While there is a history of problems from installing available updates to Microsoft Windows, it is an important part of securing your computer against infections. The Windows Update process has improved dramatically over the last few years, and it is advisable to keep your Windows installation updated with available security patches from Microsoft.

You can achieve this a couple of ways, depending on your preferences. Since Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, there is an optional setting in the Security Console in the Control Panel screen to enable automatic Windows Updates. You can set this option to either download and install critical updates, or to download them and alert you to install them. If you don't like either of these options, you can turn off automatic updating and access the Windows Update website manually, selecting desired critical updates and installing them yourself. If you elect to manually download and install updates, you should be sure and check for available security updates at least weekly.

Either way you go, critical system updates will minimize the possibility of new viruses getting into your system, but you still need to install an appropriate anti-virus solution from a reputable vendor and keep it's virus signatures updated from that vendor. There are commercial and free options for anti-virus solutions, and some of the commercial solutions require you to periodically purchase an updated subscription to continue to receive these updates. New viruses continue to be released by the bad guys, so if you don't maintain updated virus signatures, the anti-virus solution will be ineffective and useless.

Securing your computer against infections requires keeping the system patched against known vulnerabilities, maintaining an effective anti-virus solution, and being aware of how your usage habits can protect or harm your computer. For more help with keeping your system safe and secure, call us at (937) 478-7624 or submit an inquiry through the Contact Us form on this web site.