<aside> 💡 This checklist is based on several checklists I use at Majorcord. The checklist items are generalized, because you may not use the same tools as I do. Instead, consider this a starting point which you can use to think about and create your own simple software update checklist.

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• [ ] Your operating system: Your operating system (Glossary: operating system) is what makes all your digital tools work. Your browser, your word processor, your tax software (ugh), works through the operating system. It is your last line of defence. Keep it updated, always.

<aside> 💡 The operating system can be made to update automatically. You won't notice except for the occasional request to restart the computer. If you think your updates are automatic, check!

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• [ ] Your browser: In many ways, your browser is your first line of defense. The browser is the multi-purpose app through which we access banking, Kanban boards, and Reddit. Thankfully, browsers are very good at protecting you, provided you use updates promptly.

  📬 Quit that open browser: let it update and become safer

• [ ] Your password manager (and other security tools): These tools are critical to being having access to your services. Our password manager of choice on desktop automatically downloads its own updates, then we restart the app－just like how the browser updates.

• [ ] Your router: Surprise! Yes, your router needs tender loving updates too. Check your router's manual. Routers are notorious weak points because people can forget all about it, except for when your guest wants the WiFi password.

• [ ] Do you have anything else you rely on?

<aside> 💡 And finally the last step. Unless you know what you're doing, make updates automatic (Sources**:** 1). I promise, the occasional loading screen while your tools learn how to protect you better is preferable to dealing with the fallout of stuff like ransomware (Glossary: ransomware).

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• [ ] Make your updates automatic (or at least, regularly scheduled): Many devices and apps can automatically do updates! Automatic updates are a practical approach to keeping software up-to-date.

How to use

1. Follow the checklist, making your own notes elsewhere about what is different for me as you go through the items above.

For step 2, you have a choice.

1. Copy-paste the items into your existing task management system. I use Trello for some of my checklists. You may use others, like Todoist or Asana.

2. Already using Notion? Save time by by duplicating this checklist right here in Notion.

   

3. Add your notes to your own checklist.

🎉 The generalized template has become a custom checklist of your very own! Next time, you'll be even quicker getting the checklist done.

<aside> 💡 Got feedback? Contact us using the tipline. FYI, the tipline link will open on a new page.

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Meta

Sources