Update your software
Published: September 7, 2006
Software updates are downloads that improve the performance, reliability, and security of your programs. Because computers and the Internet are constantly changing, software needs to be regularly updated to provide compatibility with the newest hardware and to protect you from newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Even if a program works well, you should install updates to prevent future problems.
For each type of software you use (including the drivers for your hardware), it's a great idea to add the software's Web site to your Internet Explorer Favorites and visit it once a month. To help keep your software reliable and secure, each month you should download and install any newly-released updates.
Different types of software require different techniques to identify and install updates. Read on to learn how to update Microsoft programs, non-Microsoft programs, hardware drivers, and firmware.
Update Microsoft programs
Microsoft provides Automatic Updates and Microsoft Update to make it easy to keep Microsoft Windows and many other Microsoft programs, including Microsoft Office, up-to-date. Automatic Updates can regularly download and install updates, and can be entirely automated. Microsoft Update allows you to manually check for and install Microsoft updates.
Update non-Microsoft programs
Updates to non-Microsoft programs are not automatically installed as part of Automatic Updates. Therefore, you must manually check for updates to all non-Microsoft programs installed on your computer. To download updates for non-Microsoft programs, you should regularly check the software vendor's Web site for updates. If possible, subscribe to e-mail newsletters to receive immediate notification of important updates.
Update drivers
Every piece of hardware, both inside of and connected to your computer, has a driver. A driver is a piece of software that communicates with a single hardware component. Drivers, like other software, require regular updates to stay reliable and secure.
To find driver updates for your computer, visit the support section of your computer manufacturer's Web site. To find driver updates for hardware accessories added after you purchased your computer, visit the support section of the hardware manufacturer's Web site.
Update firmware
Network equipment, such as your DSL or cable modem, your router, and your wireless access point, use software called firmware. Like other types of software, firmware must be updated regularly to help protect you from threats. Firmware updates are particularly important for networking equipment that is connected to the Internet because it may be vulnerable to attacks originating on the Internet.
Tip: Learn how to make your computer more secure and how to help keep your computer—and your personal information—safe.
