Step 5: Install operating system updates

Installing operating system updates is a required step in ensuring computer security.

What is the operating system?

Operating system software is the software that handles many of the basic functions of your computer. For example, when you begin to use your computer and before you start any programs, your operating system is loaded and waiting for you to do something. Windows and dialog boxes that appear on your screen are all handled by the operating system. So is moving, copying, and deleting files.

Why do I need operating system updates?

Operating system updates protect your computer from intruders who exploit flaws in your computer's operating system software to create annoyances or to steal or damage your data.

All operating systems require updates to repair security flaws that are found after the software was released.

What if I don't update?

Your computer and your data could be vulnerable to an attack from a computer virus or from an intruder who connects to your machine while you are connected to the Internet.

When your operating system software is kept current, it is significantly less susceptible to such attacks.

Does your operating system have current security updates?

No or Not Sure	Do both of the following: Update Manually Mac users: Use Software Update. Windows Vista users: In Start Search, enter Windows Update. We're primarily concerned with important updates only. Any other updates are not necessary unless you have a specific need. Windows XP users: Use Microsoft Update. (Requires Internet Explorer.) We're primarily concerned with high-priority (Express) updates only. Any other updates are not necessary unless you have a specific need. Problems? See the Microsoft Update Troubleshooter. This process could take a long time. Update Automatically and Daily Since new vulnerabilities could be discovered at any time, operating system updates should be scheduled to occur automatically and daily. Mac users: See Updating your software. Windows Vista users: In Start Search, enter Windows Update, then select the Change Settings link. Windows XP users: See the Automatic Updates tab of the System control panel.
Yes	Congratulations! Proceed to Step 6: Install Microsoft Office updates.

No or
Not Sure

Do both of the following:

Update Manually
- Mac users: Use Software Update.
- Windows Vista users: In Start Search, enter Windows Update. We're primarily concerned with important updates only. Any other updates are not necessary unless you have a specific need.
- Windows XP users: Use Microsoft Update. (Requires Internet Explorer.) We're primarily concerned with high-priority (Express) updates only. Any other updates are not necessary unless you have a specific need. Problems? See the Microsoft Update Troubleshooter.
This process could take a long time.
Update Automatically and Daily

Since new vulnerabilities could be discovered at any time, operating system updates should be scheduled to occur automatically and daily.
- Mac users: See Updating your software.
- Windows Vista users: In Start Search, enter Windows Update, then select the Change Settings link.
- Windows XP users: See the Automatic Updates tab of the System control panel.

Yes

Congratulations! Proceed to Step 6: Install Microsoft Office updates.

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