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Keep Your Versions Up-To-Date

You know that you should keep your operating system patched by configuring your computer to automatically seek out updates, but did you know you should also keep your other software and applications updated, too? Everything from your browser to common office software to desktop clients can be susceptible to vulnerabilities, especially if you are not using the most up-to-date version of them. Vendors frequently post free patches or version updates on their Web sites to help users stay current, and therefore more secure.

Most current applications have "automatic update" features built into them. If possible, you should verify that you are at a version of the software that is capable of scheduling updates to occur automatically. Major operating system providers, like Microsoft and Apple, have a single facility that updates software developed by them.

Below is some common operating system patching information. The steps for updating each application will be slightly different. You can also read the instructions on how to verify that the auto update feature, if available, is turned on. This gives you the peace of mind that updates will occur on a periodic basis, keeping your software secure. Additional browser and software patching information will be added to this site in the future, so please check back.

You should keep your versions up-to-date and patched on your personally-owned computers. For department-owned computers, please check with your department IT administrator first (if applicable).

Operating System Patches/Updates

Updating Microsoft Products

Microsoft has expanded its operating system update feature (Windows Update) to update other Microsoft products as well. It's called Microsoft Update, and it updates all Windows OS components, Internet Explorer, Office 2003 and Office XP/2002 as well as other Microsoft products that are listed here.

Go to http://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=2121 for instructions on how to use Microsoft Update.

Go to http://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=2492 for instructions on how to schedule periodic Automatic Updates for Windows XP.

See http://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=2411 for Windows 2000. This is enabled by default in Windows XP sp2.

Updating Microsoft Office 2000

If you are not using Office 2003 or Office XP, you must use the Microsoft Office Update feature to update the Office suite. Office 9x is not updated using the Office Update feature, so we recommend moving to a version of Office that is automatically updatable.

Go to http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/ and select “Check for Updates” to install office security patches for older versions of Office.

Updating Apple Products

Apple’s Software Update updates Apple products which run on OS X. It updates all Apple OS components, Safari browser, QuickTime, the i applications (iphoto, iTunes, etc.), Apple's JRE, as well as other Apple software products listed here.

Go to http://helpdesk.wisc.edu/page.php?id=4551 for instructions on how to use Apple Software Update.