OS Updates

Each operating system (OS) has its own unique vulnerabilities. People take advantage of these vulnerabilities to spread viruses and worms, which can cause damage and harm to your computer when it is unpatched or unprotected. We highly recommend keeping your computer up to date with all OS updates. Microsoft and Apple have included an autoupdate feature with recent version of their operating systems. On this page we have provided instructions on how to keep your computer's OS up to date, as well as provide important Service Packs for Windows and where to find other OS updates.

We also highly recommend setting up your computer to automatically download and install updates as they are made available.

How to Configure Windows XP to stay up to date

1. Go to the Start Button, click on Control Panel, select Security Center and click on the Automatic Updates
2. Check Keep my computer up-to-date...
3. Check one of the settings: we recommend Download the updates automatically...

How to Configure Windows Vista to stay up to date

1. Go to Windows Button (located on the bottom left), click on "All Programs", click on Windows Update.
2. Click on "Change Settings", under tasks on the left side bar.
3. Check one of the settings: we recommend "Install Updates Automatically". Choose a day and time when your computer is usually on.
4. The options under the sections for "Recommended Updates" and "Update Service", should also be checked.

How to Configure Mac OS X to stay up to date

1. Go to the Apple Menu, then System Preferences, and click on "Software Update".
2. Check for updates. We recommend checking Weekly.
3. We also recommend checking Download important updates in the background.

Below we have provided information on various patches and service packs for PC and Mac platforms. You will need your username and password to download the Windows Update Patch from the EdCom server - as noted with the .

Software

TO DOWNLOAD OS UPGRADES	INSTRUCTIONS
Windows Update Patch (Win 2K Only)	How to Install Windows Update Patch
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Install Windows XP Service Pack 2 Windows Vista Service Pack 1	How to Install Windows XP Service Pack 3 How to Install Windows XP Service Pack 2 How to Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Macintosh OS Updates - included with OS X	Macintosh OS Updates Information

Manual OS Updates

To download updates manually, go to Microsoft Windows Update page (http://windowsupdates.mircosoft.com) for Windows based PCs. At times Microsoft will release an updated version of their Windows Update utility. Your version of Windows must have the latest version of this update utility in order to recieve regular updates. Visiting the Microsoft Windows Update site will check your updater version and inform you if your utility is out of date.

For Mac OS X 10.5 and earlier, updates are available through Apple's "Software Update" tool via the Apple Menu. Otherwise you can visit Apple Support.