Windows Update, Microsoft Update, aren't they the same thing? No, and it's important to know the difference.
What's This? Update My Computer?
There are still people that I come across that have never updated their computer with either Windows Update or Microsoft Update. Most adult home users will use their computers for email, home accounting or the occasional web surfing, and never think that because they aren't doing anything "bad" that they don't need to think about security. Eventually they will find out how wrong they are.
It is important for every computer user to make sure their computer's software and operating system is secure and up-to-date. I find that people with older operating systems such as Windows 98 or Windows ME are not as aware of security as Windows XP users, most likely because Windows XP does a better job of informing the user that updates are needed.
The tool that you can use to update your computer is called Windows Update, and it supports the older versions of Windows such as Windows ME, 95, 98, NT and 2000 (as well as the newer versions). Microsoft Update is the newer tool which supports Windows 2000 SP3 or later and Windows XP.
How is Microsoft Update Different?
The main difference is that Microsoft Update also updates other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Office. There have been security updates for MS Office and it is important that you are running the most recent updates. Microsoft is adding other software to Microsoft Update this year so it will be the one-stop shop for getting your updates.
How Do I Get to the Update Site?
It's fairly easy. Assuming you are connected to the Internet, just run Internet Explorer. Go to the Tools menu, and select Windows Update. It will take you to either the Windows Update site or the Microsoft Update site.
Once the page loads, you can tell what tool you have by looking at the blue title bar on the upper left. It will either say "Microsoft Update" or "Windows Update". If you have reached the "Windows Update" page, you might be able to upgrade to Microsoft Update at no cost or effort. You can tell by looking at the right side of the screen in the "News" box.
If it looks like this, you have the older Windows Update:
If it looks like this, you have the newer and more complete Microsoft Update:
Of course if you have the older Windows Update, and it invites you to switch to Microsoft Update, then by all means click on the text in the news box and upgrade right now!
Which Update Should I Pick?
The site will present you with 2 buttons that correspond to 2 types of updates, Express or Custom:
Which one you pick will depend on your comfort level. If you are one of the many "timids" and not very comfortable with technology, I'd suggest clicking on Express. It will automatically get the high-priority updates to keep your system running safe.
If you have some computer knowledge and know your way around, I suggest clicking on Custom, where it presents you with all the updates, and you can pick which ones you really need from a list of high-priority and optional.
Can I Automate This Process?
Yes! On the main Update page on the right side just above the News box, there is the Automatic Updates notification box:
This will open a simple window that asks you some questions about setting up your computer to automatically notify, download and install updates. You can check this yourself without running Microsoft Update. Just go to your Start menu, and run Control Panel, then select Automatic Updates. If you leave your computer on all night, you can set it to download and install early in the morning when you are not using your computer. If you turn your computer off when you are not using it, you can set it to notify you, so you can grab the updates when it is convenient for you.
Business Users
If you are on a business network, usually your IT (information technology) department will have it set up so that user workstations will automatically update. If you are concerned, check your Automatic Updates or contact your tech support person.
Further Information
If you have other concerns or want more information, you can either go to the Microsoft Update main site or Frequently Asked Questions page.
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