How to configure automatic software updates Lisa Phifer.

How do I run Windows Update?

Every Windows 2000, XP, or Vista PC is equipped with Windows Update or Microsoft Update. The programs are nearly identical – both update Windows, but the latter also updates Microsoft Office. If you have both, you only need to run Microsoft Update.

To check for updates, your PC must be on and connected to the Internet.Use the Start Menu to view All Programs and click on Windows or Microsoft Update, located at the top of the menu. Internet Explorer will open to Microsoft's website, where you will see two buttons: Express and Custom. Usually, you can click Express and let Windows do everything. However, to demonstrate what Update does, let's start by clicking Custom.

When you click the button, Windows Update scans your PC to identify which Microsoft programs and updates are already installed.It does not scan your personal documents or email messages or any other programs you might have on your PC – it only examines Microsoft programs for the purpose of keeping your PC updated.

In Express mode, Windows Update goes right ahead and downloads and installs all High Priority updates. In Custom mode, you will see something like the following screen (Figure 1):

Figure 1. Running Windows Update

Here, you will see a list of available updates not yet installed on your PC. Most home users should install High Priority updates immediately – these fix bugs that could cause your PC to crash or let it be hacked. But it is safe to wait for a more convenient time to install Optional updates – usually feature improvements. To learn more about any update, click the plus (+) sign for an expanded description.

Check off all updates that you wish to install now. Update lets you review the entire list and estimated install time before making any changes to your PC.If you're traveling with a laptop, you might wait until you get home to apply a lengthy update. Or you might wait until the end of the day before applying updates that require restart. But most users should maximize their protection by applying all updates in a timely manner.

Once you click Install Updates, Windows downloads and applies all of the fixes and improvements that you selected. You can continue using your PC during the update. Windows displays progress throughout, followed by a result summary.

Figure 2. Reviewing Update Results

If an update is interrupted because your connection goes down or your laptop goes to sleep, it will resume automatically until it runs to completion.In the unlikely event that an update fails, click on Review your update history to see past results (Figure 3). This may never happen to you, but it's nice to know where to look if it ever does!

Figure 3. Retrying Failed Updates

Occasionally, an update will require you to accept an End User License Agreement or restart your PC. However, in most cases, updates don't require your help. In fact, most users find it more convenient to let Windows Update run automatically.

Running Windows Update automatically

To enable Automatic Updates, use your PC's Control Panel to open the Security Center (Figure 4). If Automatic Updates are OFF, just click the button to turn them ON.

Figure 4. Configuring Automatic Windows Updates

Most people run Windows Update automatically at a time they don't normally use their PC – for example, daily at 7 am or every Friday night. If you'd rather remain involved, you can ask Windows to just notify you whenever new updates become available, or to download but not install updates until you give permission. If you feel uncomfortable about anything changing without your involvement, try using Automatic Update in notify-only mode. But, for most users, the risk of forgetting to update exceeds the inconvenience of being disrupted by an automatic update.

Keeping Anti-virus up to snuff

Windows isn't the only important thing on your PC. Your anti-virus program is your PC's primary defense against hackers. Today, virtually everyone buys anti-virus from a vendor other than Microsoft – for example, McAfee, Symantec, TrendMicro, F-Secure or BitDefender.

Some of these programs focus on stopping PC viruses. Others combine Internet defenses, like firewall, anti-spyware and anti-spam. (Learn more about anti-spyware.) Either way, keeping this software up-to-date is absolutely essential. In fact, there's no point in installing such programs if you do not intend to update them frequently.

Why? Your anti-virus program starts with a scan engine – a program that inspects every incoming email or file or Web page before it is delivered to you. But that engine needs to know what to look for. It does this by looking for a unique set of symptoms for each virus, called a "signature."

Your anti-virus program was installed with thousands of signatures. But new viruses are created every day and most viruses mutate to evade detection. This means that your anti-virus program must learn about new virus signatures every day – preferably several times a day. Most experts agree – if you want to protect your PC against viruses, you should let your anti-virus program update itself.

That is why anti-virus programs update themselves automatically by default. Depending on the program, you may adjust update frequency or be notified. Because signature updates are so very important, all anti-virus programs also give you the ability to check for updates immediately. If you ever suspect that your PC is infected or hear of a major outbreak or question whether your antivirus is updating itself, check for updates immediately.

For example, so long as you have a current license, McAfee VirusScan automatically keeps itself up-to-date. However, you can always check for updates by clicking on the little red icon in the taskbar as shown in Figure 5 and completing these three steps.

Figure 5. Updating McAfee VirusScan

If you use Norton Anti-Virus, you have probably noticed something called Symantec LiveUpdate on your PC. As shown in Figure 6, LiveUpdate is how all Norton Internet Security products (including Anti-Virus) are updated. You can force updates at anytime by clicking on the Run LiveUpdate Quick Task.

Figure 6. Updating Symantec Norton Internet Security

What does it cost?

Many users complain about confusing update and upgrade offers received from security vendors and service providers. Don't be fooled by such sales pitches. Windows Updates won't cost you a dime. As long as you have a licensed copy of Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, you are entitled to Windows Updates.

Antivirus signature updates are free for the duration of your license. Most PCs come with a 90-day anti-virus trial during which you can freely download new signatures. Thereafter, the installed anti-virus program will continue to protect you against old viruses, but you must renew your license to detect new viruses. (Learn more about protecting your PC from viruses and spyware.)

New antivirus versions are released about once a year. Upgrading your antivirus program to next year's "new improved" version usually costs roughly $20 more than just renewing your antivirus license. Do that only if you really want the bells and whistles in next year's version.

The bottom line: every Internet user should keep their Microsoft Windows and anti-virus signatures up-to-date. They are easy, inexpensive investments in on-line safety, and are well worth the minimal effort.