Master the Software Updating Process

28.04.2009

The fourth option is simply to turn off Automatic Updates. Doing so puts the burden of obtaining crucial security updates entirely on the person running the computer; consequently, this option is suitable only for the most disciplined of PC users.

Microsoft maintains two different sites where you can find the latest patches. provides the latest security updates for the Microsoft operating system as well as updates for additional Microsoft products such as Office and Internet Explorer. Windows Update actually resolves to . The update site was moved a few years ago after criminal hackers targeted the Windows Update URL. Regardless of how you arrive there, the update site when viewed in IE should take inventory of your system (via an ActiveX component) and then display the recommended updates and invite you to choose between Express and Custom installation.

There are some caveats. If you use Firefox, the Microsoft update site won't work. Instead, you'll need to use a that conveniently opens a session of Internet Explorer at the Windows Update page.

If you don't want to open IE, or if you use some other browser, go to the second site, , click Download Category in the top toolbar, and select Windows Security and Updates from the pull-down menu. Here, you'll find many updates that are not specific to your machine--but if you know what you're looking for, you can find it in the list.