For many people, the fact that they have to keep loading Windows Updates is a bit of a drag, even when it’s done automatically, but, don’t ignore them, as they are vital to your computer’s well-being.

So why are Windows Updates so important?

Let’s go back a few steps first.

When a software programme is written – often involving many thousands, if not millions of lines of code – then inevitably, mistakes happen. Most of these mistakes are corrected when the code is tested by other programmers, usually on the same team. Then the software is usually sent out as a pre-release version, know in the trade as a Beta, to be hammered by actual users who report back any faults. So, by the time it hits the streets so to speak, it should be near perfect.

And that’s okay with many smaller applications, but when you consider the size and complexity of modern-day operating systems, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista, then mistakes in the code will keep appearing (as users stress it in a multitude of ways) for many years. Which is why many hardened users will avoid a new operating system until it has been out for quite some time and it has settled down. Currently, there is reluctance by many users to switch from Windows XP to Windows Vista.

Windows XP is now regarded as a very stable and workmanlike operating system, because it has literally been tested to destruction and most faults have been ironed out. And those with long memories will remember how XP was disliked when it first appeared and people hung onto Windows 98 and ME with some determination.

Windows Vista is, on the contrary, still regarded as a bit flaky and many will wait until a major upgrade of Vista is available before they switch.

But back to the code. When a mistake is spotted, it’s known as a bug; basically, a hole in the code which can be exploited by good programmers and bad programmers alike. Bugs are entrances for nefarious hackers who are constantly trying to find a way in. Think of an operating system as a medieval kingdom which is constantly under attack from barbarians which are trying to storm the defences and do things their way. With hackers, once in, they install malware which can be exploited by themselves, or others, in which to steal information, or make the computer operate in a way that they dictate.

So, once a bug is spotted, patches are written to close it up. Now, to avoid the drudge of having to uninstall an operating system and then reinstall it complete with patches, Microsoft came up with an easier way to load the patches. They created the Windows Update website; a sort of Mother Ship which your baby computer must communicate with on a regular basis. And if the child keeps up to date with his mother, then there’s every hope you can keep your computer safe from roving barbarians (hackers).

And there are quite a few updates out there:

• service packs and critical updates;
• downloads (recommended and additional);
• Windows tools;
• multimedia and internet updates;
• driver updates;
• other features.

Service packs contain a number of critical updates (so called because they are just that, critical) which have to be downloaded to safeguard your computer. These are the software patches that were mentioned earlier.

Recommended and additional downloads can be regarded as good housekeeping for your computer. They are created to enhance performance and usability.

Windows tools are utilities which again are there to enhance the performance of the software and thus, your computer.

Multimedia and internet updates are concerned with the latest versions of a number of applications, such as Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer.

Driver updates are also very important and these should be updated as regularly as offered. A driver is a piece of software that acts as a link between some hardware – say a printer, or video card – and the particular version of Windows you are operating. Without it, the hardware doesn’t work; likewise, if you’re driver becomes out-of-date, it can impair the performance of the hardware. So take every opportunity to update them.

Other features include multi-language features, which updates different languages used in the operating system.

So, let’s assume we all now understand that Windows Updates are a good thing. Many are updated automatically on Windows XP and Windows Vista when you switch off your computer and the Mother Ships lets your baby know that vital information is available as a download.

But, it’s also a good idea to visit the Mother Ship and look for updates yourself.

The best way of doing this is to use the Windows Update website. Either click Start and Run. Type www.windowsupdate.com and Microsoft will take you through the steps of making sure your computer is up to date.

Finally, to ensure that you get the updates automatically, make sure you’re system is set to receive them on a regular basis.

For Windows XP, click Start, click Control Panel and click Security Centre, then Automatic Updates. You can then set-up the system to receive updates at a time/pattern to suit you.

For Windows Vista, click Start, click Control Panel, click Windows Update and click Change Settings. You can then set-up the system to receive updates at a time/pattern to suit you.

So, there you are, no excuse not to get great protection for your computer, although, bear in mind, there’s a lot more to do.

Staying On Top of Windows Updates – Recap

• don’t ignore Windows updates;
• bugs are mistakes in software;
• extensive range of updates;
• check for updates yourself;
• set your computer to receive automatic updates.