Scheduling Security: Take Control of Your OS Updates
May 10th, 2017 by admin
It happens to everyone: You turn your computer back on after you intended to leave the office, or come in early to get a head start on a new project, only to be greeted by a 20-minute operating system (OS) update session. This common workplace frustration turns what should have been a four-minute job into a half-hour ordeal, forcing you to stay behind or defeating any time gains from starting early.
OS updates provide essential security fixes that keep your business safe, but the platforms have a knack for pushing updates at what feels like "the worst possible time."
Here's what you can do to remain one step ahead of your updates at all times.
Change the Default Settings
Don't leave operating system updates on their default settings, because they're likely to interfere with work when you need the devices. The solution to this productivity- and attitude-killing problem is to adjust the system settings to force the updates at a specified time when your team won't need them. Other software, like Office, Photoshop, and web browsers, tend to be less of a problem, since their update sessions are usually much quicker.
Updates Are a Security Issue
The worst solution to update inconvenience is to disable automatic updates. While updates that don't add any new features may seem irrelevant, they're actually doing lots of work keeping you safe behind the scenes in areas like IT security and virus/malware prevention.
According to TrendMictro, malware and other security exploits tend to target known security holes that have already been closed through updates and patches. Instead of finding new exploits, it's easier for hackers to continue to exploit the old ones and take advantage of users who do not update their computer software.
Schedule Around Work to Increase Productivity
Microsoft usually posts their updates on the second Tuesday of every month, which is commonly known as "Patch Tuesday." However, this may not work well with your business if it disables employee computers Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. The ideal time for updates will differ depending on your business, but for the typical Monday-to-Friday 9-to-5 office, you will be best served by installing updates around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. Devices can even be individually customized for each employee based on their personal schedule.
The IT Consulting experts at ATS, serving San Francisco, San Mateo County, San Jose, and other San Francisco Bay Area cities, are ready to help your business make technology work for you, not against you. Scheduling updates is a desktop management and support issue, which IT Managed Services can deliver. Contact us today to find out how we can help you better manage your office computers.
Posted in: Solutions