Keeping your Windows and macOS operating software, as well as major computer vendor’s drivers and application software up to date is paramount for ensuring the smooth running of your system, maintaining high levels of security against potential cyber threats and ensuring compatibility with new applications. There are several methods of maintaining updated systems and software, and users have to be acquainted with them.

Updating Windows Operating System

Windows often releases new versions, security updates, and patches that enhance system performance and security. To keep your Windows OS up to date, follow these steps:

1. Go to your settings (shortcut is Windows Key + I. The Windows key looks like ⊞ and is the third key from the left on the bottom row of the keyboard)
2. Click “Update and Security”
3. Select “Windows Update,” then click on “Check for updates.”
4. If there are any updates, the system will start downloading and installing them automatically. You might be required to restart your PC after this.
5. You can also “Schedule the Restart” for a convenient time.

You can also activate “Automatic Updates” so that your system will check for, download, and install updates as they’re released without your input.

Updating macOS Operating System

For MacOS, Apple regularly updates the operating system with patches and updates. To keep MacOS updated:

1. Select the Apple menu at the top left of the screen.
2. From the dropdown menu, choose “System Preferences.”
3. Click on “Software Update.”
4. If there are updates available, you have the option to install them.
5. You can also check the box that says “Automatically keep my Mac up to date” for automated updates.

Keeping Windows Computer Drivers Updated

Drivers make sure your hardware and devices work correctly with your computer. Major computer vendors often update their drivers to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.

You can generally update your drivers through the official website of your computer’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) by searching for your specific model and downloading the right drivers. Other vendors also offer utilities, like “HP Support Assistant” or “Dell Command Update,” which will automatically check for, download, and install any updated drivers.

HP

1. HP Support Assistant: This app comes pre-installed on new HP computers. It schedules tune-ups for your system and performs automated updates.
2. HP Software & Driver Downloads Page: If your device doesn’t have the HP Support Assistant, you can manually download drivers from the official HP website. Simply insert your product name/number, and the site lists all the applicable drivers for your model.

Dell

1. Dell Update: This application automatically checks for updates and installs them in the background. It ensures your Dell device runs optimally and securely.
2. Dell Drivers & Downloads Page: You can find the drivers manually by inputting your service tag, which prompts the website to list the suitable drivers for your system.

Acer

1. Acer Download Center: Search for your product and manually download the relevant drivers from the Acer website.

Lenovo

1. Lenovo Vantage: Automatically keeps your system updated, personalizes your settings, manages WiFi networks, etc.
2. Lenovo Support Page: You can manually download drivers by inputting your device model on the Lenovo Support webpage and selecting the appropriate drivers.

ASUS

1. ASUS Live Update: This tool monitors for new updates and applies them automatically. It covers BIOS, PC’s firmware, applications, and drivers for your hardware.
2. ASUS Download Center: By inputting the model name, you can manually find all the related drivers for your ASUS device on their official webpage.

MSI

1. MSI Live Update: This app keeps your system updated automatically to ensure smooth and secure operations.
2. MSI Service & Downloads Page: You can access this page to manually download your drivers. Insert your product name to find the appropriate drivers.

Samsung

1. Samsung Update: This tool downloads essential updates, assisting your system to run effectively and securely.
2. Samsung Download Center: You can use this page to manually find and download the drivers for your Samsung device.

Toshiba

1. Toshiba Service Station: This application is pre-installed on most Toshiba devices. It provides alerts when updates are available.
2. Toshiba Drivers & Software Page: Visit Toshiba’s official website to manually download essential drivers by entering your device’s model.

Sony Vaio

1. Vaio Update: This tool enables your PC to connect to Sony’s servers, check the version number, and provides updates if necessary.
2. Sony Vaio Drivers Download Page (USA) / (Australia): If your Vaio device doesn’t have the Vaio Update tool, access Sony’s official webpage by entering your product model to find and download drivers manually.

Microsoft Surface

1. Windows Update: Because Microsoft creates both the Surface hardware and Windows software, the built-in Windows Update will provide the latest drivers and firmware updates.
2. Microsoft Download Center: Here, you can manually find and download drivers for your Surface device.

Remember to keep automatic updates on whenever possible, and regularly check the vendor’s website if you suspect a driver is outdated. Always make backups before proceeding with major driver updates in case something goes wrong. Understand that the process of downloading and updating drivers will vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific device model.

Keeping macOS Drivers Updated

MacOS handles drivers differently than Windows. Apple includes most of the necessary drivers within their OS updates, meaning you don’t typically need to manually update drivers on a Mac.

Updating Software Apps on Windows

Updating apps helps to patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.

Applications installed on Windows computers can be installed through the Windows Store app or by downloading from third-party websites.

For Windows Store apps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store through the taskbar, or open the Windows start menu and search for Windows Store.
2. Click on the “…” or “See More” icon at the top right of the screen, then “Downloads and Updates.”
3. Click “Get updates” to check for app updates.

For non-Windows Store apps:

1. Patch My PC Updater is a freeware tool for individual users that comes from enterprise patch-management software vendor Patch My PC. It recognizes and automatically handles updates for around 300 different Windows applications. It does so automatically, quickly, and with minimal muss and fuss. I’ve used this tool for nearly six years now and it does the job both nicely and well.
2. IObit Software Updater was designed to simplify the task of keeping all the applications on your computer up-to-date. It can check for new versions and install them automatically, even without user input. Moreover, it can help you download and install popular applications for various purposes.
3. CCleaner software updater is a premium feature built into CCleaner Pro. It detects out-of-date applications on your PC and updates them automatically in one go. This saves you from having to find and install updates manually.

Updating Software Apps on macOS:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Click “Updates” in the App Store toolbar, then use the “Update” buttons to download and install any updates listed.

Many third-party apps also have built-in mechanisms for checking and downloading updates.

Finally, updating software regularly is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and secure system. Remember to always keep a good backup of your important files as updates can sometimes cause problems. Regular updates will ensure your computer runs smoothly, safely, and remains compatible with all the latest technology.

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