Microsoft finds flaws and security holes in their products on a daily basis. The good news is that they acknowledge and patch them as fast as possible. If it's Wednesday it's Windows security patch day is the new tune at Microsoft! It is vital that you use Windows Update on a regular basis to keep ahead of the curve. Install all critical updates and security patches. You need to be online to access Windows Update.
To program Windows Update automatically
Open the Control Panel.
Click System under Performance and Maintenance.
Click the Automatic Updates tab.
Check Keep My Computer Up to Date.
Under Notification Settings, check the middle button ”Download the updates automatically and notify me when they're ready to install.
Click Apply.
To access Windows update manually
Click the Start menu.
Select All Programs.
Select Windows Update.
There are three tools without which no modern computer is secure:
A good spyware scanner
A good antivirus program
A good personal firewall