What are Windows Updates?

What are windows updates?

This applies to Microsoft software - usually running on a laptop or desktop computer (non-Apple).

Until recent versions, many users found the updates time consuming and performance hindering. You can now limit how they are installed and make more pleasant experience.  The default setting on your system is where updates automatically download and install affecting pc speed and performance.  Many users complained that for some reason they had a system that was slow or freezing, not realising that in the background their system was busy applying the updates.

Why do we need them?

Microsoft use these updates to fix bugs and issues that were found from time to time.  How it became the "norm" to do this is a mystery.  Many debates have argued it is unnecessary.  MS deem them necessary at the expense of the naive pc user - imposing an inadequate system on them in the first place.  Why wasn't the system perfect out of the box - but this a separate debate.

How can we stop them?

W10 and W11 now have switches where you delay these updates for a more than four weeks.  This is handy if you are having an important zoom meeting or presentation and do not have the patience for windows updates consuming your power and performance at a critical time.  You can't stop them indefinitely, but the pause button is handy.

Online shopping warnings

This link shows an interesting article from government fair trading website about some warnings on different scams and traps that are around. Sneaky web site design can try to manipulate you or mislead you.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/dark-patterns

Mygov easy application

There is a Mygov app, that simplifies connection.  It can be set-up so all you need is a pin and connects easily to singular inbox.  In the past there was too many steps - to see, for example Centrelink or Medicare mail.  Link shows info.  The app does allow complex digital log on, but I believe unnecessary to make more complicated particularly for users frustrated trying to simply see new notifications from Mygov. 

The app can be downloaded below.

https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-app 

A note on security - Be careful because there is an option to have a more complex secure log on as you go through the process of setting up the app.  I believe that using the simple pin option is easier to quickly access the services you need through mygov.  The alternative use of multiple devices to get a temporary code can be cumbersome and slow. Remember the services you can access include Centrelink, Medicare, Tax office, My Aged Care, My Health Record, Dept of Health Portal and Dept Veteran Affairs plus more. 

https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-website/link-services-to-your-account

Updated 1.8.24

Prepare your Documents before an Emergency

Prepare your Documents before an Emergency
The nature of disasters and crises means they can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Store your documents ahead of time using digital or physical storage solutions.
Click on the link to find useful ways to help prevent document disasters.https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare/emergency-doc-prep#:~:text=USB%20or%20portable%20storage%20device,so%20your%20documents%20are%20secure