Alternative Education

Technology Tip: Is It Safe to Update Software?

Is_it_safe_computer

One of the most common questions we (Technology) get from our staff is
Is it safe for me to do these updates on my computer?“.

The answer is, “Yes, but it depends on which software”.

Here is the clarification: There are several different programs that are installed on staff computers that should be updated when prompted.

These trusted programs are: Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Java, & Windows Updates.
(Depending on your job duties, you might have some additional software that is ok to update: SmartBoard Notebook or Quicktime)

It is very important that you do these security updates on your computer when ever prompted to limit your risk of viruses or spyware.

Your computer lets you know when one of these programs needs to be updated by a small icon on your Taskbar (next to the clock):

windows-update-notification

java_update_notification_med-2

Adobe-Reader-Taskbar-Update

 

 

 

Click on the icon and follow the onscreen directions to update the software. If asked to run or save, click “run”.

 

 

IMPORTANT: When the update wizard appears, sometimes on a screen, there is an option to install additional software with a check-box that is already checked (Ask Toolbar, Google Chrome, etc).
Please “un-check” this box so you do not install additional software. Please view the example below.

Java-checkboxjpg

If you have any questions regarding this, please submit a Help Desk request and we will be sure to contact you.