As computer owners, we are constantly bombarded with update warnings. Windows, Office, AOL, Hardware Drivers, Programs, it just never ends. I'm going to try and give some advice on when you should upgrade or update you PC in this blog.
Windows - You really don't have a choice in this one. Update now or Update later. You have to update your version of Windows. Now that doesn't mean you have to UPGRADE (change versions) just keep your current version of Windows up to date. Microsoft posts updates to Windows every Tuesday morning. Now depending on how you have set up your version of Windows Update the update will get to your PC eventually. If you go to Control Panel, Automatic Update you can chose how you have the update happen. I like the option "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them". This lets you pick the time and place of the update. If you don't pick this option Windows decides when it will download the update (lord knows how big it is) and when it will update your PC and usually ask you to reboot your PC (during an important presentation?).
Most of you know my opinion of Windows Vista. You should absolutely not upgrade your PC to Vista. If you have to get Vista (And you'll have no choice after January) then get a new PC designed for Vista.
We only update Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) when we are having a problem. Office is generally pretty stable and the need to update or even upgrade is minimal. Customers are still happy with Office 2000. I use Office 2003 and am not thrilled with upgrading to Office 2007. It's a radical change in the interface with minimal new features. Stay the course!
For those still using AOL (we are!) the new version of AOL VR (9.1 I think) isn't a bad upgrade, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It pesters you to update, but gives you the option to click on the X or cancel so do what feels right.
The most infuriating update nag for me is the Adobe reader. They seem to have an update every 3 days. I have NEVER seen the use for any Adobe reader update. Its just nag, nag, nag till you succumb. I honestly haven't seen anything bad about the updates other then taking you away from what you are doing.
We'll talk about hardware upgrades next blog!
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