How long does computer repair take at The Computer Cellar in Durham NC?

Most diagnoses and common repairs at The Computer Cellar are completed within 24 hours of check-in. If uncommon replacement parts are needed, they usually take 1-3 days to arrive. Walk in Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM at 720 9th Street, Durham NC.

Do I need an appointment at The Computer Cellar?

No appointment is needed at The Computer Cellar in Durham, NC. Just walk in Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM. We are located at 720 9th Street, Lower Level (basement of The Regulator), Durham NC 27705.

Does The Computer Cellar repair Macs and Apple computers?

Yes! The Computer Cellar repairs both PCs and Macs including MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis. We fix hardware and software issues. Visit us at 720 9th Street in Durham or call (919) 314-3327.

What computer repair services does The Computer Cellar offer?

The Computer Cellar in Durham NC offers virus and malware removal, laptop screen replacement, battery replacement, data recovery, water damage repair, hardware upgrades, custom PC builds, and refurbished laptop sales.

Where is The Computer Cellar located in Durham NC?

The Computer Cellar is located at 720 9th Street, Lower Level (basement of The Regulator bookstore), Durham NC 27705. Open Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM. Call (919) 314-3327.

Why Keeping Your Software Updated Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your PC

Most people either ignore software updates or click “remind me later” until the notification goes away. It’s understandable — updates pop up at the wrong time and nobody wants to wait for a restart in the middle of something. But skipping updates, especially security updates, is one of the most common ways computers end up infected or compromised.

Code on a computer monitor representing software updates, security patches, and system maintenance

What Updates Actually Do

Software updates fall into a few categories. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers and malware use to get into your system. Bug fixes address problems that might be causing crashes, errors, or unexpected behavior. And feature updates add new capabilities or improve performance.

The security patches are the ones that matter most. When a vulnerability is discovered in Windows, a browser, or a common program, it gets reported publicly — which means attackers know about it too. Microsoft, Google, and other companies release patches quickly, but if you’re not installing them, you’re leaving a known door open.

It’s Not Just Windows

A lot of people keep Windows updated but forget about everything else. Browsers, PDF readers, Java, media players, and other common software are just as often targeted as the operating system itself. Outdated browsers in particular are a major infection vector — many drive-by malware infections happen simply because someone visited a compromised website using a browser that hadn’t been patched.

Drivers are another piece of the puzzle. Outdated graphics drivers, network drivers, and chipset drivers can cause instability, crashes, and performance problems. Keeping them current is part of good computer hygiene.

Automating Updates

The easiest solution is to set updates to install automatically. Windows Update can be configured to download and install updates on a schedule — overnight, when you’re not using the machine, works well for most people. For third-party software, tools like Ninite or keeping your browser auto-update settings enabled can help ensure nothing falls behind.

What If Updates Are Causing Problems?

Occasionally, an update introduces a new bug or causes a conflict with existing software. If that happens, it’s usually worth troubleshooting rather than turning off updates altogether. Disabling updates is a short-term fix that creates a long-term security problem.

Related reading: Staying updated is one part of a healthy computer — don’t forget to also back up your data regularly and get a periodic tune-up to keep things running smoothly. If you’ve already dealt with an infection, see what to do after a virus or malware infection.

Not Sure Where Your System Stands?

If you’re not sure whether your system is up to date — or if updates keep failing or causing errors — bring it into The Computer Cellar. We can check your update status, clean up anything that’s causing issues, and make sure your machine is in good shape from a security standpoint. Give us a call at (919) 314-3327 or stop by.