 Author:
Rabih Itani
Computing & Networking Services,
American University of Beirut,
ritani@aub.edu.lb
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How to get the latest Operating System patches and updates
Keeping your operating system up-to-date with the latest patches and updates is a key in safeguarding the information available on your computer.
Failure to update your computer on regular basis will subject your computer to well known vulnerabilities (security holes), that will open the door for malicious codes to get installed and activated.
IMPORTANT
If your computer was hosting a malicious code and you connect it to AUBnet, then AUBnet systems will automatically block your computer access to AUBnet services until you successfully update it and clean it from that malicious code.
Failure to clean your computer properly will subject your AUBnet account (used for e-mail, internet...etc.) to automatic blocking.
Intentional use of malicious codes will subject user to more strict measures.
Microsoft Windows Operating System (2000 and XP) Patching Mechanism
The following Microsoft Windows Operating Systems ship with Automatic Update Service installed.
- Windows 2000 - Service Pack 3 or later
- Windows XP
If you are running any of the above, your computer will automatically and regularly check for updates at Microsoft web site.
If you are running lower revisions than the above (for example, Windows 2000 Service Pack 1), then you need to visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download the latest updates for your computer (The program on that link will automatically determine what updates are missing from your computer).
Once you have the Automatic Update Software agent installed (Built-in with Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 or higher or with Windows XP), the following messages will start to appear on random basis:
- Once your computer has automatically detected that new patches and updates are ready to download from Microsoft WEB site, a security alert message is displayed. A security Alert Massage is identified by a "GLOBE" icon
 appearing at the desktop system tray.
- Once you see the alert message in your computer system tray, you must respond immediately to the alert by double-clicking on the "GLOBE" icon .
- Your computer will now download the latest required updates. Once the download is completed. Your computer will alert you that the updates are Ready to Install.
- Click on Details to show the details of the updates that will be performed.
Selecting "Remind Me Later" is highly NOT recommended.
- Click on Install. This will automatically install the required updates on your computer. The installation time may vary depending on the hardware status of your computer and the number of update packages your computer is missing.
- After the installation completion, your computer may prompt you to initiate a restart. Save your work, close all open applications and restart. Updates will not take effect and future updates will not be received unless you restart your computer.
If you encounter any problem during the above process, please contact the AUBwlan Support Desks
It is also recommended that you regularly check for new updates at Microsoft at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Non Microsoft Windows Operating System Patching mechanism
Non Microsoft Operating System users must regularly check their Operating System manufacturer web site for latest updates.
Thank you for your kind cooperative efforts in keeping AUBnet a safer and better computing environment.
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