Pensacola Computer Help Technoblog

It amazes me how many computers I run across that have Windows update disabled, or have it set to manual and haven’t updated in quite a while. So why is it so important to keep your computer up to date with the latest Windows Updates? Most Windows updates are to either fix a bug, or fix a security issue. Does this mean that Windows is inherently unsecure? Not neccessarily. There are new exploits being found all the time, but if you take the majority of computer code out there today and play around with enough, sooner or later you will find exploits that will take advantage of the coding. Of course if you routinely visit malware ridden sites (music and file sharing sites are notorious for these), or if you open every email attachment that someone sends you, or if you download things like screen savers and programs from untrusted sources, you are just asking for trouble. For the most part, Windows, especially Vista, will not usually install something bad without you telling it that it is ok to install. Of course many spyware and virus programs now take advantage of what is called a Trojan downloader to install all kind of nasties on your computer, but usually you have to initially allow something bad to be installed first.

The patches that Microsoft issues through Windows Update include not only the critical security updates, but also new or improved features for Windows, as well as updated drivers for some of your hardware (although usually the best source for drivers is the manufacturers website). These updates are especially critical when they address a newly found security exploit. When a new exploit is found, many virus and spyware writers immediately take advantage of it and all of a sudden there are thousands upon thousands of websites which will be infecting your computer when you visit them. These jerks are very crafty and sometimes it will look like you are installing something needed (like an update to a flash player, or java) but in reality you are installing a virus or spyware program.

Exept for a very few exceptions, any update that has been installed can be uninstalled through either add/remove programs, or by doing a system restore in case something stops working properly. In order to enable Windows Update, go to your control panel > security settings, where you can set your computer to automatically update your computer without you needing to do anything. If you don’t have auto update enabled for a specific reason, then make sure that you check for updates frequently!