More Microsoft Critical Updates
If you use Microsoft Windows as your operating system, you need to ensure that you run Windows Update as soon as possible.
Yesterday (4/10/2007), Microsoft released four software updates to address security issues in Windows; all four are classified as critical updates. This is in addition to a critical update released earlier this month addressing another critical security issue.
You can get the updates by going to http://update.microsoft.com. Keep in mind that you must use Internet Explorer to access the updates on this site. You may be prompted to install an ActiveX control (a small software program) when you first arrive at the site; ensure that it is signed by Microsoft then install it. You then have the option to select Express or Custom install; Express will get you the critical updates.
You can also keep up with the latest Microsoft updates by setting your computer up to receive them automatically.
To turn on the Windows “Automatic Updates” feature, click on Start –> Settings –> Control Panel –> Security Center. Change the Automatic Updates Setting to “On”. You can also help protect your system by making sure you are using the Firewall and the Virus Protection options in this section as well.
If you use the Automatic Update feature, you will see a yellow shield in the system tray (next to the clock) when there are updates available. To install the updates, simply click on the shield.
Don’t forget, you should also be using an antivirus software program on your system, make sure you keep this software up to date and run a full scan of your hard drive(s) on a weekly basis. If you don’t have anti-virus software get it immediately. There is free antivirus software included in the Google Pack, it can be downloaded from http://pack.google.com.