Which Updates Do I Install? Why, Only the Important Ones, of Course.

That's a headline that's only missing the "smiley" face, or the "LOL" comment at the end. But it's a light-hearted comment on one of today's serious computer issues.

It seems like not a day goes by that there is not some update for your computer. It seems like they are all "critical". Plus, they all need to be installed right away or your computer will not work right, or your computer will not be safe, or life as we know it will end, or worse. Well, maybe the "life as we know it" is a little strong, but after you read the warnings and suggestions it can be confusing.

Our CPS™ shipping software updates are always virus tested before they are delivered, so you can count on CPS and its updates as safe to install. But CPS is not the whole picture for software installed on your shipping computer. Your shipping computer has an Internet connection, a web browser, maybe a connection for on-line postage - so it's exposed to the world. To keep your shipping station safe and working, here is a short list of suggestions for updating your company's shipping computer and keeping it safe.

First, install all CPS updates. CPS updates provide the most up-to-date carrier rates, services and other programming to meet the carrier's specifications. CPS can be set to do this automatically, and CPS updates normally install pretty quickly. Next, be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. There are people all over the world who want to spy on your computer, or worse, disable it. Computer protection programs may not catch everything, but they will certainly give you a fighting chance against today's cyber bad guys. But only install one anti-virus program - not more. And while you are at it, be sure to install your operating system updates, too. There is little worse than having a major computer problem and discovering that an unapplied operating system update from 4 months ago fixed the problem.

One point to consider - be sure your anti-virus/firewall updates do not block CPS or any other important program you use.

Do these basics and you are helping to keep you computer running correctly and your packages going out the door.