Operating System Updates

Each operating system (OS) has its own unique vulnerabilities. People take advantage of these vulnerabilities to spread viruses and worms that can harm your computer, if it is unprotected. EdCom highly recommends keeping your computer up-to-date with all OS updates.  We also strongly suggest setting up your computer to automatically download and install new updates as they are made available.

Microsoft and Apple have each included an auto-update feature in their recent OS versions. The table below provides instructions for configuring the auto-update feature on your computer,  as well as other inportant information for keeping your operating system up-to-date.

PC Updates
Configuring Automatic Operating System Updates
How to Configure Windows XP to stay up-to-date	Go to the Start Button, click on Control Panel, select Security Center, and click on Automatic Updates. Check Keep my computer up-to-date... Check one of the settings. We recommend: Download the updates automatically.
How to Configure Windows Vista / Windows 7 to stay up-to-date	Go to Windows Button (located on the bottom left), click on All Programs, click on Windows Update. Click on Change Settings, under tasks on the left side bar. Check one of the settings. We recommend Install Updates Automatically. Choose a day and time when your computer is usually on. The options under the sections for Recommended Updates and Update Service, should also be checked.
Patches and Service Packs
Windows XP Service Pack 3	How to Install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Install Windows XP Service Pack 2	How to Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows Vista Service Pack 1	How to Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Manual Operating System Updates
To download updates manually, go to Microsoft Windows Update page 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 receive regular updates.  The Microsoft Windows Update site will check your updater version and inform you if your utility is out of date.

Mac Updates
Configuring Automatic Operating System Updates
How to Configure Mac OS X to stay up-to-date	Go to the Apple Menu, then System Preferences, and click on Software Update. Select Check for updates, then pick a frequency from the pulldown menu. We recommend checking Weekly. We also recommend checking Download updates automatically.
Specific Updates
Macintosh OS Updates - included with OS X	Macintosh OS Updates Information
Manual Operating System Updates
For Mac OS X 10.5 and earlier, updates are available through Apple's Software Update tool located in the Apple Menu. Otherwise you can visit Apple Support.