Windows updates - why are they so important?

Often when visiting customers I notice that they have not been applying windows updates when asked to. If you do not know what windows updates are they are updates issued by Microsoft every Tuesday to fix holes that have been found in the operating systems. ie; Windows! These holes are usually used by hackers and malicious software to gain access to your machine, so by applying these updates you protect yourself from their attacks.


Updates either apply automatically and your machine will ask you to restart (you may have seen a box on Vista or Windows 7 asking you to restart or pros pone for 10 minutes) this means the computer has automatically installed the updates and rebooting allows it chance to apply the changes. 


Windows XP updates

Windows XP displays the yellow shield in the bottom right hand corner by the clock and often pops up a message bubble to ask you to update. Click the message and follow it through. If you have missed many updates in Windows XP and do not have service pack 3 on the machine you can go ahead and install this which is a cumulative update so includes all previous updates before SP3. Once SP3 is on there will be several more to install, do these also. You will then be up to date. If you would like your computer to automatically install the updates or you would like to check your settings do the following:
Click Start
Move the mouse to "My computer"
Right click "My Computer"
Select "Properties" from the list (usually at the bottom)


This will open the properties window for the machine, here you will see how much RAM you have and what Processor your have. Notice the windows update tab at the top of the window, go ahead and click that.


You will be able to see what settings you are using, I bet it says install at 3am?? Who is up at 3am!! change the time to a time where you are using the machine and if needed a certain day. This way the updates will install when you choose them to!
If you are sat there thinking what on earth is windows updates...... click on start all programs and at the top there you will see Windows Updates, click that which will launch IE and take you to the Microsoft Updates site. Run the updates from there - chances are you have many to install!!




Updates in Windows 7


Windows 7 is a little different, as is Vista (but we wont mention the evil one (Vista) )
Here windows updates are on the start bar, click the start orb - all programs and you will find Windows Updates listed there. This will open a window on your computer showing you the updates status. 7 also has a habit of forcing updates on you, scenario......


You're heading out for the day just checking the traffic on Google, you click start shut down and notice the shield on the shut down button but click it anyway BOOOOOM windows updates install and your left stood there waiting for the machine to turn off so you can unplug it from the wall to save on the electricity bill. So annoying!!! You can click on the little arrow next to the shut down button and select the shut down from this menu this "should" not install the updates but instead shut down. 


Another way is to go in to your settings and change it to "down load but let me choose when to install". But you must remember to install them manually or else you will end up with loads of updates to do!


Any issues with Windows Updates drop me an email!


If you ever find an error when checking for updates check your computer time and date. An error in either and the updates wont work!


Bodtree Systems - Catherine