A regular question I get from friends and clients is, should they apply software updates? I am an updater. I have my laptop and devices set to install these changes automatically. Recently, after my phone installed a new version of Android, several apps failed, making the phone unusable. It took most of the day to figure out what had happened and how to fix it. (I had to clear cache and delete data from the apps.) It was frustrating to be without my phone and had me thinking about these updates.

The main reason to update is security. Hackers look to exploit computers, devices, applications and accounts not maintained or updated regularly. Websites get hacked because security patches haven’t been applied and the software is out of date. Another advantage to updates is that they improve performance or fix bugs (problems). Other updates give me new features that I want or love.

So what is the downside? While bugs might get fixed, new ones can be introduced. New features mean an app may not work the way it did before the change. Many find their computer or device is too old to run the latest version of the application.

Here’s what to weigh when considering a new software update.

what are you updating?
Before you install software changes, go to the company’s website to understand what is changing and why. Look at problems people might be having with the update. Software company websites tell you which versions are supported, so make sure you are on a supported version.

backups are important
You should make sure to create a copy of important documents, photos, videos, music and software data files on a regular basis. It should be to a storage device other than the one you are backing up. If you are using software-as-a-service solutions like Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, they give you a way to save data in the cloud so you can get to it from any device.

scheduling updates
Schedule updates to happen when you don’t use your device. I don’t recommend updating your phone Monday morning. Wait until Sunday afternoon when you are reading a good book or watching TV!

having problems?
Contact technical support. I ended up contacting HTC One through its online chat to fix my phone. I had tried everything (or at least I thought I had), only to find I hadn’t followed one step completely. Professional support people can give you directions on how to fix the problem.

Of course, an easier solution is to buy a new computer, tablet or phone. Or give it to your kids and ask them to apply the updates.

check out: Lifehacker App Directory for the latest apps you should try

try out: Malwarebytes is still my go-to antivirus, anti-malware software. It’s available for PC, MAC, iOS and Android operating systems.

Sheila Burkett is an information technology expert and co-founder of Spry Digital, an interactive design agency that delivers smart digital solutions. Catch her weekly Spry hive at sprydigital.com/blog.Â