Once you have your internet security programs installed and running, it's important to keep them updated. The update processes are simple and take very
little time, even for dialup users, except the manual Windows/Microsoft Updates, which can sometimes take longer.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to update my recommended Internet Security programs:
Microsoft normally releases updates
around the 10th of each month. By default, Windows XP is configured to automatically download and install updates. While it is essential to keep your computer updated, many of us who use a dial-up modem prefer to download the updates manually because automatic updating slows down an already too slow internet connection.
If you choose to turn off the Automatic Update feature on your computer, you must
manually update it for Microsoft critical updates.
To turn off Automatic Updates:
Go to
Start, then Control Panel.
Double-click on Security Center.
In the window that opens, at the bottom of the screen, click on Manage Security Settings for: Automatic Updates.
On the next screen, click the radio button for Turn off
Automatic Updates, then click ok.
To manually update your computer
and be sure you have all of the Microsoft Windows XP high priority updates:
Go to Start, All Programs, then Windows Updates, or click on this link:
If it's your first time to the site, you
may be asked to download and install an ActiveX control, follow the prompts to complete this one-time process.
When the next page loads,
just follow the prompts. Your computer will be scanned for the needed updates (this can take some time).
When it has finished, click on Install Updates and follow any prompts. You may be prompted to restart your computer.
Microsoft Updates
Recently Microsoft has upgraded the
update site so that all Microsoft programs may be updated at
once. If you have MS Office or any other MS program,
you may find it more convenient to use this update site:
If it's your
first time to the site, you may be asked to download and
install an ActiveX control, follow the prompts to complete
this one-time process.
When the page loads, click on Check
for updates.
Choose Express or Custom. Your computer will be scanned for the needed updates (this can take
a very long time!).
When it has finished, click on
Install Updates and follow any prompts. You may be prompted to restart your computer.
AVG Anti-Virus
AVG is configured to obtain updates automatically, however, dialup users may prefer to update manually.
This program should be updated at least weekly.
To configure AVG for manual update:
Launch AVG by double-clicking on the AVG icon in the
System Tray located on lower right-hand corner of your screen, near the clock.
Double click on Update
Manager.
Uncheck the box: Start
Automatic Updates.
AVG must be updated manually now. Do so at least weekly.
To manually update AVG:
Right click on the AVG icon in the
System Tray located on lower right-hand corner of your screen, near the clock..
Click on Update Now.
A screen will come up, select
the Update you want, then click on the Update button.
Spybot Search and Destroy
This program should be updated at least monthly.
Start Spybot - S & D. Click the Search for Updates button. If there are available updates, they will be listed. If there are updates you should download all of them.
Click the Download Updates button. If you have trouble with the updates, choose another download location from the dropdown menu to the left of the Download Updates button. Click the arrow to expand the menu.
As each
download is finished, a large green arrow will appear next
to the listed item.
Ad-Aware
This program should be updated at least monthly.
Open the program and click on Check for updates now.
On the next screen, click Connect.
A box will come up that says there are new definitions available, Download and Install this file? Click OK.
When the download is finished, a new screen will come up, click Finish.
Spyware Blaster
This program should be updated at least monthly.
Open Spyware Blaster.
On the left side menu, click on Updates.
Click on the Check for Updates button.
When the updates have finished downloading, click on Enable protection for all unprotected items.
Zone Alarm
Firewall
Zone Alarm is configured to automatically check for updates. If an update is necessary, a popup will appear asking if you want to
Update Now or Remind me later. When you choose Update Now and click OK, you will be directed to a web page.
Follow the
prompts to download.
When you have completed the necessary steps to download the update and receive the File Download Security Warning prompting you to Run or Save this file, choose Save, and save to your Security File.
When the download finishes, find
the file you just downloaded and double-click on it.
Double click on the file to install the program update.
Important: In order to save your
current firewall settings, click on Upgrade when given the choice between "Upgrade" and "Clean Install".
When the installation process is complete, you will be asked to restart your computer.
