Windows Update Revisited

A few months ago, I wrote a tip and a little diatribe about Windows update. Today, I want to reintroduce the concept and some particularly important information for the larger number of computer users who access the Internet via a dialup connection (phone line). Click on the link above for information about automatic windows updates. This tip and the one linked above are primarily aimed at Windows XP and Windows 2000 users.

Broadband (high speed) Internet users get Windows updates frequently and quickly because of the high speed connection. Make sure you are installing these when they are presented to you. Dialup users rarely spend enough time online to get Windows updates in a timely manner. Because virus and worm writers continue their sophomoric yet destructive ways, I am recommending dialup users manually update Windows at least once per month (more often if you are willing). Here's how:

1. Start your Internet connection

2. Click Start ---> All Programs --> Windows Update (or go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

3. Click "Scan for Updates" (see pic above)  and wait up to five minutes

4. Click "Review and Install Updates"

5. Click "Install Now" (keep in mind that with a dialup connection, it will take approximately 6 minutes per megabyte (MB) for the download).

6. Once the download finishes, the install will automatically start. Wait for them to finish and follow the on-screen instructions.

Adding this process to your regular computer maintenance and security regimen will substantially decrease the likelihood of your computer contracting a virus or worm.

Again, broadband users normally get these updates on a regular basis IF you have the Automatic Updates enabled (see the tip linked at the beginning of this article). However, if you use a broadband connection, you can still follow this tip as well to insure that your system is up-to-date.

Lastly, remember that this procedure is in addition to keeping a current and active anti-virus software running on your computer.