Genealogy Chat

URGENT>>>>> Microsoft has revealed security flaws in its operating systems for Windows NT, 2000, XP.... TODAY Recommends you read about the issues and download patches. Visit:- Microsoft's Windows Security Updates. Thanks all of you for your input I'm sure the computer novices out there will be grateful. Tip; Keep a record of these tips somewhere and you can refer back to them, especially Judy's from the States she's brilliant and so precise. Many thanks Judy.

Thanks Geoff, You have just reminded me I heard about that this morning on the radio.. Sue

i have just had a msg saying new updates for windows i did install them will that be enough from someone who knows very little about computers!!!!!!!

Just type in Microsoft Security Updates in the search bar it will find it for you. Read info before downloading anything Gf.

Thanks Geoff Downloading as we speak .... Marilyn

hi geoff sorry to be so thick, but which one do i download, there seem to be hundreds,scary really marcie x

hi marcie maybe the easiest way to update is to click on START then another box will open click on HELP an SUPPORT then choose UPDATE it should be a case of clicking from there - its quite user freindly - if you do this while ur online will be quicker hope that helps teresa

Microsoft Windows Updates Microsoft Windows Update site is a necessary routine maintenance job. The site has downloads that will correct a lot of the bugs in the various Windows operating systems. The downloads need to be done to update and protect your computer and keep it running smoothly. (You need to be connected to the internet in order to do) 1. Click on START, 2. Click on CONTROL PANEL. 3. Click on WINDOWS UPDATES. 4. Your computer will be directed to the Windows Update Site. Click on SCAN NOW. 5. The site will then scan your computer and then list, in three categories, the updates your computer needs. A. Critical Updates – Download all of these B. Recommended Updates – You’ll download most of these. Read through what each download is. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the lingo. If you understand a few words of it….say, it mentions XP needs it, download it. I can think of only one or two off hand you don’t want. The one download mentions that if an error occurs on your computer, your error will be reported automatically to the Microsoft site…..that recommended update is a pain in the butt and not worth the annoying pop ups you’ll get. Skip that download. Another one you may not want has to do with various languages…..Chinese, Japanese; you can skip that one too. One very good one is a download that will advise you that there are new critical updates….if you download this one, you won’t have to remember to go back to the site as often to check for new updates. A pop up from the bottom right hand corner of your screen will advise you. C. Drivers – Download all of these. The site will allow you to download many of the needed downloads a few at a time. There are a few, though, that need to be done one at a time. The site will advise you of that when you attempt to start downloading. After the downloads are completed they will automatically install themselves. Your computer will need to be restarted after each successful installation. Keep going back to the site until you have all the downloads completed. Check back at the site once a month or so to check for new updates. The Critical updates you’ll be advised of via pop up as I mentioned above.

Sorry I'm a bit thick when it comes to these sort of things. I use ME. Do I also need these updates? Jeanette

Judy thanks once again to your clear and concise instructions, i folloewed your instructions and found 17 needed. i don't think i've done this since the conputer was brought Shelli

Thanks Judy in the States... Couldn,t have put it better myself. I should point out the most important ones are as stated:- CRITICAL UPDATES & SERVICE PACKS. Computer Novices it is well worth your while to keep trackof Judy's messages as they very often give tips on how to maintain your computer etc. In fact I think she should have a board just for this purpose. Take note GC! Gf x

Geoff i have copied and pasted most of Judy's comments and put them into word so i can refer to them as and when needed, She's a star!!! Shelli

I completely agree Geoff. I've started my own file "Computer maintenance and tips". Even if something doesn't seem to apply to me at that particular time, I print it out and put it in my file. It's proved to be very useful, and is full of Judy's (and others) step-by-step instructions, which are so-o-o easily understood! I started doing this after I couldn't find a thread I'd seen previously with a particular piece of advice!

Greetings all! Thank you for the kind words! Jeanette, yes, ME needs these updates, too. All computers need to update from this site. The day one brings home a computer, it's already a dinosaur and needs to be updated. The Microsoft site fixes glitches and bugs that Microsoft was unaware of at the time they put out a particular Windows operating system. It also updates security issues that have occured as hackers seem to get around any security blocks that get in their way and it updates your computer to the newest technology out on the internet to keep you running smoothly! Judy

HAVE BACKED UP My files now and down loaded 42 updates?! my computer has survived this time , but I still need to sort out norton, otherwise its not on!...... KIM

Kim....you're having problems with Norton, why? Norton the Anti-Virus or Norton Firewall?

hi help please, followed judys instructions, downloaded service pk1 express, had been going ok for a couple of hours, when i kept getting messages in red saying server failed, it then said to go to problems page to find how to do this without running the net, could,nt find info, have sent a message to microsoft, but have wasted 3 hours, what should i be doing please marcie xx

Thanks for that Judy Will follow your instructions in the morning when the effects of the bottle of wine I've just drunk wear off! Jeanette

Just an addition to Judy's excellent advice about getting updates on a new computer. Whenever you install any new program on to your computer the first thing you should do is go to the manufacturer's site and get all the updates from them. This is essential if the program connects to the internet (as most do) because problems (bugs) are being found and resolved all the time. All this software maintenance can be a bit of a pain (especially on dial-up) but not doing it will cause you more grief in the long run. Bob

Marie: Yes, even if you have automatic updates set up on your XP, you still need to visit the site on occasion. Automatic updates only notifies you of CRITICAL UPDATES, which usually have to do with security vulnerability.....the updates that Microsoft deems worthy of immediate attention. The rest of the updates you have to fetch yourself. Judy