your system may or may not alert you to the current updates for windoz that are available.....and even worse.....they maybe critical updates!!!! ones dealing with security issues or even simple ones regarding the update of virtual machine.

you do have the ability to check for your self.....and if you came here after updating virtual machine......i suggest you do this as well. these are free updates ~ and often include security updates. the recent outbreak of aplore virus on the instant messengers is semi preventable with a simple windows update that prevent auto install of files... see.. they really are important..

the first thing you will need to do its to click the word tools on your internet explorer browser> then the words windows updates...... this will automatically take you there....

you  can also  click this link to get there..... windowsupdate some will also have a quick link on the start menu we recommend checking weekly for your computers updates.

now....once you are at the windows updates site if it doesn't automatically begin to check for available updates.....and you see this  screen ..........just click the words product updates on the right..... and be patient.......

after it is finished.... you should see a page like this..........

 

if you have critical updates.....get those!!! there is a reason they are called critical. if it has suggested/recommended updates......look and decide for yourself.....if you see virtual machine there...get it! .. and if you see no updates..... great :) but check back often........ and if you haven't ever been....... it is possible to have several hours of updates to get.......  if you had a critical update.. go back again.. some times you will have more. keep going back till you see no more. then check back every week/month.

if you would like to have automatic update notification...(isn't perfect though!!! sometimes doesn't notify) you can do this.......... click start> then settings> control panel> then internet options> then advanced tab> then in the section titled browsing> check the box that says automatically check for internet explorer updates. best bet? check back weekly on your own.

Don't forget WinUpdates has a new look! 

TIP : sometimes on a new computer or if you have not done updates in a while, you will have a small download of to accept before M$ can determine what updates you need. 

 

Terms to know

Critical Updates : these will be the updates at the TOP of your list. They are CRITICAL for a reason. Security Updates will often be in this group. These updates will address recently found exploits to the program.

Recommended Updates : these are extras that will enhance your computer, from direct x, to language support.... you do not HAVE to download these updates, but they are often a nice extra. 

Automatic Update : either through the small program available for most at windowsupdate, or via internet options, you can set  your computer to check daily for updates. personally, i like to check myself.

Virtual Machine : this is M$ version of java, last official version was 3805, but critical updates has the version now at 3809 or so. Java makes interactive parts of websites work.

 

Links 

MS Product LifeCycle

Scan Disc

Defragment

PC clean up

Java Update

 

Did you know?

As of Dec 31, 2002, there is no more support for Win3 or Win95, look for archive sites if you are missing anything, back up what you have now.  ~ wrong. the coverage has been extended to 2006 and! you can get a cd with updates on it for free! just go here