Cyber-Safety Basics: Install OS/Software Updates

Why should you install operating system (OS) and software updates? Because: Updates are "patches" that fix problems in your operating system (the basic program that runs your computer) or in software that you use to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations or complete other projects. Unpatched computers are especially vulnerable to viruses and hackers.

To ensure that your OS and software is updated:

• Windows users: Set your computer to download operating system updates on a regular basis. Look in your Control Panel and find System or Automatic Updates. You can also find Windows updates in the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, or by visiting Microsoft's Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
• Mac users: Consult the "software update" pane in the System Preferences utility to manually or automatically schedule updates. Or visit http://www.apple.com/support