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Tech Tips: Windows Update
In this Tech Tip we will look at an essential free tool which can help keep your operating system and certain applications up-to-date, and make your system more secure.
Windows UpdateAn often quoted line from a popular Clint Eastwood character is “a man has got to know his limitations.” Thankfully, Bill Gates and company have recognized the limitations of their operating systems and web browsers, and have provided us with Windows Update. Windows Update is a free, web-based tool which scans your system and provides you with a list of current updates for the operating system, and certain applications and components.
Security Benefit
The update tool can allow you to download patches which correct software bugs or add additional features. It can also point out major upgrades which are available for applications such as Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player. The most important benefit of Windows Update, however, is the fact that it provides security patches which block Microsoft software security holes. Every platform can be vulnerable, but Microsoft’s update tool can help you protect yourself from flaws in the Redmond, Washington giant’s software upon which so many of us depend.
Accessing Windows Update
As usual, you must have a recently modern version of the Windows operating system to take advantage of this jewel. Depending on which version of Windows you have, you may find a shortcut to Windows Update in your start menu, or in “settings” or your list of programs which are accessible through the start menu. Currently, Microsoft has Windows Update available at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp. If you cannot find Windows Update on your Windows computer’s menu system, try entering that URL in your browser. You may also configure your system to check for Windows Updates automatically.
Using Windows Update
Use Windows Update often. We recommend weekly. The current version of Windows Update works like this: Once you have arrived at the web site, you can select “scan for updates.” When the results list appears, you will see categories of updates available for your system:
- Critical Updates and Service Packs
- Updates related to your specific OS (Operating System. i.e. Windows XP)
- Driver updates
Everyone works differently, but a good rule of thumb is to work with the results as follows:
- Always install the Critical Updates, especially those which relate to security.
- Review the items in the category related to your OS. You may find updates you will find helpful.
- For driver updates, try visiting the web sites of your computer hardware parts manufacturers. That is generally a better practice than installing the hardware driver updates from Windows Update.
Software will always be imperfect. But hats-off to Microsoft for abiding by Harry Callahan’s self-examination motto and giving us customers a chance to do something about the limitations of their products.
This article also appears in the Winter 2004 issue of News from a Light in the Valley.