Get the latest Windows updates
Keep your applications and operating system fit and healthy
As new threats emerge, Microsoft updates its Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications to block them. However, you need to download the updates regularly to be sure of getting maximum protection.
Why update Windows and Office applications?
Like locksmiths and burglars, hackers (cyber-criminals) and software manufacturers are engaged in a cat-and-mouse game. Hackers try to find and exploit bugs and loopholes in popular software in order to get a back door into people’s computers. Developers try to close these loopholes as they are discovered.
If passwords are the door key and a firewall and anti-virus software is your alarm system, installing patches is like making sure that you don’t leave any windows open.
What updating does
Patches and updates
Rather than distribute a new CD-ROM every time a piece of software is updated, software companies distribute updates using patches. This is like inserting five new pages in an encyclopaedia rather than shipping 24 new volumes every time there’s a change. These patches can be downloaded over the internet.
Benefits of updating
Updating your computer:
- Protects against some malware.
- Helps to protect against some cyber-criminal attacks.
- Improves performance.
- Fixes bugs.
- Adds features.
Updates must be combined with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software to be effective.
How to update
- For Windows, click on the Windows Update icon in your Start Menu or go to the Windows Update site and follow the instructions.
- There are instructions on the site that will enable your computer to automatically download and install updates as they become available.
- For Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.) updates will be available using the same Windows Update icon mentioned above or you can go directly to the Office Update site.
- Check with software companies, via their website, periodically for updates for other applications.
Upgrade your operating system
Generally the latest version of an operating system family is more secure than previous versions. For example, Windows 7 is more secure than Windows Vista which, in turn is more secure than Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows 95. See Microsoft's website for more information about upgrading to Windows 7.
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