How To Keep Your Computer Safe

Step 1: Run Windows Update

Windows Update includes patches and other updates to your Windows operating system. These updates keep fix bugs within the software or add protection to different programs, such as Outlook Express or Internet Explorer. Studies have shown that unpatched Windows computers connected to the Internet are likely to be attacked or infected in 10 to 30 minutes.

Windows Update requires an Internet connection, and you must use Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or higher) to connect to it.

How to do it:

1. You may have a shortcut to Windows Update in your Start Menu. If so, select it, and an Internet Explorer window will open automatically, connecting you to the Windows Update interface. Or, you can start Internet Explorer and type in: windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
    
2. Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen. You always want to immediately install any Critical Updates or Service Packs. Try to avoid interrupting the update; even if it takes a long time, you should let the download and installation complete in one sitting. Otherwise, you may run into problems. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough, with screenshots, on using Windows Update.

How often to do it:

• If you have a new computer, running Windows Update is the absolutely first thing you should do once you turn it on and get an Internet connection.
   
• You should run Windows Update at least once a month, or set up your computer to monitor for updates. You will then be notified when updates are released, and you can download and install the updates as they come out.
   
  • In WindowsME or Windows 2000, open the Control Panel. (Go to the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel.) Double click the Automatic Updates icon. Under Options or Settings, select the Automatically Download Updates And Notify Me When They Are Ready To Be Installed. Click OK.
     
  • In Windows XP, right click My Computer and select Properties. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Automatic Updates tab and make sure there is a check mark next to Keep My Computer Up To Date. Next, select Download The Updates Automatically And Notify Me When They Are Ready To Be Installed. Click OK.
     
  • To view a video tutorial about how to enable automatic updates in Windows XP, go here: http://security.getnetwise.org/tips/updatewinxp. (This video does not include audio.)

Go to the next step.

Last Updated: 6 January 2005