Installing Windows Updates


To keep your system as up-to-date as possible, you should periodically check for and install Windows updates. These updates, as mentioned, fix bugs and provide software patches. A bug is a problem in the software code that causes problems. A patch is a small chunk of programming code that repairs the bug or provides some additional functions for Windows.

tip

To check for and install automatic updates, you must have an Internet connection. See Chapter 8, "Browsing the Internet," for more information on this topic.


You have two ways to perform this task. This section covers both of these methods, as well as how to change the notification settings (specifically how and when you are notified about updates).

Running Automatic Updates

As Windows XP is initially set up, critical updates are downloaded automatically, and you are prompted to install these updates when they are available. A little pop-up reminder will be displayed in the system tray reminding you to check for updates. From this reminder, you can choose to update Windows by clicking the reminder and then following the appropriate steps.

Checking for Updates

You can also check for updates at any time. For instance, in addition to critical updates, Microsoft provides driver updates and updates that add new features. To check for and install other updates, follow these steps:

1.

Click Start and then click All Programs. In the top section of the Start menu, you should see Windows Update listed.

2.

Click Windows Update. For dial-up Internet connections, you are prompted to get connected. For cable connections, Internet Explorer is started. You'll see the Windows Update page (see Figure 20.2).

Figure 20.2. To check for and download updates, go to the Microsoft Windows Update page.


caution

Because the Microsoft Windows Update page is updated frequently, what you see when you choose to update will be different. Also, the process may vary some from these steps. Follow the onscreen steps or request help on the Web site if you have problems.

3.

If needed, click the option for scanning your system and checking for new links. Windows XP checks your system against the latest updates to see which updates are applicable (see Figure 20.3). This may take a while, depending on your Internet connection speed.

Figure 20.3. You can view the various updates that are available.


4.

Click the update you want to install in the Windows Update pane and then follow the installation directions. The steps vary depending on the update type, so just read the screens carefully and make your selections based on the onscreen advice. Basically, you download (copy from this Web site to your computer) the upgrade files and then install them on your computer. Depending on the type of Internet connection and the size of the update files, downloading the files can take a while. After the update is downloaded, you then install it, updating the Windows files on your system. Then you are sometimes prompted to restart Windows to put the new updates into effect. In some cases, you must restart your computer to activate the new features or updates.

tip

From the Windows Update page, you can also review and select from a list of updates. Furthermore, you can view your installation history, change the settings for Windows updates, and get helpful information on these topics. To do any of these tasks, use the links in the Windows Update pane of the window or click any links in the main area of the Windows Update page.


Setting Automatic Update Options

If you want to review or change your update settings (when you are notified of updates, for instance), you can do so. For example, you may want to check more frequently for updates. You can make changes to how Automatic Updates are handled by using the Windows Security Center. Follow these steps:

1.

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then System Tools. Click Security Center to display the Windows Security Center (see Figure 20.4).

Figure 20.4. You can see the current settings for Automatic Updates from the Windows Security Center.


2.

Note whether Automatic Updates is On. To display information about this feature, click the down arrow next to On (or Off if you have not turned this feature on).

tip

If you have any questions about the types of updates or how the updates work, click the link How Does Automatic Updates Work?

3.

To change the options, click the Automatic Updates link. You'll see the options for handling Windows updates (see Figure 20.5).

Figure 20.5. You can select when you are notified for updates.


3.

Select how updates are managed. You can choose to automatically download and install, to download but prompt before installing, to notify but not download, or to turn off this feature.

4.

Click OK. Windows will handle any new updates in the manner you selected.



    Absolute Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP
    Absolute Beginners Guide to Windows XP (2nd Edition)
    ISBN: 078973432X
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 176
    Authors: Shelley OHara

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