Using Update Facilities

Microsoft and Apple release operating system updates regularly. Updates include critical updates and service packs, security patches, operating system updates, driver updates, and upgrades to certain software programs that are included with Windows and the Macintosh operating systems. Both Windows and Macintosh operating systems can be configured to check for updates automatically, or your can use the built-in tools to check for updates at any time.

• Windows Updates
• Mac OS 9 Updates
• Mac OS X Updates
• Other Software

Windows
To check for Windows updates, you need Internet Explorer 5.0 or later. Most computers will have this software already installed, but if not, you can download it from the Microsoft web site (http://www.microsoft.com/ie).

To download and install updates:

1. Start Internet Explorer
   
2. Choose Tools > Windows Update from the main menu.
   
3. Click on Scan for updates.
   
4. Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of recommended updates to review and select for installation in the left window pane. In the right window pane, you'll see the Review and install updates link.
   
5. Click Install Now.
   
6. Click Accept to accept the license agreement.
   
7. A progress bar will be displayed.
   
8. When the download and installation is complete, you'll see a message that says a restart of your system is required.
   
9. Click OK to restart and complete the installation of the updates.

Mac OS 9
To download and install updates:

1. Open the Apple menu, then select Control Panels > Software Update.
   
2. Click Update Now.
   
3. Select the updates you want to install.
   
4. Click Install.
   
5. You may see a message that says a restart of your system will be required.
   
6. Click OK.
   
7. A progress bar will be displayed.
   
8. When the download and installation is complete, a Restart button will be displayed, if restart is required.
   
9. Click Restart, if necessary.

Mac OS X
To download and install updates:

1. Open System Preferences, then click on Software Update.
   
2. Click on Check Now.
   
3. Once the check is complete, you will see a list of recommended updates to review and select for installation.
   
4. Click Install.
   
5. You may be asked to enter your password or phrase.
   
6. Click OK.
   
7. A progress bar will be displayed at the bottom of the Software Update screen.
   
8. When the download and installation is complete, click Restart to restart your computer and complete the installation.

Other software that you own may require occasional updates. Visit the web site for each software manufacturer and look for a link that is usually called Downloads and Updates, or something similar. Some software products will check for updates automatically. This feature can usually be disabled, if you prefer to check for updates on your own.