Tiscali Members: Get Windows updates

As new threats emerge, Microsoft, like other software creators, updates its Windows operating system and Office applications to block them. However, you need to download the updates often to be sure of getting the basic protection such updates ensure. The question is, are you?

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Anti-spyware and online ID theft protection

Like locksmiths and burglars, hackers and software manufacturers are engaged in a cat-and-mouse game. Hackers try to find and exploit bugs and loopholes in popular software in order to get a back door into people's computers. Developers try to close these loopholes as they are discovered.

If passwords are the door key and a firewall and anti-virus software is your alarm system, installing patches is like making sure that you do not leave the windows wide open. Remember though, these updates will only provide you with a basic level of protection.

Patches and updates: Rather than distribute a new CD-ROM every time a piece of software is updated, software companies distribute updates using patches. This is like inserting five new pages in an encyclopaedia rather than shipping 24 new volumes every time there's a change. These patches can be downloaded over the internet.

Benefits of updating:

Protects against some viruses.

Protects against some hacker tricks.

Improves performance.

Fixes bugs.

Adds features.

Updates must be combined with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software to be effective. Today's complex online threats demand a layered approach to PC security.

Service packs: Service packs combine a number of updates and improvements in one large patch.

How to update

For Windows, go to the Windows Update site and follow the instructions.

There are instructions on the site that will enable your computer to automatically download and install updates as they become available.

For Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.) go to www.officeupdate.com.

Check with software companies, via their website, periodically for updates for other applications.

Upgrade your operating system
There is one good reason to upgrade to Windows Vista, if you don't already have it, it is far more secure than previous versions of Windows.

Intelligent protection updates as online threats develop. Protection against Windows holes and wireless network protection. A two way firewall, anti virus and parental controls come as standard. Get protected today.