Lawyers, Here's How to Uninstall QuickTime, Before It's Too Late

If you're an attorney (or anyone) using Windows, computer security experts have an urgent message for you: uninstall QuickTime, immediately. That's because the Window's version of QuickTime, the multimedia program found on most computers, is no longer supported by Apple, its maker.

That means the software will still work, but there will be no more security support -- leaving QuickTime users vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. So, follow the advice of the experts (including the Department of Homeland Security) and kick QuickTime off your computer. Here's how.

Why You Need to Ditch QuickTime

Most computer users probably aren't even aware that they have QuickTime installed. After all, QuickTime is pretty ancient (it was first released in 1991) and there are plenty of better ways to watch video and view media. But since QuickTime was once commonly used, and since it comes bundled with older versions of Apple's iTunes, it's still found on millions of computers.

And now that Apple has ended Windows support, those computers are at risk. Trend Micro, the computer security firm, has spotted two new, critical QuickTime vulnerabilities -- vulnerabilities that will never be fixed. So, if you want to keep your computer safe, it's time to uninstall.

Remember, when it comes to attorneys and cybersecurity, the key is exercising a "reasonable standard of care." And while that term can be nebulous, we'd consider uninstalling vulnerable software like QuickTime as necessary to meet it.

How to Get Rid of QuickTime

Thankfully, getting QuickTime off your system is simple.

If you're using Windows 10 (and you should be by now), uninstalling QuickTime should take just a few seconds:

1. Press the Start button
2. Select "Settings"
3. Choose "System" and then "Apps and features"
4. Search for or scroll down to QuickTime and select "Uninstall"

For Windows 7 and 8:

1. Press the Start button
2. Select "Control Panel"
3. For Windows 7, select "Programs" and then "Programs and features"
4. For Windows 8, just select "Programs and features"
5. Find QuickTime and select "Uninstall"

And voila. You're QuickTime free and already a little bit safer.

Related Resources:

• Uninstall Now! Apple Abandons QuickTime for Windows Despite Lingering Critical Flaws (PCWorld)
• 5 Tips to Speed Up Slow Law Firm Computers (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Is It Time for a Law Firm Cloud Computing Security Standard? (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Apple Security in China and America: A Double Standard? (FindLaw's Technologist)