Not yet registered? Create a OverBlog!

Create my blog

How to download free updates for Windows XP

Microsoft's Windows XP is still the world's most popular operating system more than a decade after its initial release. This is due, in a large part, to Microsoft's continuing efforts to update and improve its product with free security patches and fixes. Below is a simple guide to the various ways to go about downloading these free XP updates.

Settings

Windows Update The easiest way to find the official Microsoft patches and updates for your version of Windows XP, is to use the Windows Update feature of the program. This can either be found on the start menu, on the control panel page or by simply typing 'windows update' into the search bar of the start menu. Setting 'Windows Update' to automatically check the Microsoft website for available fixes on a regular basis, will take away the need to go through the process manually. If it is set up to search automatically, then the user can either set Windows to notify him or her before installing the updates/fixes or to just accept the fix. Permission 'Simply accepting' means that any download will be activated as soon as it is available. This is not very problematic now that the operating system has been in existence for a long time. It now very rarely needs major changes. However, this is worth mentioning because any untested patch can lead to system instability. Therefore, it is recommended to set the system to download any updates automatically, but not to install them without the user's permission. A quick search engine query will let the user know about any problem with the update. Additionally, it should be noted that even if there is an issue with a particular update, the Windows roll back driver allows a user to reset the machine to a previous configuration. In this way, no data is lost.

Microsoft.com

You may decide to manually search the Microsoft website for updates. They are very easy to find, but keep in mind that you will need to know the XP version that you are using (Home, Office, etc.), whether it is 32 or 64 bit and what service pack is currently installed. This hands-on approach can be rather more complicated than simply allowing the machine to do the work for you. Nonetheless, it is a preferable method if you need to use an XP version that has not been updated to service pack 2, for example. This is due to software compatibility issues. However, be aware that there are some security
trade-offs when you use outdated versions.

Same category articles Computers

How to make my PC faster

How to make my pc faster

If you want to run the latest graphics editing software or 3d games, then you will need a very powerful computer. rather than buying an entirely new computer, it is possible to install hardware upgrades so as to improve its performance. this article will show you how to obtain a fast computer by adding ram, changing components and optimising your software.
Where to find DVI to VGA cables

Where to find dvi to vga cables

In this article i will detail out what is a dvi cable, what is a vga cable, what are they used for and the place where can i get them.
How to set up local area networks

How to set up local area networks

Are you trying to figure out how to connect your devices at home, but you are not sure what you need and how to do it? you don't really need to bang your head on the wall to figure this out. this article will provide you with steps on how to set up a lan for your home or business.
How to configure domain name servers

How to configure domain name servers

When you are setting up a website, the task of configuring the domain name server is an important part of the process. although phases like dns setting and dns entry may look threatening for a novice, it is a rather simple process which you can master in a short time. this article provides you with the basics of configuring a domain name server.