Microsoft frequently issues updates to fix flaws and add components to their products. It is important to keep your operating system up-to-date! This will help keep your computer data and the network safer and running smoothly.

To update your Windows Operating System:

• Go to www.windowsupdate.com.
• The first time you go to this site, Microsoft will "ask permission" to download a file to assist with the update process.
• After downloading the file, Microsoft will search your computer to see if there are updates available.
• Select "Express Install" to download and install only the "Critical Updates" (These are the most important!) OR select "Custom Install" to choose which updates you would like to install.
  

NOTE: You can set up your computer to automatically update, download the files for you to install at a later time OR perform a manual update at your convenience.

Installing Windows Service Pack 2 can cause some computers to fail! To help you decide if you should update to Service Pack 2, please read the information at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx. SP2 adds a "Security Center" to your computer which allows you SOME control over pop-ups and also makes major changes to the firewall which was originally included with the Windows XP operating system.

If you should decide to install SP2, CAREFULLY READ the boxes that appear on your computer screen as you install and setup the update!