We strongly recommend that you update your operating system on a regular basis with the latest security patches, updates, and drivers. This will ensure that your computer is up-to-date and will help prevent against viruses and other security breaches.
Microsoft Windows Update
- Go to Start > All Programs > Windows Update. The
Windows Update Web site (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) will open.
Note: Depending on your browser's security settings and the length of time you've gone without downloading windows updates, you may have to run new browser controls (ActiveX) or update the Windows Update software. Follow the prompts on the Windows Update page. - On the Windows Update page, click Express
to get the most important updates automatically or Custom if
you wish to select from a list of recommended and optional updates available for
your computer. Windows Update will scan you computer to see which updates you
need.
- When the scan is complete, Windows Update will tell you if there are any critical updates available. We recommend that you always download the latest critical updates. Click Review and Install Updates, then click Install Updates.
Get Automatic Updates
We recommend that you set your computer to download and install critical updates automatically:
Windows 2000
Go to Start > Control Panel > Automatic Updates. In the Automatic Updates window, select Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify and click OK.
Windows XP
Go to Start > Control Panel > Automatic Updates. In the Automatic Updates window, select Automatic and click OK.
Windows Vista
Go to Start > All Programs > Windows Update. In the Windows Update window, click Change settings (at left) and select the radio button next to Install updates automatically (recommended). Next, under Update Service, make sure the check box next to Use Microsoft Update is selected, and click OK (at bottom).
Macintosh Software Update
- Go to Apple Menu > Software Update. The Software Update window will open.
- In the Software Update window, click Check Now. Software Update will check online for any available updates for your system.
- Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of any available updates, click Install X Updates to install them (you may be prompted for your administrator account password).
Get Automatic Updates
To set your computer to automatically update the operating system:
Mac OS 10.4.x
Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update. In the Software Update window, from the Check for updates: drop-down menu, choose how ofter you would like to check for updates (Daily, Weekly or Monthly; we recommend that you choose Weekly) and check the box next to Download important updates in the background. Click Check Now to get any current updates.
Note: You will be prompted for your administrator account password and may have to restart your computer before these changes take effect.
Mac OS 10.5.x
Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update. In the Software Update window, check the box next to Download important updates automatically and from the Check for updates: drop-down menu, choose how ofter you would like to check for updates (Daily, Weekly or Monthly). We recommend that you choose Weekly.
Note: You will be prompted for your administrator account password and may have to restart your computer before these changes take effect.
Related Pages
Need Help?
If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
