Step 3: Keep Your Computer Up To Speed — Install Software Updates

Even a brand new computer isn’t perfect. Software companies regularly release updates to improve a program’s performance and security. Install these updates when prompted by your computer or you leave yourself vulnerable to cybercriminals. Keep your computer current and protected.

• Set your computer to automatically download and install patches for your operating system

  Your operating system is the foundation of your computer. Keep it running smoothly and securely by setting your computer to regularly download and install updates.

  Windows Vista:

  1. Right click on My Computer
  2. Select Properties
  3. Click on Windows Update
  4. Click on Changes settings
  5. Click on Install updates automatically (recommended)
  6. Click OK
     
  
  

  Windows XP:

  1. Right-click on My Computer from the Start menu or the Desktop
  2. Select Properties, bringing up a Systems Properties window
  3. Select the Automatic Updates tab
  4. Select Automatic and choose a time every day that your computer will be on
  5. Click OK
  
  

  Mac OS X:

  1. Select Apple, Systems Preferences
  2. Click Software Update
  3. Select Check for updates
  4. Choose Daily from the drop-down menu

• Schedule regular updates for your security software

  Cybercriminals come up with new schemes to attack your computer all the time. That's why it's important to keep your security software, including antivirus and antispyware, up to date.

  If you are using the University-provided security software, follow the Windows or Mac OS X instructions on the NUIT Web site to keep it current.

  Antispyware should be kept up to date as well. For Spybot Search & Destroy, check for updates at least once a week by following the instructions for running a routine Spybot scan.

• Update other software when prompted

  Out-of-date software can contain security or performance flaws. Often, the program itself prompts you to install updates to fix these issues. Make it a habit to say yes to updates—it keeps you secure and the program running smoothly.

  Be sure to verify that updates come from reputable sources by following the tips in Step 4: Browse Safely. Sometimes malware can masquerade as a software update to trick you into infecting your computer.

Continue to Step 4: Browse Safely