Set you software to download and install updates automatically. Then, once a week, manually check to see if new updates are available and install them immediately. Since out of date software can leave your computer vulnerable to malicious attacks, performing a little preventative maintenance now could save you some big headaches later. Hackers target exploits in some of our most-used programs – such as Adobe Flash, Java, and QuickTime – to steal banking information, credit card numbers, social security numbers and other sensitive data available on your computer. The key to prevention is to pay attention to those reminders that let you know when updates are available. Even though it may seem like a pain to stop what you’re doing and allow your machine to update, it’s well worth the trouble to avoid a data compromise.

How Do I Update the Operating System and Microsoft Office for My Computer?