Why I find computer updates a bit of a bore

I am thinking of retitling this blog ‘Dave’s Daily Problem’. Once again thank you for the advice on working from home. I hope to respond to a number of the comments and e-mails sent on the subject.

Today’s subject for debate and consternation: computer updates.

Every blessed bit of software on the computer needs updating continually. Boxes pop up on an ongoing basis and various whathaveyous must be downloaded, installed, initialised (whatever that means), reconfigurated and rediscombobulated.

In some cases one gets to know that to agree to the update means it will redownload the whole programme and do so the same the next day and the next day and so on for ever. Zonealarm: I’m looking at you.

Other programmes new require a restart every time they download their updates, which is every time the computer is switched on. Literally. AVG Antivirus – are your ears burning? (Yes, I understand that it is good that antivirus programmes update daily – it is the continual demand for restarts that are frustrating.)

Other programme makers devise a version 2.0 that is so big and clunky it makes the computer crash continually whilst leaving out very basic functions that version 1.0 had meaning that every operation needs a lot more clicks than before. SmartFTP – this one has your name on it. (Anyone got a recommendation for a replacement ftp programme by the way?)

Most of the programmes that trouble me are free ones and so you are all entirely entitled to tell me not to use them if I don’t like them. But perhaps by writing this some maker of software somewhere will heed my message: Please try to keep updates to a minimum (especially after 11pm) as they are making us all a bit unhappy. Thank you.