Keeping your operating system up to date is very important. Not only can updates address bugs and crashes, but often they include security updates to help protect your system against unauthorized access.
Keep your system up-to-date. Updating your system may not seem like a big deal or take high priority, but it should, especially if your computer is connected to a network or if you use it to access the Internet. Fortunately, Apple and Microsoft have made updating system software easier by including tools to your operating system that automatically check for the updates.
Listed below are instructions for getting system updates. You will need to have Internet access to perform these updates. Note: You may have to perform these tasks multiple times in order to receive all available updates for your system.
For Mac OS X Users
1.) Open the System Preferences (located in the Apple Menu)
2.) Select the Software Update preference pane. You can set your computer to automatically check for updates at specific intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly) or you can click the Check Now button manually. The Check Now options is useful for some people on dial-up connections.
3.) Click the Check Now button.
If updates are available you will be presented with a list of updates specific to your computer and installed software. You can choose not to update some of the items in the list by unchecking them. For example, you may not update software you do not use, like iPhoto or iChat. Security updates should always be installed.
4.) Once you select the items you want to update, just click the Install button. The download and install process will begin. Some updates will require a restart of your computer in order to complete the installation process. If this is the case, a dialog box will alert you that a restart is necessary.
For Mac OS 9 Users
1.) Open the Software Update control panel.
2.) Click the Update Now button.
If updates are available, a list specific to your computer and installed software will appear.
3.) Check the boxes next to the updates you want to install.
4.) Click the Install button. The download and install process will begin. Some updates will require a restart of your computer in order to complete the installation process. If this is the case, a dialog box will alert you that a restart is necessary.
For Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP Users
1.) Go to the Start menu and select Windows Update. If the Windows Update is not listed at the top, select Programs and look for Windows Update near the top of the list.
2.) Select Windows Update to launch the Windows Update web page in Internet Explorer. You can also browse to the address http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in a web browser to reach the Windows Update page.
3.) When the page finishes loading, select Scan for Updates on the right-hand frame of the page. The site will build a list of available updates specific to your system and installed software.
The available updates will be listed in the left-hand pane. Any Critical Updates should be installed. Other updates are at your discretion to install.
4.) To review the available updates, select the type of updates you wish to review , i.e. Critical Updates, Drivers, etc., in the left-hand pane. By default, all Critical Updates are selected for download.
5.) Click the Add button next to the other updates you want to install.
6.) Click Review and Install Updates to see all the updates in your collection.
7.) Click Install Now to begin the download and installation process. Some updates will require a restart of your computer in order to complete the installation process. If this is the case, a message will alert you that a restart is necessary.
