Although it can be true for all operating systems, there are no more critical updates than those which are issued by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. Because of the various security patches the are issued by Microsoft, when most computers have been patched, a computer which has not been updated is in greater risk of attack or compromise

      If you are using Windows XP, click on "START" on the tool bar at the bottom of the main window, and then click on "Windows Update." This will connect directly with the Microsoft website. On the first page click on "Scan for Updates" in the large window. This will begin the process to check to see if any updates are available. On a dial-up connection it might take a few hours (or all day) to get them all the first time, but after that it is less painful- it's the price you pay for procrastination. It is important to update the computer because some contain important security update that patch over holes that Microsoft left in the the system that could allow a malicious person to access your computer. Be forewarned that on a slow dial-up connection this might be one of the most frustrating things you ever do on a computer!

      Beyond that, Windows XP now has the built-in ability to automatically update itself as well as giving the user numerous options on how that happens. To adjust these go to: START/Settings/Control Panel and open the "Windows Security Center."

      Here you see the three major areas of the new Windows XP security center. For the matter at hand we need to check the settings for the "Automatic Upates". Look a little further down on the page for the following:

      Click on the "Automatic Updates" icon and you will be presented with this:

      Here you see a number of choices as to how Windows will update itself. The first choice is best for most users. Letting Windows handle its own updates will be OK. Choose any level of updates you desire, but do not turn auto updates off (do not choose the bottom choice).

      Please note that a friend with an HP laptop computer recently told me that HP did not recommend installing Microsoft Service Pack 2. He didn't have any specific reason for this, but if your computer is under warranty be sure to check with the manufacturer before installing this update as it might affect the warranty or interfere with the proprietary interface that was installed with the operating system. . During installation it is possible to select the option to back up all the old files so that the computer can be returned to its previous state, and that is always the best choice regardless of what software or hardware you are installing.