I’ve written in the past about how you can keep your Windows XP system up to date by using the built-in Windows Update feature. Normally you can choose this option from the Start menu, unless you’ve customized the menu and removed the option. If that’s the case, you also can find a link to Windows update in the online help. Choose Start|Help and Support. In the opening page under Pick a Task, click the link that says: Keep your computer up-to-date with Windows Update.
When you use Windows Update, you need to be connected to the Internet. It runs off and finds all the patches and fixes your system needs and then installs them for you. The process is easy and automatic.
Of course, this easy, automatic process assumes you are on a broadband connection. Or that dial-up users are willing to spend most of the rest their lives waiting for 20MB downloads. Assuming the download doesn’t die a technological death beforehand, many dial-up providers will simply cut off your connection after a certain amount of time.
Apparently this reality is starting to penetrate the Microsoft campus, aided by the tremendous amount of bad press they’ve gotten about the many Windows security holes that need to be patched on almost a daily basis. So this week, Microsoft announced that they will mail you a CD for free with the most critical updates to Windows.
Go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp
And you’ll see this text:
"The Windows Security Update CD will be shipped to you free of charge. This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC. In addition, you will also receive free antivirus and firewall trial software. This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE). Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery."
You just fill out the form and the CD is mailed to you. There are no shipping charges; it really is free. Dial up users should not miss this opportunity. The security problems are bad and you really should patch your system.