Where’re My Automatic Updates?
Over the years I have seen people assume that a software manufacturer, software supplier, or support vendor should be doing something automatically.
Here are some fairly standard examples of things that are most often NOT automatic:
1. Operating System and Security
- Installation of Windows Security Service Packs – While this can be scheduled for automatic download and installation, by default this is not turned on.
- Installation of Anti-Virus And Anti-Malware Software Updates
These items may not be configured to auto-download, auto-install, or auto-notify of success or failure. If something in this area is only partially automated, one needs to take care that these processes are not going on while end-users are on the system and using applications that would be affected, especially if a server or workstation reboot was required. As examples:
- Scheduling windows updates to only download and install in off-hours while users are not logged into servers or workstations.
- An anti-virus update might be prompting for a computer restart to complete the installation of a specific update. If this isn’t addressed in a timely manner, your systems could be at risk of being compromised.
2. Application Software – Application Software Security Service Packs
- MS Office Suites
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Adobe Flash Player
- Java
There are regular updates for the above applications that should be installed. Failure to do so could result in security holes being present with these applications. While some of these installations can be automated, others cannot be.
3. Application Software Data/Usage issues.
Care should also be taken to make sure that certain updates are not auto-applied especially in situations where there are a lot of customizations.
- Point of Sale – Sales Tax Rates, which are typically by state, or By Taxing Jurisdictions. The rates should be updated regularly so that the proper sales tax is withheld. While there are some
- systems that update automatically, some do not.
- Customers – Taxable Status. If Tax Exempt, the Tax ID number, and expiration dates may need to be updated. Doing this protects you in future tax audit scenarios.
- Items – Taxable Flags, Item-Based Tax Categories – If tax Flags and item based Tax Categories are not assigned, the result could be incorrect tax amounts being withheld.
- Payroll – Federal Tax Tables – This includes such things and Social Security and Medicare tax rates, and FUI, 401K Maximums; State Tax Codes – This includes SUI rates; Workers Compensation Rates.
If you have some specific issues or questions, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.
– John