Safer Internet: Offline: Software Updates

Quotes

Definition. software upgrade:...
A client calls to hotline of internet service provider.
Client: "I have a problem, internet stopped working two days ago, neither I nor my son nor anyone else can access it now."

Hotline: "I see. Do you know what's the operating system on your PC?"
Client: "Of course I do,... it's Facebook"
"Chaos reigns within.
Reflect, repent, and reboot.
Order shall return.

Program aborting:
Close all that you have worked on.
You ask far too much.

Windows NT crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams.

Yesterday it worked.
Today it is not working.
Windows is like that.

First snow, then silence.
This thousand-dollar screen dies
So beautifully.

A crash reduces
Your expensive computer
To a simple stone.

Serious error.
All shortcuts have disappeared.
Screen. Mind. Both are blank.

There is a chasm
of carbon and silicon
the software can’t bridge.

To have no errors
Would be life without meaning
No struggle, no joy.

Seeing my great fault
Through darkening blue windows
I begin again.

The code was willing,
It considered your request,
But the chips were weak.

Errors have occurred.
We won’t tell you where or why.
Lazy programmers.There is a chasm
of carbon and silicon
the software can’t bridge.

To have no errors
Would be life without meaning
No struggle, no joy.

Seeing my great fault
Through darkening blue windows
I begin again.

The code was willing,
It considered your request,
But the chips were weak.

Errors have occurred.
We won’t tell you where or why.
Lazy programmers.

I'm sorry, there's -- um --
insufficient -- what's-it-called?
The term eludes me." ~Haiku error messages
Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a slowdown in the overall performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0. And now...

Summary

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?
Even if you don't care about bug fixes or new features, privacy & security updates are very important.
It's a myth (procrastination excuse?) that newer versions are always larger, slower, buggier.
Take note of software upgrade/update notifications, e.g., popups, emails -- -- but don't interact directly with them.
It's better not to click on links/buttons in unexpected notifications, even if they seem from legitimate sources;
browser popups about Flash are a notorious avenue for malware
Instead, check/update officially via app store, vendor, OS/app or settings.
Although most updates are generally reliable, it's a good idea to backup first anyway.
[1] Install Minor/Incremental Updates: System, Apps, Add-ons/Extensions -- within a few days
[2] Install Major Upgrades -- within a few weeks
[2] Consider replacing your device or browser -- if security updates are no longer offered; in the meanwhile, exercise extra caution when online; or run selected apps on a different more secure device.
[2] Don't forget other network(ed) devices, e.g., router, smart TV, IoT
[3] Run software and hardware diagnostics/repair utilities
References

When, What to Update: System, Apps, Add-ons

Backup!
If you minimize number of applications and add-ons, esp. if infrequently or not used (see Erasing section), there will be fewer items to update.
Each user will have different risk vs. benefit tradeoffs for what & when to update
Most tech-savvy user in family might do updates for everyone (whose accounts lack admin privileges)
Update sooner if the system or app security fixes are critical, i.e., browser, email, network, cloud
It's usually ok to wait a few days -- for a few weeks for major versions -- if you're travelling or extra busy, or to research incompatibilities.
Many bugs have already been detected and fixed during wider beta testing by developers (and daring users)
Any problem with a software update itself is usually remedied in a day or two -- plus, upgrade servers will be more responsive
Current/recent OS versions:
Usually, the latest version numbers/dates will be listed below -- and on Course Updates page:
The labels and color-coding suggest status/urgency for upgrading:
green: up to date
lighter green: Recent; incremental; upgrade soon
orange: Old; major; upgrade when convenient
red: Obsolete; upgrade asap, or replace -- if internet is used and security upgrades no longer avail

system: e.g., Android, iOS, macOS (formerly "OS X"), Windows
for checking version / installing system update:
iOS: Settings > General > About : Version
iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
macOS: [apple] > About
macOS: System Preferences > Software Update
Win: Settings > System > About
Win: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
[2] Update software/firmware on other connected devices, e.g., router, smart TV
[3] Test/beta official OS versions -- only if you are a developer, bugged by a bug, can't live without a new shiny feature, or crave living on the 'bleeding edge'.

Individual apps: check for updates via app store, upon startup (app preference), or manually (via menu)
Ok to ignore updates for apps that you never use, e.g., built-in apps like GarageBand -- but why not remove if unneeded, or offload if easily re-downloaded?
Install system & application updates only from official store, from within apps, or reputable developers
Some apps offer option of automatically downloading and installing updates; it's up to you; I prefer to backup before installing most updates.
[2] Generally, don't download from 3rd party sites, e.g., CNet, Soft32, ZDNET, download.com, etc.
[3] Don't jailbreak your device with an unofficial OS, so that you can install nifty but questionable apps.
iOS: App Store > Updates
iOS: Settings > iTunes & App Store > Automatic Downloads > Music, Apps, Books & Audiobooks, Updates: ?
iOS: Settings > iTunes & App Store > Use Cellular Data: ?
macOS: App Store > Updates: apps installed from store
macOS: Adobe Reader > Help > Check For Updates
macOS: Backblaze > Check For Updates
macOS: Carbon Copy Cloner > Carbon Copy Cloner > Check For Updates
macOS: Firefox > Firefox > About Firefox
macOS: Google Chrome > Chrome > About Google Chrome
macOS: System Preferences > Java > Update
macOS: LibreOffice > Help > Check For Updates
macOS: Microsoft Excel/Word/Powerpoint > Help > Check For Updates
macOS: Skype > Skype > Check For Updates
macOS: Zoom > Check for Updates
Allow easier installation of free apps?
iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings > Free Downloads > Require Password: off
[2] Save $ by purchasing apps only once for each family device via accounts usually sharing same payment method
iOS: Settings > (your acct) > Family Sharing
macOS: System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family
[3] macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > 'app was blocked from opening because it is not from an identified developer' > Open Anyway

add-ons customize/extend an app, esp. a browser
Once installed, most browsers check/update automatically, or via sytstem preference
Do not update browser extensions, e.g., Flash, or apps when prompted via a browser popup -- use app store, or app or extension's own 'Check for Updates' command
Look for install options -- often checked by default -- that might install unwanted extensions or adware, or change settings (home page, search engine); e.g., Oracle's Java installer
plugins: e.g., Adobe Flash; Oracle Java -- or consider uninstalling altogether
extensions: e.g., Adblock Plus, HTTPS Everywhere
macOS: Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Updates : Install Updates Automatically
macOS: System Preferences > Flash Player > Advanced > Updates

[1] Install Minor/Incremental Updates, e.g., #.1

Backup -- both incremental and clone -- before cleanup; again before actual installation;
see When, What to Upgrade; Backup section
If you always keep your device up-to-date, it should be easier to migrate to future system & app releases
You can usually wait a day or two -- or even longer if there are no security fixes for your particular device
Update may contain bug fixes, and minimal new features
Allow enough time for backup, download and install -- probably not before a trip or big presentation; updates usually go smoothly, but allow a little more time in case you need to troubleshoot or restore a previous system version.
General update info in previous sections, specific directions for different OS in subsequent subsections -- and References

[Refs:iOS]
iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
iOS: App Store > Updates
iOS users may want to use iTunes to update iOS: easy to backup first
for OTA (over the air) updates via WiFi or cellular
< iOS9: update can fail due to low device memory
≥ iOS9: update can be slower; apps are removed/reinstalled if needed to create temporary space

[Refs:macOS]
Out-of-cycle Security or Supplemental Updates may also be available, with no change to system version #
macOS: [apple] > About > Software Update
macOS: App Store > Updates -- macOS and selected apps
macOS (10.14): System Preferences > Software Update
macOS: System Preferences > App Store: download/install, password

[Refs:Windows]
Win: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

[2] Install Major OS Updates, e.g., #.0

Backup -- both incremental and clone -- before cleanup or running diagnostics;
again before actual installation; see When, What to Upgrade; Backup section
Install incremental or other updates to current OS and apps -- including Safari, iTunes for macOS -- before installing major updates
Allow even more time for backup, download and install -- to anticipate and remedy incompatibilities -- and if things don't go smoothly, for troubleshooting or restoring previous system version
Usually released about once/year: more major fixes, new features and possible incompatibilities
iOS: you should upgrade 'as soon as possible'; usually less complex than desktop upgrades; security fixes sometimes available for previous iOS version
macOS: incremental security fixes are still provided for previous system and browser for 1-2 years, so if there are really major changes, e.g., app incompatibility, user interface makeovers, missing features, performance issues, you could delay your upgrade -- though not indefinitely
Generally, you could wait a week or two for ".1" version to be released to avoid major bugs, especially if there are no critical security fixes and there are significant changes, e.g., file system
If there are multiple devices in a family, upgrade one first to test the process & outcome before upgrading others.
When you are ready to upgrade:
Read articles here about latest version, e.g., Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or buy Take Control e-books to find out more about what's changed, compatibility/adequacy of your hardware (to run new os) and of apps (with new os), cleanup & backup steps, new features that you might actually like to have (or old features that might be removed that you can’t live without), installation advice
Remove unused applications and browser add-ons -- see Erasing section
Check if new OS version is incompatible with any important applications you have, e.g., upgrade info, release notes, vendor sites
Apple: macOS versions, compatibility; iOS, iPadOS updates
macOS: (apple) > About This Mac > System Report > Software > Applications: 64-bit(Intel) -- some 32-bit apps may still continue to work under High Sierra.
iOS10: Settings > About > Applications: 'these apps may slow down your iPad and will not work with iOS 11 if they are not updated'
For incompatible apps, consider upgrading version or finding a (free) alternative.
For example, instead of Microsoft Office 2011, which may not work with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra): HS 32-bit app incompatibility; plus, Microsoft has stopped providing support and security patches
offline apps: Microsoft Office 2016 -- $$; Steve's spouse upgraded to this
macOS/iOS iWork suite: Pages, Numbers, Keynote -- free; Steve switched to these
Open Office, LibreOffice, NeoOffice -- free
SoftMaker: Free Office (free); Softmaker Office: Std ($20+) / Pro; comparison
cloud-based storage & office suite (via browser): Microsoft: OneDrive: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Online -- free;
Microsoft 365 -- subscription; includes apps (And,iOS,Mac,Win), 1Tb OneDrive cloud storage, 60 Skype minutes/mo.
Google Drive: Docs, Sheets, Slides -- free
Apple's iCloud: iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) -- free
[2] Check disk permissions, repair (less necessary recently)
macOS (< 10.10): Disk Utility > Repair Permissions -- or run Maintenance (or Onyx) utility
[3] Restart from Recovery partition; check main disk; repair (if necessary)
macOS: restart w/ cmd-R > OS X Utilities > Disk Utility > Repair Disk
[3] Check hardware, e.g., memory
macOS: restart w/ D key; diagnostic runs automatically

[2] Replace Device?

Strongly consider replacing your device if security/privacy problems are no longer patched in your OS version -- and you can't upgrade, e.g.,
if your computer OS is more than 1-2 major versions behind -- see macOS, Win
usually if your tablet/phone OS is 1 or more major versions behind -- see Android, iOS
Your device doesn't support a newer OS -- or needs extra memory that you cannot (or do not want to) add
Apps you rely on are no longer provided/supported on your old OS (e.g., 32-bit when 64-bit will be required) -- and no updates are available
In the meanwhile, use an actively maintained browser, e.g., Firefox, Chrome -- rather than built-in browser, i.e., macOS Safari, Windows IE; and consider using the device only for casual (non-encrypted) browsing
Do you need just browsing, email, basic document creation/editing, and simple photo manipulation? If so, you might consider a tablet (iPad) or Chromebook -- less expensive, and much simpler to maintain/update than a full-blown desktop or laptop computer with macOS, Windows or Linux.
When purchasing a new device, especially a subsidized or less expensive one, request that vendor remove pre-installed bloatware, crapware, adware
If you're switching between different OS (versions or vendors), check if migration tools are available for contacts, bookmarks, settings, photos, accounts, etc.
When donating / discarding old device -- see Erasing section

References

sections: Refs: Android; Apps including browsers, but not Microsoft Office; ChromeOS/Book; Drivers, Firmware; iOS; macOS; Windows; Meltdown/Spectre; Microsoft Office (and other apps); Replace / Switch Devices
course section: Connection : Malware
topics: beta testing, bloatware, emulators, lifecycle
Wikipedia: Operating System (OS); firmware
Wikipedia: Mobile OS; App Store; "sandbox"
Wikipedia: plug-in software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software application
Wikipedia: browser extension extends the functionality of a web browser in some way. Depending on the browser and the version, the term may be distinct from similar terms such as plug-in or add-on
HowStuffWorks: How Operating Systems Work
Why You Should Reset Your PC for the New Year LH; 11/30/2023
4 Helpful iPhone and Android Tricks You May Not Know About
Point the Way (map/camera); Scan Stuff;
Name That Tune; Emergency Help; NYT; 8/3/2022
Steps to Simple Online Security: 3: Enable Automatic Updates Everywhere NYT; 4/1/2022
How to Use Your Phone's Privacy-Protection Tools
iOS 15; Android 12; NYT; 12/8/2021
Emergency software patches are on the rise
zero-day flaws have become more common; NBC; 9/14/2021
Definitely not Windows 95: What operating systems keep things running in space? the updates don't come every spring and fall; Real-Time Operating System (RTOS); Ars; 10/2/2020
Boeing 747s Still Use Floppy Disks to Get Critical Software Updates Giz; 8/11/2020
Reset Your Computer Once a Year for a Happier Life restore your Mac, PC, or Chromebook to factory conditions; Wired; 3/8/2020
How Updates in iOS 13 and Android Q Will Change Your Smartphone dark mode; speed; privacy enhancements; NYT; 6/5/2019
Stop Ignoring Those "Update Your Device" Messages even though the Asus malware attack was spread through software updates, the best way to protect yourself online is to keep your software updated; NYT; 3/27/2019
Trick Your Friends Into Installing Smartphone Updates LH; 2/18/2019
[2] GPS devices with a poorly implemented GPS Time-to-UTC conversion algorithm may provide incorrect UTC following a week number rollover newer receivers built after, say, 2010 should be fine, provided they follow the specs and notice the rollover; older devices may fail after April 6 unless they've been suitably updated; Reg; 2/12/2019
How to Submit a Bug Report to Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft plus Adobe, AMD, Asana, Dropbox, DuckDuckGo, Evernote, Facebook, Instagram, Lyft, Mozilla, Nintendo, Nvidia, Paypal and Venmo, Reddit, Slack, Snapchat, Sony, Trello, Tumblr, Twitch, Twitter, Uber, Valve, Wordpress; LH; 2/5/2019
42 of the Best Troubleshooting Guides from 2018 Mac, iOS; OSXD; 1/5/2019

see also: Office
How to Spot an App You Shouldn't Trust
check the user reviews -- carefully; check the developer's history;
check how the app is funded; check the permissions the app needs;
check the apps you're already using; Giz; 6/19/2023
Until further notice, think twice before using Google to download software
malvertising; use device's app store; Ars; 2/3/2023
Apps can pose bigger security, privacy threat based on where you download them countries; Ars; 9/27/2022
13 Reasonable Alternatives to Adobe's Expensive Apps LH; 4/19/2021
Unsecured Cloud Configurations Exposing Information in Thousands of Mobile Apps 3/4/2021
Declutter Your Devices to Reduce Security Risks
Summon your willpower and delete those apps you haven't used, but keep telling yourself
you will, because the odds are high that you won't use them; LH; 1/5/2021
More Android 'Fleeceware' to Uninstall From Your Phone an app hides its terms, fees, and/or subscription costs, or otherwise has some clever way to cajole you into signing up for a 'free trial' that actually expires very soon and costs you a lot more than you expected when it's over; LH; 9/4/2020
[2] How to Install Apps From Outside Your Phone's App Store sideloading apps removes the security protections that Google and Apple give you; better to stay within the 'walled gardens' most of the time; Wired; 8/9/2020
The Internet's Most Censored Space app stores; NYT; 6/17/2020
Alternatives for Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and more PDF editors; PC; 6/15/2020
Fleeceware apps discovered on the iOS App Store Android earlier, now iOS; abuse of free trials and trial cancelation; ZD/ 4/9/2020
How to set up Family Sharing on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Purchase Sharing: Media you buy on iTunes, Books, and most App Store purchases (but not in-app purchases!)
iCloud Storage: If you have the 200GB or 2TB storage plan, you can share it with your family.
Location Sharing: Family members share location or the location of their devices. You can always just share location to an individual in the Find My app.
Screen Time: If you have a Child account in your family, you can set screen limits and view reports for it.
Apple Music: You need a family plan on Apple Music to share with your family (it costs $15 per month, rather than $10 for an individual account).
TV Channels: If you subscribe to a premium streaming service through the TV app you can share it with your whole family at no cost. This includes Apple TV+, which is technically a Channel.
Apple Arcade: Apple’s gaming subscription service includes Family Sharing at no cost.
Apple News+: If you have the premium magazine and newspaper subscription in the News app, you can share it with your family at no cost; MW; 1/8/2020
How to Change the Default Apps on All Your Devices Wired; 10/27/2019
More Than Half of PC Applications Installed Worldwide Are Out-of-Date Shockwave, VLC and Skype top the list; 1/22/2019

How to Check Your USB Devices for Unsafe Firmware LH; 2/19/2020
[2] Getting Drivers for Old Hardware Is Harder Than Ever At least one major provider of hardware-level BIOS drivers is actively deleting old stuff it no longer supports, while old FTP sites where vintage drivers are often found are soon going to be harder to reach; MB; 12/12/2019

Safer Internet: Offline: Software Updates

Quotes

Summary

When, What to Update: System, Apps, Add-ons

Operating System

Apps

Add-ons: Plugins, Extensions

[1] Install Minor/Incremental Updates, e.g., #.1

Android

iOS

macOS

Windows

[2] Install Major OS Updates, e.g., #.0

[2] Replace Device?

References

Android

Apps

ChromeOS/Book

Drivers, Firmware

iOS / iPadOS

macOS

Meltdown / Spectre / ZombieLoad (hardware CPU flaws)

Office Suites (Microsoft & others)

Replace, Switch

Windows