Maybe you have not updated your operating system for years. Maybe you update it regularly. Or maybe you are still using Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.7. There are several tips you need to know before you make the decision for updating your operating system next time.
Never Forget to Backup the Data
This is the most important thing you should do before updating the operating system is to backup your data regularly incase of a disaster. But it is particularly crucial when you decided to update your OS. Your personal information, payment information, working data is the pivotal one you should consider. An external hard disk can be a reliable device to store a huge amount of data. And a USB flash drive allows you to store the documents that you need at any time. Although updating the OS will not replace or lose any data normally, you better to backup all of the information in case that the battery is off.
32-Bit or 64-Bit
Before you insert your USB flash drive or DVD to install the new operating system, you also need to double check whether the new OS is 32-bit or 64-bit. A 64-bit operating system requires more memory storage. On the contrary, a 32-bit OS can only recognize up to 3.5 gigabyte memory even if you installed 4.0 gigabyte memory. This way, you need to make sure which type of OS you are installing now.
Double Check the Requirements of the New Operating System
Operating system updating usually requires a higher level of hardware devices such as more memory storage or better CPU. Take Windows 10 as an example, this operating system requires at least 16 GB free hard disk space, at least 1 GB RAM for a 32-bit system and 2 GB RAM for a 64-bit system. Thus, please check whether your hardware devices match the requirements of the new operating system before you install it.
Calculate the Cost Efficiency
Your hardware devices can compatible the new operating system. So you can’t wait to update it? Wait a moment! As I mentioned before, a latest operating system requires better hard devices. Therefore, some people need to upgrade their hardware before they update the OS. Therefore, there is a question you should ask yourself: whether the upgrading and updating will increase the productivity? In other words, you need to calculate how much value the operating system updating will make compare to the money they need to pay for upgrading the hardware.
Plan Enough Time to Update
Alright, you eventually decide to update the OS. According to the official guide of Microsoft, most devices will take 1 hour for updating the operating system to Windows 10. Although the time depends on the situation of your device, you also need to set at least 40 minutes for updating the OS.
Set up Backup
Congratulations! You have successfully updated your device. But the process has not finished. Don’t forget the last step: set up a backup for recovery the device if it is attacked by the virus in the future.
If you are using a Microsoft Windows 10 device, you can find this function at Settings —> Update & Security —> Backup —> Go to Backup and Restore —> Set up Backup.
If you are a Mac OS user, you can use Time Machine or iCloud to backup the Mac hard drive.
Enjoy your new Operating system now. If you need any IT support, PowerWiz is always on standby to help you.