Some vendors provide tools for automatically updating your computer with Critical Security patches. Microsoft regularly releases fixes, called patches, which will remedy the associated problem. You have two options for installing automatic updates for Critical Microsoft Security vulnerbilities:
- Configure automatic scheduling of Windows Update: This option uses the Microsoft windows update site which can be slow at times.
- Configure automatic update using the University's SUS server: This uses a server on the Hamline network to retrieve the updates and the updates are installed automatically. You must be on the Hamline network to use this option. (available fall 2004)
You can read about the various updates that are available for Microsoft Windows at
Apple provides security vulnerability updates at
Use the Software Update pane in System Preferences to automatically detect and download the latest security fixes from Apple.
Configure Windows to update automatically (Windows 2000 and XP Only) by following the steps below:
1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Click on Properties
3. Click on the tab for Automatic Updates
4. Put a check box into the field that says "Keep my computer up to date"
6. Click on the radio button for "Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed"
7. Click OK.
Your computer is now set to automatically download the updates for Windows on a regular basis. A pop up balloon will tell you when the updates are ready to be installed and walk you through the installation. After the installation is complete, Windows may require that you reboot your computer.
Need more help? Please contact the Help Desk by email or by phone at 651-523.2220
