The operating Systems (OS) of any computer running Windows or Mac OS, needs to be constantly updated.

 
 
Updates usually take place on a daily basis to maintain security, integrity and the usability of the computer. New bugs and security threats are being discovered daily and just like your virus checker, these threats and bugs have to be fixed before they become vulnerable to a hacker or intruder.

 
Most updates are scheduled to update-automatically on a daily basis, but that does not mean you are getting the updates. For some unknown reason, Microsoft thinks we all have our PC's switched on at 3am

So the first thing to do to increase your chances of getting regular updates when your PC is switched on is to update the time that windows schedules it's updates to a time when your PC is most likely to be switched on.

Updating Windows XP OS

This is how to check that your computer is being kept up to date if you are using the Windows XP operating system

XP tells you there are are updates available by displaying a yellow shield in the bottom right hand corner of the screen (this is an enlarged version). Click on the yellow shield and follow the prompts to install updates.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
When you shut down your PC you will see this screen whenever there are updates to install.

If you RARELY or NEVER shut down your PC you may not be getting these updates. You should shut down your PC at least once a day.
 
 
 
 
 

If you have NOT seen either of the above recently, run WINDOWS UPDATE manually by doing one of the following from the Start Menu
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Or by going to “Control Panel” and then clicking on the windows Update link on the left hand side under “See Also” The locate of windows update differs depending on the version of Windows XP

Once updates have been installed you maybe prompted to restart your PC. Press the “Restart Now” button.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As above most updates are scheduled to update-automatically at 3am. To increase your chances of getting regular updates when your PC is switched on is to update the time that windows schedules it's updates to a time when your PC is most likely to be switched on.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Updating Windows Vista and Windows 7 OS

The procedure for Visa and Windows 7 are almost identical as follows:

Look uut for the warning flags in the bottom right hand corner of your screen
 
 
If you see a flag with a cross or an exclamation mark
 
 
hover over the flag and you will get an indication of the problem. Click on the flag to goto the “Action Center” where you will be informed if updates are required.
 
 
In the “Action Center” click on “Windows Update” in the bottom left of the window, this will take you to the windows update page.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can also access this page through Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update. This panel allows you to check for updates, view update history and to check for additional updates. Click on “Change Settings” to modify the time you receive updates (see above)

If you don't want or can't fix the problem yourself, give us a call and we can fix it. Come to us in Subiaco or we can come to you.

Written by John Kirkby