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Windows Update
Confused to which Operating system you have? Learn how to check here.
No piece of software can ever be designed perfectly. Microsoft Windows is no exception. As time goes on, malicious virus authors continue to find security holes in Windows that they can exploit to damage computers worldwide. When these holes are exploited, Microsoft releases patches that fix the security holes. By running the Windows Update application and installing these patches (called "Critical Updates" by Microsoft), you can help protect your computer from the viruses written to exploit these security holes. Manually Installing Windows Updates (Microsoft Vista) Microsoft Vista is preconfigured to update automatically but it is necessary to manually check that this process is working correctly and keeping you protected. Start by clicking the Windows Logo and then Control Panel, using the pictures shown below as your guide.
At the Control Panel, click on System and Maintenance.
Next, click on Windows Update.
At the Windows Update screen you will see if there are updates to install. If there are any available click Install Updates. If not, skip to the next step.
The screen below shows that you've successfully installed the updates. Whether you installed updates at this time or not you should always make sure Windows Update gives you some kind of confirmation that your computer is up to date. The color green is usually used to convey this message, such as the shield and box shown below. This window is also very useful for modifying any settings associated with Windows Update. One recommendation is to change the settings so you get updates for all your products. For example your computer's internal hardware also has updates that can be installed automatically using this same process. Keep in mind that Windows Update is just one part of keeping your computer safe and secure. Some type of anti-virus program is also required and the University provides one for free. Please visit our Virus Protection page to learn more.
Running Windows Update (Microsoft XP) Windows Update is a web-based application provided by Microsoft. To begin using Windows Update, open Internet Explorer on your computer. (Windows Update will not work in other browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox.) In Internet Explorer, navigate to the Windows Update homepage at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Or you can click on Tools then Windows Update from the Internet Explorer toolbar.
Once there, click Express Install (Recommended) |
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You may or may not get to choose which updates to install. (If not, skip ahead 1 step) Follow the instructions carefully, as it may say
you need to install some of the patches first, then go back and download and install others. After
selecting which to install click Go to install updates.
Click the Install... button to install all available updates for your computer.
The download and install process will begin.
Once the updates are installed, you may need to restart your computer. You also may need to return to the Windows Update site to download and install remaining patches. Setting up Windows Update to Run Automatically (Microsoft XP) Note: These instructions are for Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Unsure if you have Windows XP with Service Pack 2? Find out. By setting up Windows to automatically download and install updates, you can keep your computer secure easier. Start by opening your Control Panel from the Start menu.
Open the Security Center from the Control Panel. It may look like ONE of the pictures below.
You should now see a window similar to the picture below. If the light next to Automatic Updates is green and displays ON, you do not need to do anything further. Otherwise, click the icon labeled Automatic Updates.
In the window that appears, select Automatic (recommended). Choose a time to install updates that you will have your computer turned on. Click OK to complete the process.
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