Why should I update my operating system?

Updates often contain security measures, such as patches and upgrades, which can help keep your computer safe. It is important that you update your operating system regularly. Updates are also free of charge.

Microsoft Windows

For all Windows systems through at least Windows XP, some configuration is still needed in order to activate Automatic Updates, as it is not turned on by default. This NEEDS to be done. As new system exploits and vulnerabilities are discovered, Microsoft introduces patches and fixes that will secure Windows from these security risks. In order to protect your computer as security holes are discovered and fixed, Windows must be updated frequently. The easiest way to do this is through Automatic Updates.

• Windows Update - Microsoft website that can be used to manually download and install both critical and non-critical updates.
• Instructions for activating Automatic Updates for Windows 2000 and XP can be found below.

Macintosh

Macintosh OS X computers automatically run an update program on their own. No configuration is required to activate this feature. If you want to run updates manually, click the Apple menu and then Software Update. It will search for new updates and allow you to install them immediately.  You may need to restart your computer to install them.

Turning on Windows "Automatic Updates"

Introduction

If you have a fresh installation of Windows 2000 or XP, you might not find the options for automatically updating Windows. This is because this feature came around after both operating systems were finalized. So in order to use this feature, you have to run Windows Update and install the update that supports Automatic Updates. We suggest that you run Windows Update manually until it is finally current, then you can use this Step-by-Step guide to set up Automatic Updates.

Setting Up Automatic Updates

• In Windows 2000: Click 'Start,' 'Settings,' 'Control Panel,' 'Automatic Updates'
• In Windows XP: Right click on "My Computer." Select 'Properties.' Select 'Automatic Updates' tab. In both Windows 2000 and XP, you will see a dialog box similar to the images below.

  Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Older

  

  Windows XP Service Pack 2

  
• In Service Pack 1, in the Systems Properties window, the first "check" option allows you to control whether or not Windows Update automatically updates your computer or not. If you are on Service Pack 1, check the box.

   

• In both service packs, you have 3 options listed in different order.
  1. Notify - This option will notify you when critical updates are available before they are downloaded and gives you the option to download them or not. Then it'll let you know when the files are downloaded and ready to install.
  2. Download all critical updates - this option downloads the updates in the background and lets you know when you can install them. Windows Update will run everyday as soon as you boot your computer and start downloading available updates.
  3. Automatically download and update - you can control when Windows Update checks and downloads the updates. This might be important for people who don't want their Internet connection randomly bogged down with Windows Update downloads. You can control when your line is bogged down.

  Note: the automatic downloads are for critical updates and security patches only. This will not automatically install optional patches or driver updates. If you want those to be installed, you still have to run Windows Update manually.

• Click OK and just use your computer as normal.

Installing Updates

When new updates are available and are downloaded, you'll see this little icon in your system tray with this message that new updates are ready to install.

• Click on the icon and you'll see this. You can choose to install it right away or if you want to check out what you are installing, click on "Details".
  
• Now that you know what you're about install, you can click "Install".
  
• You'll see this "Installation in Progress" message.
  
• Once the installation is finished, you'll likely be asked to reboot your computer. Save your work reboot as soon as possible.

Your computer is now set up for Automatic Windows Updates.