UCSD Blink: Updating Your Operating System

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Updating Your Operating System

Summary: Configure your computer to automatically update or "patch" your operating system.

Updating your computer regularly will help avoid attacks by hackers and viruses. A virus on your computer can affect all other users on your network.

Follow these directions to comply with UCSD's Network Security Minimum Standards and protect your network, computer, e-mail, and data.

For help, contact your system administrator or the ACT Help Desk.

Operating System		What to do
	Windows XP	Configure Windows XP to automatically download Microsoft updates when they become available. Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Click the Automatic Updates tab. Check Automatic (recommended) and then save your changes. When your computer prompts you to check for or install updates in the future, do so as soon as possible. For more information, see Microsoft Windows Update.
	Windows Vista	Configure Windows Vista to automatically download Microsoft updates when they become available. In Windows Orb (formerly the Start menu), click All Programs. Click Windows Update. On the left side task bar, check Change Settings. Check Install Updates Automatically (recommended), and choose a day and time when your computer is usually on. Check the Recommended Updates and Update Service options, and then save your changes. When your computer prompts you to check for or install updates in the future, do so as soon as possible. For more information, see Microsoft Windows Update.
	Mac OS X	Configure Mac OS X to automatically download system updates when they become available. Using the Apple menu or the icon on your dock, open System Preferences and click Software Update. Click Check Now. If updates are available, click Continue. After the update is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. To set up regular updates, return to the Software Update window, and choose Weekly from the Check for updates drop-down menu. Check Download important updates automatically and close the window to save your changes. When your computer prompts you to check for or install updates in the future, do so as soon as possible. For more information, see Apple Support.