Many of the recent security problems in Microsoft's Windows operating system have been received major media attention. If a major security update is released while classes are not in session, you will probably hear about it on your favorite local or national news outlets.

Depending on the severity of the security problem, you may also be notified via e-mail from Kathy Hausmann, Coordinator of Student Computing, with information on how to patch or protect your computer from the vulnerability.

To update your computer with the latest Microsoft software updates:

1. Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com using the Internet Explorer web browser. (The icon for Internet Explorer usually looks like a blue e.
2. Click on the link to Scan for Updates. Your computer will be scanned by Microsoft to see what available updates need to be installed on your computer.
3. When Windows Update finds updates to install, click on the link to Review and install updates.
4. Click on the Install Now button to download the updates and install them on your computer. Please be patient while your computer downloads and installs the patches. Depending on your system and the number of patches needing to be installed, the updates may take a while.
5. When the installation of the critical and important updates is complete, restart your computer.