Windows Updates

DO IT:  Once.

Microsoft Windows has left some “windows” open – and those windows, or security holes in the Windows operating system, can ma ke your computer vulnerable to outside attack.  In other words, a hacker could climb through one of those open windows on your PC and do bad things – like erase your hard drive or steal personal information. 

To give credit where it’s due, when Microsoft discovers one of these windows open, they usually release a software patch to close it.  Without these patches – and there are plenty – your computer may be very vulnerable to attack. 

Now the good news. . . .downloading the Windows patches is very simple, and helps to ensure that your PC is running the latest Microsoft drivers and patches. 

Here is how to automatically get your Windows Updates (a download tool) so you can download all of the security patches as Microsoft releases them:

Step 1:
Connect to the Internet.  If you have a cable/broadband connection, skip this step. 

Step 2:
Launch Windows Update by going to Start » Control Panel » Security.

(If you have trouble, connect directly by entering the following URL into the address line on your Internet browser: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ .

Step 3:
Under Manage Security Settings, Click Automatic Updates. You will get the second screen shown here.  Click Automatic (recommended) and a default day and time will appear.  It will work just fine with the default, or you can change it if you'd like.
















Step 4:
Click OK and you're done!

Note: If you have never downloaded your Windows Updates, the first time may take a loooooong time. If you leave the setting for the 3:00 a.m. default, they will download when you turn the computer off before you go to bed.