Why Staying Up-to-Date is Important

I have been told multiple times, keeping software up to date is important. Whether it is a simple security patch, or a complex functionality extension, I often push updates to later times, and I have had multiple issues because of it. Sometimes I must figure out work-arounds and other times I may need a clean refresh – sometimes things just break.

Apparently, I am not alone. Excluding hardware, where there are usually costs associated with updating, we are not updating our software. In fact, Pew research discovered a mere 22% of people keep their cellphones regularly updated. We are not change adverse. I hear the backlash every time that Facebook changes anything. Things blow up! People get upset. Remember when Apple forced everyone to have Apple Maps (though they admitted that it was not “up to their standards”). People hate changing. Learning new program layouts can be a real challenge.

So, the real question is why we don’t update. We know we should, but what really prevents us from taking the step and updating? 

Slowing down productivity

There is always a learning curve when readjusting to new layouts and features – and who really has the time for that? Also, there is a very large issue I have noticed where updating can really be a drain on your system if it is a little older; see Apple's Battery Scandal*cough*. This forces you into a hardware upgrade that comes back to more money.

Desensitized

Maybe we are inundated with requests; PlayStations, Computers, Adobe—at least the internet updates in the background. Personally, I have a multitude of programs– Just for operating systems that I use on a regular basis. Every time I log into my systems there are updates required. Now I will admit that I am probably an oddity with so many systems but each of them has a purpose. It feels like my phone needs an update every day.

Apathy

Yes, there are times where we think software is sufficiently meeting our needs. If the current version accomplishes what it is we want, why would we care to change it? As the adage goes “if it aint broke, don’t fix it”. This mentality can serve as a psychological block towards staying up-to-date, even though there may be significant benefits to doing so.

With these deterrents in mind, let’s move on to why it is important to stay up to date.

Security Risks

Many software updates regardless of what device or system they are for, provide integral security patches that serve a variety of purposes. First and foremost, it protects your data and information better than the previous version, as the presence of hackers and cyber crimes proliferate in an increasingly technological world. It isn’t just about protecting yourself, but your network as well. Security breaches can not only affect your devices, but others, using you as a conduit to spread malware, spyware, trojans, etc. 

Competitive Edge

Another important reason to stay up-to-date with your software is to ensure you maintain a competitive edge. As updates can sometimes bring with them functionality changes or overall system improvements, it is important to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of your system. Whether you are using the system, providing support on a system, or selling one; knowing all the latest changes and improvements (or bugs) can help you stay industry relevant.

New Features

Not all updates are about rectifying problems, as many provide new features to improve the functionality of the software or device. Making sure you are aware of all new features can help you improve productivity, and in many cases, simplify processes. Enhancing the user experience is often the goal of many software updates, and although they can miss the mark from time-to-time, companies are often quick to resolve any issues catalyzed by a flawed update.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are you are averse to change, or you just couldn’t be bothered to click that “update now” button, it is important to remember the benefits of staying up-to-date. Preventing security breaches, growing your skill-set, and taking advantage of new features are just a few of the reasons you should be maintaining your devices and software with regular updates. With FileMaker 17’s release, you will want to make sure you are up-to-date on all the latest features, improvements, and upgrades!

What are some of the reasons you click “later” on updates? We would love to hear your thoughts!

If you have any questions about FileMaker updates, or would like to find out more about the benefits of staying up-to-date, reach out today!

And If you enjoy our FileMaker blogs, be sure to subscribe to our Core FileMaker Newsletter!

Thanks for Reading,

Alex Gazer