Windows Updates

Windows is in a constant state of evolution. New features are added, problems which come to light after thousands of hours of use are ironed out, and security improvements protect the operating system and your documents against hackers and other online threats.

Microsoft delivers these updates – also known as hot fixes – for free over the Internet using one of two methods: automatic updates, and the windows updates web site.

All updates can also be divided into three categories. By far the most important are critical updates. These include all security patches and most bug fixes. Then come non-critical Windows XP updates, which includes some new features plus fixes for problems that affect only a relatively small number of machines. The final category is drivers, which are special software programs that allow windows to interact with hardware.

Critical updates should be considered mandatory, but it’s up to you to make sure they get downloaded to your PC.
The best way to do this is with the Windows XP’s automatic update feature.

This watches for any new critical updates and as soon as they are released it downloads them in the background, when you’re connected to the Internet but not actually transferring data by browsing web pages, sending e-mails and so on. It’s the most reliable and fuss free way to keep your windows PC in fine form.

When you install Windows XP on your PC, automatic updates quickly makes its presence known. You’ll know if it’s enabled on your PC because every now and then the windows update icon will appear in the Notification Area on the right of the taskbar to tell you that an update is being downloaded.

Once the update is downloaded a dialog box asks if you want to install the update now or later. Choose now, and the update installs itself. In some cases you’ll be asked if you want to restart your PC so the update can take effect.

You can switch Automatic Updates on or off or edited its settings from the system control panel: click Start > Settings Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System. Switch to the automatic updates tab and make sure the box marked “Automatic” is ticked if you want it switched on.

It is suggest you use automatic updates for keeping on top of all critical hot fixes, to keep your computer protected against bugs and possible security breaches.

SUMMARY

WINDOWS
UPDATE SERVICE

Automatic update service
Click on the automatic option and Windows XP will automatically download vital system updates as soon as they become available, and install them on your request. This is the preferable setting to use to keep up-to-date on new downloads.

Launching windows update

Use the windows update site to chase down all nonessential fixes. Dive into the start menu to find the icon that launches your web browser and heads online. This service is best used for all non critical updates like drivers and OS fixes.

Choose your windows downloads
The selection of downloads at the windows update site ranges from critical updates to the latest versions of Windows XP components, as well as drivers. But it’s best to have critical updates installed automatically with Automatic Update.