Windows Updates

Microsoft continually updates Windows XP and its other operating system versions. (Note:eventually Microsoft does stop updating older versions. It has announced that Windows 98 and Windows ME will no longer be updated after June 2006.) It does so to fix bugs in the software. Many of these bugs are actually security holes that have been discovered and exploited by the "bad people" out in cyberspace. Your computer is at risk when these holes go unfixed whether Microsoft hasn't yet found them and fixed them or because you haven't installed the fixes they create. Major updates called service packs also add enhancements to your version of Windows. It pays to keep your computer as up-to-date as possible with Windows Update.

This site is devoted to Windows based PCs, specifically Windows XP computers. Visit a MAC site or a Linux site for other assistance.

Where to Get Your Windows Updates

Visit the Microsoft Update Site using Internet Explorer, or select the Windows Update link on your computer following this path: Start >> All Programs >> Windows Update. Depending on the configuration of your computer, you may not have to select the All Programs link.

Once at Windows Update you will be allowed to select the Express or Custom methods of determining what updates your computer needs. Express gives you all the high priority updates. Custom gives you all high priority updates and allows you to download and install items that may not be required by all users.

Windows Update uses a program that analyzes the software on your computer to determine which updates you need. If you are accessing Windows Update for the first time, you may be requested to download and install this program. You may also be requested to download and install updated versions of this program. Windows Update will not work without this program, so follow the dialogue boxes to do so.

Getting Automatic Windows Updates

Windows XP is designed to allow Microsoft to automatically download high priority updates to your computer. If you turn on automatic updates, you can also determine when and how the updates will be installed.

To turn on automatic updates you must be logged on as your computer administrator. If you have multiple user logins on your computer, you'll want to log off and then log on to the user that is the computer administrator.

Select Start >> Control Panel >> Automatic Updates.

You may select one of the following radio buttons:

Automatic

Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them.

Notify me, but don't automatically download or install them.

Turn off automatic updates.

Choose the first or second option. Do not choose the fourth option. We all procrastinate, and it's much easier to procrastinate about things that we never see. If you choose the Automatic option, you can also select a day and time you prefer to have updates installed. This allows you to leave your computer on and have updates install when you are not using the computer. Occasionally, updates require some input from you, so you can expect to find the install waiting when you access your computer next.

If you choose the second option which downloads but does not automatically install, you will receive reminders until you either install the update or turn the reminder off. It's to your advantage to install the update as soon as possible. If you are a procrastinator, the first option is your best choice. Remember that many Windows updates install and allow you to continue working while they do so.

Once you've made a choice, select the Apply button.