Patch Your System Promptly

The software you are using today likely has security holes that nobody has discovered yet.If you don't keep up with the latest software, you will eventually get hacked.A patch is a small piece of software designed to fix problems with or update a computer program or its supporting data.

Most major software companies will periodically release patches, , that correct very specific problems in their software programs.Most of the  patches are free to download and the majority of them are now simply downloaded from the Internet .A fair percentage of these patches help to address problems, but a poorly composed software patch may actually create new problems.It is very important to keep yourself apprised of security updates to all of the software on your machine. The easiest way to do this is to check the software vendor or developer's website on a regular basis or to join a mailing list that keeps users informed about security vulnerabilities and updates.

The following types of software are most likely to contain a security vulnerability

• Operating Systems - Windows, Macintosh, UNIX/Linux, etc.
• Server Software - Web servers, Mail servers, FTP servers, Database servers, etc.
• Web Browsers - Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, Mozilla FireFox, Chrome etc.
• Email Clients - Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, Netscape, Mozilla, etc.
• Peer-to-Peer File Sharing software - BitComet, BitLord, BitTorrent, FlashGet, G3 Torrent,KTorrent, LimeWire,QTorrent, rTorrent, Shareaza,Kazaa, Gnutella, eDonkey, etc.

When a patch is released it is important to install it, as it may improve security or fix a compromising bug that previously slipped through. Be sure you download the patch from a reliable source, such as the software's website.

Useful Links

• Updates | Windows Updates
• 
• Software Patch
• Mac OS
• Driver Updation | Update Your Drivers
• Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) :Check your PC for insecure programs exposing you to security threats(Freeware)
• Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)
• FileHippo's Update Checker
• Free DotNet VersionCheck Utility to check which version of Microsoft .Net Framework is installed on your computer
• Software Update Monitor(SUMO)
• Intel INF Update Utility
• http://www.winfiles.com/

Related Reading :

• Windows Patches
• How Can You Protect Yourself From Software Vulnerabilities

Category: Drivers, Patch, Updation, Utility