Another oftentimes ignored and always annoying security-related task is software and operating system updates. No one likes them, everyone is bothered by them, and most of us put them off like a trip to the dentist. Windows updates especially seem to be the worst about this. I can't tell you how many times I've had Windows updates seemingly start on their own at the worst possible time, like when trying to shut my system down before boarding a plane at the last second. And don't even get me started about Microsoft Office for Mac, but that's a whole other story.
In all seriousness, keeping your software and operating system up-to-date is important for several reasons, as updates do the following:
- Add new features
- Remove old features
- Update drivers
- Deliver bug fixes--important
- Fix security holes--the most important
Running old or even not-so-old but unpatched software can be a dangerous game to play, trust me. Remember, earlier in this chapter when I said it's not a matter of if you will...