Topic: Ultimate Windows Update Guide

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Ultimate Windows Update GuideRegular Software Updates Keep PCs Hassle-Free By Becky Worley, Tech Live March 28 ? Whenever a vulnerability is discovered in software, hackers and virus writers pay attention. You should, too.  That's because software vulnerabilities ? especially those to the main software, the operating system ? are often new holes which hackers can use to access your computer.  This means you're vulnerable until you patch the hole by updating your software, or getting and applying the fixes developed by software makers. Updating your software involves downloading patches from the Web and then double-clicking the download to start the installation. The install rewrites the code that caused the vulnerabilities.  This shouldn't change the behavior of your software, but sometimes other upgrades or updates are included in these patches; all are meant to be beneficial. Most updates are usually made available by software makers for free.  If you use the Windows operating system on your PC, you should update that software whenever you hear that a vulnerability has been discovered and patched by Microsoft. At the very least, you should update the Windows operating system at least three or four times a year.  How Windows Update Works

Microsoft directs users to the Windows Update site on the Internet, where a diagnostic tool queries a user's system to find out basic information. It determines which operating system ? Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT ? is on the computer and when it was last updated.  Microsoft takes great pains to note that no private information is being gathered or distributed. The site says, "This scan is done on your computer to ensure the safety and privacy of your system information. None of this information is sent to Microsoft or over the Internet.  Once your system is inventoried, you'll find a list of updates. Some are deemed critical updates, meaning they are necessary for fixing security holes, performance bugs, or any known flaw. The rest are optional.  Non-critical updates are meant to optimize performance or add niche performance benefits. If you want more technical information about any of the updates, click the "Read this first link. It'll give you details such as a description of the component, how to begin using the component, instructions for uninstalling, and the support policy. How to Update Your Windows Software.  Close all programs except your browser. Make sure you're online.  Go to the Windows Update site: http://www.windowsupdate.com Click Product updates.  Accept the system evaluation by clicking Yes.  Select the desired updates from the list that follows.  Click the gray Download box in the upper right corner.  Click Start download.  Accept any other options.  Once all components are downloaded, restart your computer. These instructions may vary depending on your operating system. But the process is similar in all versions of Windows.