Windows Security

How safe is your windows operating system? Are you protected from viruses, spyware, adware, malware and other risks?

To a certain extent, your windows security rating depends on the operating system you are running.  While your vendor may provide patches and security updates for some of the older operating system versions, the process of automated windows security updates was non-existent in the original versions and is less than integrated in all but the newest versions.  

If your computer is running an operating system version more than two versions prior to the most current operating system on the market, you are probably at risk. You can reduce the risk by visiting the vendor web site and downloading the most recent patches and windows security updates available. But by the nature of software development, the older versions of operating systems will not protect you and your information as well as the newer versions.

As security threats were identified and operating system vendors improved their detection and protection tools, windows security updates improved. As technology allowed for automatic downloads, the vendors created a system where a user did not have to intervene or take action in order to get the latest security updates. Today, the newest operating systems protect users by auto-download of windows security patches, new features and bug fixes.  

If that computer in your home office is running an eight or ten year old operating system with dial up internet access, you probably need to get a new computer to take advantage of the latest security updates. Even if you bought a copy of the new operating system to install on that old computer, the chances are your old computer does not have the memory or speed to support the new windows operating system. Do yourself a favor and trot down to the local electronics store and get a new machine!