How often do you think about updating your computer’s internet browser? We’re guessing it’s not very often. Modern browsers work so seamlessly that we rarely pay them much attention. But surprisingly, many of us are working with out-of-date browsers.
The situation is particularly serious for Microsoft users. Edge Legacy was discontinued this year, while support for Internet Explorer in Windows 10 is set to end in 2022. So what happens if you go on using a browser that’s out of date or unsupported? While it might seem tempting to stick with the version you know, updating will avoid some serious issues, and should help you increase productivity and efficiency.
Troubling signs
If you’re using the browser that’s native to your operating system (Safari for MacOS, Edge for Windows), these are usually updated as part of an overall system update. Small updates, known as patches, are sometimes issued to fix a specific issue. But if you’re running an old version of Edge or Safari, that’s a sign your operating system is overdue for a refresh.
It’s easy to put off those time-consuming updates, but the consequences of delaying them – or, worse, continuing to use software that’s no longer supported – can be major. An out-of-date system is a gift to cyber criminals. So pay attention to your browser status, because it’s an indicator of the health of your whole system.
Staying ahead
If you’re using a different browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, you’ll need to make sure it’s up to date to avoid those security issues. Enabling automatic updates is a good way to ensure you don’t miss anything. But it’s not a bad idea to check manually at intervals, especially if you’ve been clicking “Remind me Later” whenever that update message appears.
Whichever browser you prefer, it’s very easy to find and install outstanding updates. All you have to do is visit www.whatismybrowser.com, and you’ll instantly discover whether your browser is out of date and, if so, what to do about it. It takes seconds to check, so do that right now – and ask your team to check, too. It could save you a lot of heartache in the long run!
Why the hurry?
As we’ve already said, out-of-date software can pose a security risk. It’s important to keep your data safe to protect yourself, your business and your customers, and software updates are a crucial part of that. But there are practical plusses to updating, too. An up-to-date browser is faster and more efficient, and gives you the latest productivity features.
It’s easy to let those updates slip by when you’re busy getting on with your job. A reliable IT support partner, such as Perigon One, can carry out checks and updates on your behalf. You won’t ever need to wonder whether your browser is letting you down. If you’re interested in exploring this, and other aspects of our custom-made IT solutions, just visit our contact page to drop us a line or book a free 15-minute consultation to talk over your needs.
