Computer Security Updates

Windows XP

Windows XP can be set up to automatically download and install important security updates by following these steps.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Choose System.
3. Choose Automatic Updates.
4. Set the top option to automatically download and install updates and choose a day and time, preferably everyday at a time when your computer is likely to be turned on.

If you ever want to check for updates manually, you can visit the Microsoft Update website.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista has Windows Update built into the operating system. You can access it in the Programs list of the Start Menu. It allows you to set a schedule for the updates. It is recommended that you set it to search for updates daily and that you have it automatically download and install your updates.

Because Microsoft Update is a separate add-on, you should visit the Microsoft Update website.  Microsoft Update differs from Windows Update in that it downloads important updates for all Microsoft products, including MS Office, while Windows Update only downloads updates for the Windows operating system.

MacOS X

You can run Apple Software Update by going to the Apple menu in the menubar and choosing Software Update. You can set a schedule for Software Update to automatically check for updates and download them by going to System Preferences and choosing Software Update.