I normally post a weekly update reminder about updating your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, and some of you may wonder why. You may be saying, “The programs are set to update themselves automatically, so I don’t need to do anything!”

Most security software protections will update themselves for you at a specified date, day, or time. If the computer is turned off, the update should take place the next time the computer is turned back on. In theory, even if you go on vacation for a week or two, the updates should all take place when you return, and life is wonderful with no stress, aches, or pains!

Most of us have multiple instances of anti-virus, anti-spyware, plus Windows Updates all set to do their thing. So after some downtime when the system is off and then is turned on again, there is a mad rush for ALL of the programs to jump on the Internet to try to update themselves. Someone may get left out. OR you may pick up a ‘bug’ that will actually disable your protections behind your back. Most users will continue on thinking that all is well.

I post the updates as a reminder to manually check the date of your protections in case this happens to you. Normally you can see what update the program is running on the startup screen of the program OR by going to Help and About from the menu. If the date matches what I have posted or is newer than what has been posted, all should be well.

Oh… I just remembered that some freeware programs may not have an auto update feature built in and have to be manually updated. That means you must open the program and click on the update button.

Be safe!

[tags]update, virus, spyware, clarification, protection, safe, security [/tags]