Windows Update
Keeps Your PC
from Spawning Digital Cobwebs
By Joshua Feinberg
Background: The Problem and Solution
As you may already be aware, Microsoft constantly issues
hot fixes, patches, and service packs for the Microsoft Windows operating systems. As any
IT professional or computer consultant will tell you, it can be incredibly time-consuming
to keep on top of every software update that Microsoft releases.
But, in light of recent developments both online and off,
maintaining your Microsoft Windows software on a weekly and daily basis takes on a whole
new realm of meaning and urgency.
Now more than ever, under the threats of recently
devastating Internet-spread "worms" and cyber terrorism, Microsoft has suddenly
shifted security to the front burner.
For large companies with well-staffed internal IT
departments, maintaining Microsoft Windows software more vigilantly becomes a top-priority
directive, with senior management's backing; "software maintenance" gets
appropriate staff and automation resources and is readily adopted as part of weekly and
daily routines.
In small businesses without full-time internal IT staff,
updating software becomes a much more challenging and expensive proposition. However, the
dangers of devastating data loss and business interruption can be even more expensive. So
you really cannot depend on a "keep your fingers crossed" approach.
So barring hiring a veteran IT manager, or retaining the
services of an expensive computer consultant, what can the average small business do to
tackle software maintenance head on?
Get on board with Windows Update, a free online service
from Microsoft.
How Windows Update Works
The Microsoft Windows Update website
(http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) can help keep your operating system functioning
securely, reliably, and efficiently.
Besides reaching Microsoft Windows Update through the above
URL, all versions of Microsoft Windows since Microsoft Windows 98 include a Windows Update
Shortcut toward the top of the Start Menu.
Each time you visit Windows Update, the web-based
application does a quick scan of your installed operating system, hot fixes, and service
packs so that it can recommend useful downloads.
The Scope of Windows Update
Windows Update displays available product updates for both
the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser.
Once Windows Update is done inventorying your PC, you can
- Select new downloads
- Get a list of your currently installed updates (Show
Installed Updates)
- See a run down of what's been installed and when
(Installation History)
- Set your personal preferences for using Windows Update
(Personalize)
Windows Update can effectively take the place of a computer
consultant by recommending options and offering to review your installed update history.
Most of the suggested downloads are grouped into five
categories:
- Critical Updates,
- Picks of the Month,
- Recommended Updates,
- Additional Windows Features, and
- Device Drivers.
Tip: If you want to be notified about new Windows Update
downloads, subscribe to the free Microsoft TechNet Flash e-mail newsletter at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet. You can also install a software download called
"Windows Critical Update Notification", which boasts the ambitious description,
"Download this component and never miss a Critical Update again."
The Bottom Line
Windows Update offers a simple way to stay on top of the
myriad of endless software updates, without having to inventory your PC, visit multiple
websites, or contract with an expensive computer consultant.
If your small business doesn't have anyone whose full-time
job includes keeping up with software updates, you need this type of information.
I always recommend that users update their anti-virus
software at least once a week. Building on this best practice, start your 2002 New Year's
Resolution early this year and add on a weekly visit to Windows Update.
Copyright (C) 2001, KISTech Communications Corporation
Joshua Feinberg is an internationally
recognized small business technology expert, consultant, columnist, author, keynote
speaker, and trainer. He is a published Microsoft Press author, as well as the creator of
and two-year veteran writer of the Microsoft Direct Access "VAPVoice: Notes From the
Field".
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