This is how your operating system is safely updated

The computer’s operating system, whatever it may be, is perhaps the most important software component that we have on the computer, so we must take maximum care of it. The rest of the applications and platforms that we use daily depend on it, whether we are talking about Windows, macOS or Linux.

For some time now, it has been designed with everything related to security in mind. As the years go by, this is an increasingly important aspect. That is why operating systems in general, can not be fixed and immovable elements, but need to grow and improve. This is what we need updates for.

Updates to operating systems are key elements, so these elements should normally be considered essential. Chances are that in the absence of constant updates coming to us right now, the PC would become vulnerable.

Why do we need to update the operating system

It is worth mentioning that there are three reasons why system updates are important, something that can be extended to any software. First of all, we must take into account the new functions that are implemented. And is that the developers of operating systems constantly provide new features. Although sometimes they are somewhat annoying, the truth is that they are basic to have modern software and the latest.

On the other hand, the security section comes into play, since it is impossible to know all the vulnerabilities that a program may initially include. Hence the updates contain security patches that reinforce the defenses of the code. Furthermore, this must be renewed every so often, otherwise, the danger grows.

And finally, we will talk about support. This is the one that provides an operating system with “life”. This is because a system that is no longer supported by its developers is considered “dead” or finished. As a result, a computer that no longer receives updates will gradually lose access to new applications and will become increasingly vulnerable.

Ways to receive updates

On the other hand, it is worth noting that there are two ways to distribute these updates that we are talking about. One is a model that is considered as centralized. This is the one in which a single company manages all the updates that reach the computer, regardless of its brand or model.

By contrast, in a decentralized model, updates to the operating system come from many sources. So here there is a certain degree of separation between developers and those who package the different parts that reach users. Say that both approaches have their pros and cons. As an example, Windows or macOS have a centralized approach. However, Linux has a model that is considered as decentralized.

This is how Microsoft Windows receives its updates

The most popular desktop operating system is Windows, as you may already know. Well, Microsoft distributes system updates to anyone with a Windows PC. These are published depending on the version that is run. In the past, switching to a new version of the operating system was much heavier and more cumbersome. But with Windows 10 the situation is different, since the Redmond ones provided for free, another way to update this version, all through Windows Update.

Credits: Wikipedia

This functionality automatically downloads updates and forces users to install them, which is not always liked by everyone. However this keeps computers up-to-date, we should just make sure to back up our data regularly, just in case. Of course, over time Windows Update has been improving so that we can have some control over the process.

How macOS computers receive updates

Say that Apple for its part provides updates to its operating system directly to users through a dedicated software update tool. Unlike Windows, macOS does not update automatically, but we can activate that function. Manual updates give us time to back up the data before we get the new version.

Credits: OSX daily

Of course, the signature of the apple does not specifically indicate how long each version of macOS will be compatible. But generally, the three most recent versions receive security patches, and the new versions are usually annual. But of course, the end of support for older versions can come at any time without an official announcement. Also, the company usually explicitly lists the devices that will support each new version. If the computer is no longer in it, you will not receive any more updates.

Update Linux distributions in the best way

Normally we refer to GNU / Linux as simply Linux, but in this case, it is important to know the differences. For example, Google’s Chrome OS is based on Linux, but the way it operates is different from other versions of Linux based on GNU software. There are many GNU-based desktops that we can download. Most give us a degree of freedom on how to handle updates. Notifications usually come automatically, although we must download and install the update manually.

Credits: Wikipedia

This is something that is done through an application, or from the command line. Thus, the frequency with which we receive updates depends on the chosen Linux distribution. For example, we can use a version of Linux until the computer no longer meets the minimum system requirements. But if we use a more specific distribution, we run a higher risk of losing access to updates, as the project may cease to exist.

We should also note that GNU desktops have the longest support life, so they will continue to work as long as the hardware meets the system requirements. Since the software is not developed in one central location, new updates and patches may be available for months or years.