Operating systems – do you know how to keep yours happy and healthy? As we become ever more tied to our tech it is crucial that we give it a bit of TLC. We get it – we know how busy you are – you most likely run day-to-day, week-to-week with our laptop docked or desktop permanently switched on, not providing it with so much as a restart until it becomes a bit laggy and you are forced to – are we close? ?
Whether you are an SME or operating a larger setup, responsible for a bank of machines or just your own, Apple or Windows orientated, the rule is the same: your operating system is your best friend – it is something that you should be familiar with, it is what sits in the background and makes all the apps, programmes and systems you are so reliant on for your day to day activity run smoothly. Simple – treat it with respect and it will in turn be kind to you. Without an operating system your computer is useless, so you want to look after it, be familiar with which system you are running (so updates and any issues are on your radar) and try to keep it current.
So, first things first – which operating system are you running? For the purposes of this post we are going to keep it simple and just stick to Windows and OS – if you have queries about your Linux system feel free to get in touch and one of our friendly IT specialists will be happy to advise.
Windows
As all versions of Windows look slightly different the easiest way to find which system you are running is to create a Run command > you do this by pressing the Windows button + R button together – when the black box appears type winver and press enter.
You want to take note of the version and edition of Windows that you are running so that you know how current your system is, what updates may be available, what software you can install, what is compatible in terms of device drivers, if you have a problem and need to contact an expert for tech support they will probably ask which system you are running first. The most current version of Windows is Windows 10 version 2004 which was released May of this year. Microsoft releases updates every 6 months or so and it is good practice.
Point to note: if you complete the above and discover you are running Windows 7 – support for this system ended in January so we strongly advise you upgrade your system – please talk to us for advice if you are unsure.
Mac OS
Mac currently name their operating systems after landmarks in California – Catalina, Mojave and High Sierra being the most recent with Big Sur on the horizon for launch this autumn.
To discover which system you are running: From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You’ll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number.
Ensuring you keep your operating system up to date will ensure that your computer receives all the latest features and is working as efficiently as possible for you.
TOP TIP: Think carefully about when you are going to run an update – it can put your machine out of action or at least slow it down, we advise running an update in the evening or overnight so it causes you minimal disruption.
All feel a little overwhelming? At Cirrus we take care of all things IT related for our clients so that it is one less thing to worry about. Our fully managed IT support solution ensures that our client’s systems are supported 24/7, patch dates are completed as needed without you having to lift a finger. Fancy treating your business to a FREE IT health check – get in touch and we will be glad to give your systems our expert attention.
