Protecting Yourself Part 2: Windows Updates

Now that we've gotten past the basic terminology in Part One, which revolved around various types of malware and other forms of malicious attacks on computers, we can discuss what is a root cause of some of the forms of attacks out there: Windows-based Operating Systems that are not running the most updated versions of the OS.

Anyone who has worked with Windows knows that it has, since the very beginning, been subject to vulnerabilities and problems (some not even related to hacking and malware).  Microsoft, however, has gotten better about fixing these vulnerabilities and security flaws quicker and pushing out fixes more regularly than they did a few years ago.  They push out a fix as soon as they have one in place which is why Windows Update is so important.

This article will cover the following subtopics:

• What are Windows Updates?
• Why are they important?
• How often should I update my computer?
• Manual versus automatic updates
• What happens if I don't update my systm regularly?

What are Windows Updates?

Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft that provides updates for Microsoft Windows and related installed components, including Internet Explorer. 

Some updates can fix or eliminate vulnerabilities used by malware and security exploits. Other updates correct bug and improve program functionality.  In many ways, these updates could be referred to as patches, because they work in the same way as patches do for video games and other programs.

Why are Windows Updates important?

Windows updates are important because they fix any security flaws, vulnerabilities or other issues that may be present in the system.  Let's be honest here.  Most viruses in the past ten years have come from vulnerabilities within either Internet Explore, Windows itself, or a combination of the two.  Not updating your computer puts your computer, and other computers on the same network (if there are any others on your network) at risk. 

 The rule of thumb: if you have a Windows computer connected to the Internet, you need to keep your security as up to date as possible. 

How often should I update my computer?

Honestly, some folks would say check daily for updates.  That really isn't necessary.  Generally speaking, patch days for Microsoft occur on Tuesdays.  Occasionally they will occur on other days of the week, but generally speaking, they update on Tuesdays.  So setting your computer to do an automatic update at 3 a.m. Wednesday would work in most cases.

 Now, sometimes there are those rare cases that an emergency fix has come out for Windows.  You will hear about these patches on news stations because it's "fixing a vulnerability".  In that case, you can do a manual update on your computer.

Manual versus automatic updates
You can set up your computer to do automatic updates.  Automatic updates occur at a time and day of the week of your choosing.  It will compare your system specs to what Microsoft has available, then update it as necessary.  Some of the updates require a reboot to take affect, others don't.  However, your computer will know this and let you know, sometimes even asking you if you wish to reboot now or later.  Automatic updates take the pressure off of you having to remember to do the updates yourself as well having to remember how to do them each time.

 Manual updates are useful by those who carefully monitor what they allow Microsoft to update on their computer system.  Not all Windows Updates are hot fixes or vulnerability patches.  Some are just functionality fixes or upgrades (such as Internet Explorer 8).  Some people don't want to upgrade to newer versions, so they choose manual updates to do them on their own.  Manual updates require the user to be responsible and check regularly to see if there is an update and to choose whether or not to install it.

What happens if I don't update my system regularly?
I won't use a scare tactic here.  Honestly, not updating your system puts you at risk.  If you are connected to the internet constantly via DSL or a Cable Modem, then your computer is always accessible via the web.  This will put you at a higher risk.  Basically, something will eventually happen to your computer if you don't do regular maintenance.

 Maintaining your computer is like maintaining your car.  If you do regular maintenance e on your car, it will run better.  The same is true for your computer.  Updating it, formatting it, running a scan disk on it occasionally will make it work better and protect it from outside attacks and vulnerabilities.

 Over the years, as both tech support at the local ISP, as well as the regular family "fix my computer" person, I have heard a number of reasons as to why their computers don't get updated.

• I forget to leave my computer on overnight since I set the automatic update to do it at 3 a.m.
• I'm going to do it manually.
• I wait a few weeks to make sure that there are no problems with the updates before I install them.
• I don't know how to update.

 Toss in any number of ways to get around it, and people will get around doing it.  The fact of the matter is, there are still hackers and viruses that are out there looking for a vulnerable computer to use to propagate itself through to other computers.  I can't encourage people enough to update their software and keep it updated.  It protects you and others.

 However, Windows Updates is not the only thing that needs to be checked and maintained on a regular basis.  Part three of Protecting Yourself covers the importance of Anti-virus, spyware and firewalls, what they do and why they need to be updated on a regular basis as well.  Tune in next week for more information.