Windows Updates
If running a Windows operating system, you can schedule Automatic Updates to be performed on the computer. Some of the updates available may include patches for known security issues on the Windows operating system. Regularly updating the operating system will help the performance of your computer.
To do this, go to the http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
This window should appear:
If you do NOT see this Welcome to Windows Update screen, please read the instructions on the screen carefully! You will need to modify a few of your computer's settings in order for the automatic updates to be enabled. The instructions are easy to follow, please take a few minutes to go over them. Once these changes are made, go back to the http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com website and you will see the above Welcome to Windows Update screen.
Once you see this screen, click on the "Turn on Automatic Updates" button in the Help protect your PC box in the upper left corner. You'll now see this window:
Here is where you will determine the date and time of the automatic updates. Keep in mind that the computer will need to be turned on and connected to the internet at this time in order for the updates to occur. If an update is performed, you will need to reboot the computer. This is also done automatically for you during the process.
For those of you running Windows XP on your computer, the updates include the installation and subsequent updates of a Firewall. If you are remotely connecting to a network, these firewall setting may interfere. Please keep this in mind if you experience difficulties after an automatic update.