Windows and Mac Updates
Why updates are so important
Your computer runs a very complex set of software and over time minor faults that allow viruses (and hackers) to access the system are discovered.
Once these vulnerabilities are discovered they are exploited; this is a problem that affects both Windows and Mac computers.
Fortunately the remedy is simple and easy to apply. Both Microsoft (Windows) and Apple (Macs) have implemented mechanisms to automatically update your computer with the latest security fixes.
What to do
Ensure that updates are set to be installed automatically. Once you are prompted to install an update you should install it without delay. Instructions on how to configure your computer can be found in the links below:
Consequences of not keeping your computer up-to-date
Your machine will remain open to viruses and other malicious intrusions. This could have disastrous effects, including:
- all your valuable work and data could be lost from the hard disk of your PC
- you may need to spend days reinstalling your software
- you could put many other computer users at risk by allowing a virus from your machine to infect them
- your sensitive information could be stolen, for example your University account details, emails and banking information
The process is fast and safe - Microsoft and Apple test their updates thoroughly, they do not collect any information from your computer apart from your current update needs and updates are generally installed quietly in the background whilst you carry on working.
Responsibility for updating computers
CiCS takes responsibility for all PCs running the Managed Desktop Service.
Apart from users of the Managed Desktop (as indicated on your screen), each person is responsible for ensuring the computer they use is properly maintained.
Do not assume that someone else is updating your computer.