Windows Update

 

It is important to keep Windows updated as much as possible. Since Windows is the most widely used OS (Operating System) in the world, it is also the biggest target for security issues.

Microsoft currently issues updates on the second Tuesday of each month. The updates that you need to be the most concerned with are the Critical Updates. Generally, though, I would go ahead and install all of the available updates.

If you are running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2), you have choices as to how your machine gets its updates.

To make sure about what version of Windows you are using, click Start. RIGHT-CLICK My Computer, then LEFT-CLICK Properties. You should see something like the following:

 

To make your choice as to how Windows Update will perform, click Start. RIGHT-CLICK My Computer, then LEFT-CLICK Properties. Select the Automatic Updates tab. You will get a dialog box like the one shown below:

 

The option selected above is the option that I would choose. Selecting Automatic Updates will allow Windows to download AND install the Critical Updates at the computer's first possible convenience. In other words, note that the update time selected is every day at 3:00 AM. This is a default time. If the computer is not on, it will check for updates when the computer is on AFTER that time. So if you turn on your computer at 10:00 AM, it will go out and look for updates.

Any of the options for getting your updates is fine, except the last one. Turning off Automatic Updates is asking for trouble, and in my opinion, irresponsible. The reason I say that is that if your computer is unpatched, you very well may be contributing to the security problems that plague the Internet today, since your computer could be (and likely is) used by outside people for nefarious purposes.

That is also why you should have SP2 installed. SP2 contains such broad security fixes, it's really irresponsible to run without it.

NOTE:If you need to install SP2 for WindowsXP, I suggest that you consult someone who has done it before and has a CD containing the update. The installation of SP2 through Windows Update can be problematic.

If you select another option for getting your updates, you simply have to stay on top of things more, and remember to get the updates.

If you are running any earlier OS than XP SP2, you will need to go to the Windows Update site yourself. To run Windows Update manually, click Start>Programs and look for the Windows Update link at the top of your Start menu. Click it and follow the onscreen instructions.

NOTE: If you have dial-up for Internet access, and have never updated your copy of Windows, you might want to do this before you go out or to bed. If you haven't run Windows Update, it'll take a LONG time.