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Updates
Why bother with these

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Safe Computing - Updates

All major operating system makers put out regular security patches and bug fixes for their products, but it is up to you, the computer user, to apply them. A lot of people wonder if they are supposed to be updating their computers, and the answer is an emphatic YES!

Updates make your computer run better, safer and faster. Some updates are critical to preventing virus infections.

Getting Updates

On Windows XP and Windows Vista, you can download updates by opening Internet Explorer, selecting the Tools menu and choosing "Windows Update". Then follow the instructions. You can also automate the update process so that you don't need to do much at all. The documentation below explains how.

How to use Windows XP Update (pdf document)

How to use Windows Vista Update (pdf document)

Mac OS X also has its own update service, called Apple Software Updates. You can download them by going to the Apple Menu, selecting Software Updates and then following the prompts. While you can't make it automatically install everything on it's own, you can tell it to remind you on a regular basis.

How to use Apple Software Update  (pdf document)

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a special update. It makes major changes to the Windows XP operating system and is absolutely critical to apply. You can download XPSP2 from our software page. Save it and then double-click it to begin. Follow the prompts. It will take several minutes to complete. Note: You must have Service Pack 1 applied before you can install SP2.

Windows XP Service Pack 2

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