Patch Automatically for 1 Clean Computer

One way to ensure you are protecting your computer is to get Windows Updates as soon as they are released. Microsoft often offer patches and security solutions for your current version of Windows.

I recommend doing this automatically, so you don't have to remember to check for them. It's easy. . .

In XP, click Start, Control Panel, Security Settings (if you're in Category view), Automatic Updates.

In 2000, choose Start, Settings, Control Panel, Automatic Updates.

In both versions, verify that 'Automatic (recommended)' is selected. You can also have Windows notify you before it downloads an update, or you can install the update manually. (The steps and options are only slightly different in Windows 98 and Me.)

Since this post is about Microsoft, it is only fitting that I offer best wishes to Bill Gates in his retirement in 2008 (he announced on 6/15/06). He will be working full-time on the charitable trust his family runs.