Managing Software Updates
Being self-hosted, whether you are using LAN or Terminal Server installations, means having to deal with software updates for Spectra, Microsoft Office and System Software such as Windows, Firewall and Anti-virus Software. The installation of software updates is necessary but can be problematic if you are unprepared. We recommend the following process to control and minimize the negative impacts of problematic updates.
1. Have your IT or Systems Administrator disable updates on any computer where Spectra is installed including Terminal Server
a. When Software updates are rolled out, your IT professional or Systems Administrator can create a backup of your data and manually push the updates.
b. Prior to working in Spectra, your team or IT can run processes in Spectra, testing specific process where errors typically occur.
i. If there are no errors, restore to backup and proceed to work as normal. Be vigilant about making backups prior to your big processes such as, Begin Month or Permanent Year End Close. For the next week, create backups prior to posting any particularly large batches of any type.
ii. If an errors occur, restore to back up and notify your IT to roll back the software update prior to beginning work in Spectra. Your IT or system administrator can monitor the software websites for additional updates or a patch to fix a broken update.
