UCSF School of Pharmacy

Installing operating system updates is a required step in ensuring computer security.

What is the operating system?

Operating system software is the software that handles many of the basic functions of your computer. For example, when you begin to use your computer and before you start any programs, your operating system is loaded and waiting for you to do something. Windows and dialog boxes that appear on your screen are all handled by the operating system. So is moving, copying, and deleting files.

Why do I need operating system updates?

Operating system updates protect your computer from intruders who exploit flaws in your computer's operating system software to create annoyances or to steal or damage your data.

All operating systems require updates to repair security flaws that are found after the software was released.

What if I don't update?

Your computer and your data could be vulnerable to an attack from a computer virus or from an intruder who connects to your machine while you are connected to the Internet.

When your operating system software is kept current, it is significantly less susceptible to such attacks.