Like all programs, operating systems are released in an imperfect state. This means that they contain bugs and security flaws right out of the box, the first time you
install them.
New bugs and vulnerabilities are constantly being found in the Windows operating system and in various Windows applications. All too many of these problems can lead to your PC being remotely
compromised over the network. It is important that you keep the software on your PC current with respect to patches.
One way to do that is to use the 'Microsoft Windows Update' procedure, another is to turn on 'Automatic Updates' feature.
Instructions for...
Windows Update
'Windows Update' is Microsoft's service for updating and patching desktop operating system software. 'Windows Update' scans your computer and provides you with a tailored
selection of updates that apply only to the items on your computer. It is highly recommended that everyone regularly run 'Windows Update' on their PC to keep their operating system
up-to-date.
These instructions refer to Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000/XP. You will need to be logged in as Administrator or in the Administrator group to run 'Windows Update'.
To run the Windows Update procedure follow these steps:
Step 1. The 'Windows Update' website can be reached by clicking on 'Windows Update' on the Start menu (or Start/Programs). It can also be reached by
opening 'Internet Explorer', clicking on the Tools menu, and clicking 'Windows Update'.
If it is your first time visiting the 'Windows Update' site, a window (pictured below) will pop up to ask if you want to install a program from Microsoft. Click Yes.
Step 2. On the Microsoft 'Windows Update' web page, click the Scan for Updates link.
When you click the Scan for Updates link, Windows checks your system for needed updates. After checking your system, the number of updates appears in the list of three types of updates (Critical
Updates, Windows, and Driver Updates) in the pane on the left side of the window.
Step 3. It is strongly recommended that you install all Critical Updates, which appear selected by default. You may browse through the Windows updates and
install them if you wish, but they generally contain noncritical updates for programs such as Windows Media Player. We do not recommend that you install the Driver Updates. If you are experiencing
driver problems, download updated drivers from the manufacturer's website.
Note: Certain updates, such as Windows Service Packs, must be downloaded and install separately from other updates. In these cases, follow the on-screen instructions for downloading and installing
the Service Pack; it will then be necessary to repeat the Windows Update procedure again until all the Critical Updates have been applied. Many updates require you to restart your computer after
installing them; this can usually be done at your convenience.
Once you have selected all the updates you wish to install, click the green Review and Install button, followed by the Install Now button.
Step 4. During the download and installation procedures, a license agreement dialog box may appear. If so, choose Yes to start the download or continue
the installation procedure. The Microsoft Update wizard will download and install the updated files for the component(s) you selected. When the download and installation are complete, the message
Download and Installation Successful should appear on Windows Update Web page.
Windows Automatic Updates
Security updates help shield your computer from vulnerabilities,
viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. If you are using Microsoft
Windows® 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) or later, you can use the Automatic Updates feature to
download the latest Windows security updates automatically when your computer is on and
connected to the Internet.
Important: To ensure you have all the latest updates available from Microsoft, be
sure to run the Windows Update procedure after turning on the
Automatic Updates feature. Automatic Updates only downloads future updates. It does not
download existing updates available for your computer.
Windows 2000
Turn on the Automatic Updates feature
- Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
- Double click Automatic Updates.
- Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then select Keep my computer up to date.
- Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatically download the updates,
and install them on the schedule that I specify and setting a daily schedule.
Note:You can set the Automatic Downloads feature for any time of day. (To avoid
slow-downs, we recommend a time when you will not be using the computer for other Web or
e-mail tasks.) If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if you forget to leave
your computer on, you will see a notification balloon. Click the notification balloon to
review and install the updates.
You will now download and install all future updates automatically.
Windows XP
Turn on the Automatic Updates feature
- Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Performance and Maintenance.
Note If the Performance and Maintenance category is not visible,
click Switch to Category View.
- Click System.
- Click Automatic Updates and then select Keep my computer up to date.
- Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatically download the
updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify and setting a daily
update.
Note:You can set the Automatic Downloads feature for any time of day. (To avoid
slow-downs, we recommend a time when you will not be using the computer for other Web or
e-mail tasks.) If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if you forget to leave
your computer on, you will see a notification balloon. Click the notification balloon to
review and install the updates.
You will now download and isntall all future updates automatically.
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