Windows Updates

To ensure that Windows is kept up to date on your computer, you should regularly visit the Microsoft Windows Update Site.

Firstly, however, you should ensure the latest Service Pack for your version of Windows has been installed.
If you right click "My Computer" on the desktop and choose properties, the version of Windows and current service pack is displayed on the 'general' tab. See below for service pack details.

These updates are divided into 3 sections, Critical, Recommended and Drivers.

The critical updates are typically to solve serious errors with in the Windows Operating System, most often security issues which can leave you vulnerable to being hacked. It is imperative that these updates are installed as soon as they become available. (It is wise to have a full system backup just in case!)

The recommended updates typically add features to (or correct minor problems in) a component of Windows, such as Direct X, Media Player, MSN Messenger etc. You should decide if any of these updates are required (or appropriate) for your system after reading the update description.

Hardware driver updates can be installed if you are having problems with any of your hardware devices. If you don't have any problems then DON'T install any driver updates. Internal modems such as the Lucent Win Modem can FAIL TO OPERATE if you install the drivers from Microsoft's Web Site. If they do fail you will not be able to reconnect to the Internet to download working drivers. You have been warned.

Service Packs

Before connecting to the Windows Update Site, download and install the latest Windows Service Pack for your version of Windows. Links below (to Microsoft) are for ENGLISH versions of Windows only.

Service pack files are typically very large (10's to 100's of megabytes) and can take many hours to download over a slow Internet connection. The service packs for current Windows versions are often available on the cover cd's of computer magazines. This is very often $10 well spent.

If you have a broadband connection you can download them here: 

These details were last updated on Thursday, 08 March 2007

You must reboot your computer after installing any service packs. Don't try to same time by refusing the reboot.

Links to all Microsoft Service Packs are available here.

Windows Update Site

The express install will only look for critical updates for your computer.

The custom install will look for all updates for your computer.

Critical Updates (High priority updates)

Once the current service pack has been installed, visit the Microsoft Windows Update Site and install all critical updates. After the updates have been installed return to the update site and check for any new critical updates. Continue to do this until there are no more critical updates to be installed. If you are prompted to reboot your computer at any stage, please do so. It is also wise to reboot after the last update is applied, even if your are not asked to.

Recommended Updates (Optional software updates)

When there are no more critical updates you may also wish to return to the update site and review any recommended updates. You should install those that may be of benefit to you.

Direct X is used for video and audio, mainly in games and is usually worth installing. If you download and install the latest version of media player you will be able to play new media file formats, again usually worth having. Other updates are at your discretion.

Driver Updates (Optional hardware updates)

If your computer is working with out problems, you probably don't need to download any device driver updates. (Don't fix what isn't broke) If however you have video problems, network connection problems etc. and there is an update available for your problem device, then download and install it.

You can see whether your device drivers are functioning correctly by right clicking on "My Computer" on your desktop and choosing 'properties'. Go to the 'hardware' tab and choose 'device manager'. Any devices that have an exclamation mark in a yellow circle are not working correctly or that have a red cross X are disabled.

Devices can appear to be functioning correctly in 'device manager' but may still require updating. This however will only be apparent from the way your computer performs.