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Master the Software Updating Process

28.04.2009
Beyond having security software installed on your PC, the best way to keep malware off your computer is to maintain a fully patched Windows system. This includes patching desktop applications that may not come from Microsoft. Sometimes, however, default update settings can leave your PC hobbled by bad drivers, software glitches, or unwelcome new features such as Here's a look at several key applications (including Windows) and their updates processes, including some details about what you should know and expect from each vendor.

Microsoft issues security updates for Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer every second Tuesday of each month, commonly known as Patch Tuesday. Occasionally, the company issues emergency out-of-cycle patches as well. The best way to receive these is to set your Windows system (XP, Vista, or 7) to download and install them automatically upon release. But Microsoft includes two other options that may be of interest to you.

First, check the current status of your Automatic Update in Windows:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Depending on which Control Panel view (Classic or Category) you use, do one of the following: