Keeping Your System Up-to-Date

• One of the most important things that you can do to secure your PC is to make sure that all of your software is up-to-date. This includes your operating system as well as Anti-virus and firewall software.

• Hundreds of new vulnerabilities are found every month. It is important to make sure that your software is updated to prevent one of these from being used to access your PC.

  • Updates for Microsoft operating systems:
    http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

  • Microsoft Office products:
    http://office.microsoft.com/OfficeUpdate/default.aspx  

  • Updates for Apple/Macintosh operating systems:
    http://docs.info.apple.com

• These sites allow you to scan your system to see what updates are needed for Microsoft products and then tell you which ones you need to download and install. In November 2003 Microsoft began releasing software updates on the second Tuesday of each month. You should check your system on that day, or shortly after, to ensure that your system is constantly updated. You can also use the Automatic Updates software that is included with later versions of Microsoft Windows. This option can be found and configured in the control panel area.

• If you are using a Microsoft operating system information on how to secure your specific version can be found on Microsoft's site at this link:

  • http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/