Why should I update my software?

Some MMPC encyclopedia entries refer to the exploitation of vulnerabilities. Although Microsoft Security products provide protection against exploits and malware that exploit these vulnerabilities, applying software updates that remediate the vulnerability helps further secure your computer. This page provides simple instructions to help you update some of the most common programs found on computers.

The following is a table of common software and where to download their latest versions:

Some software vendors provide an update mechanism within the program:

• Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader:
  
  To check for updates in Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader, in the main menu bar, choose Help > Check for Updates:
  
• Adobe Flash Player:
  
  Adobe Flash Player automatically prompts you when new updates are available:
  
  
  
  More information is available in the following articles:
  
  • About updating Flash Player
  • Changing your Flash Player update settings
• Adobe Shockwave Player:
  
  • Ensure that your Shockwave Player is set to receive updates automatically. To do this, right-click on a Shockwave movie and select Properties
  • Make sure there is a check mark beside the Automatic update service option:
    
  • More information is available in Shockwave Player auto-update service
• Java:
  
  • To check for updates for Java, go to Start > Control Panel > Java
  • Go to the Updates tab and click on the Update now button:
    
  • More information is available in How to Configure Java Updates
• Quicktime:
  
  To check for updates for Quicktime Player, go to Start > All Programs > Quicktime Player:
  
• Windows:
  
  To check for updates in your operating system and Microsoft programs, go to Start > All Programs > Windows Update: