that your computer crashes in the middle of an update and corrupts the software, or there is a power cut with similar consequences. Your WiFi may stop working all of a sudden. You are usually only going to find out there is a problem once you have installed and updated the software! Problems you could experience after the update include the updated software suddenly not working or other applications suddenly not working, to more serious problems with the operating system suddenly not working as it should.
Before you attempt to update anything, it is always a good idea to ensure first and foremost that all of your personal files are backed up to the cloud or a sperate back-up device. You should also set a restore point in your operating system if it allows you to, so that you can roll back your computer to how it currently is if you have problems with an update. You could also take a system image. This is a complete snapshot of your hard drive, including the operating system, all applications and all settings. If your hard drive fails, or stops working as a result of an update, you can install a new hard drive and then simply reload the system image. You can be up and running again in five minutes after installing a new hard drive compared to the days it might take you to find and reload all the software you were using, recover all personal files and set up everything again, such as your Internet settings.
An untested system image is not something you can rely on. You should always prove the image works (and prove to yourself that you know how to do this). You can test it by swapping the current hard drive for a spare, and then using a recovery disk to install the system image. If you don't know how to do this, you should spend the time finding out - watch a YouTube video! Some of these precautions may seem over-the-top for a home user. However, if you suddenly lose access to your computer, or a company suddenly loses access to their network or their commercial data, it could lead to serious problems.
Update from a reliable source
Files should always be updated from a source you know and can trust. If you start trying to update files from any old website, how do you know that you are not downloading and installing modified files with malware? Many leading software manufacturers have systems in place that allow you to check for updates on their servers and to download and install updates from them automatically. You should always use this facility where it exists.
Virtual Private Servers
If you are going to update files online from a public place, you should encrypt all communications. You can do this using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). There are free ones but a paid-for service usually costs just a few pounds a month and provides you with more security features. Do a search for VPN. Try 'proxy server'. When you go online, all of your activities will be strongly encrypted after you have set up an account and downloaded a small piece of 'client' software onto your computer. When you request a website, that request will then be encrypted and the results returned to you will be encrypted. On top of that, who you are (your IP address) will be stripped out of all requests so that you can't in theory be traced. If there is a security breach at the proxy server or VPN company, however, then it certainly would be possible. VPN software usually works on all platforms, including Windows, Mac and Linux PCs, laptops, tablets and phones. Have a look at a typical VPN service.