What are Automatic Updates  

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A screen shot of Automatic Updates, a Windows component that can automatically install important fixes for your computer.
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Automatic Updates
From Michelle Castle,
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Introducing Automatic Updates:
Automatic Updates (AU) is a component for Windows XP and Vista that can automatically check for important updates from Microsoft. The updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates, and most of the updates fix security holes identified with Microsoft software.
Using AU:
Since AU can automatically find and install important fixes for your computer without your assistance, it's very easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on:

* Turn on Automatic Updates in Windows XP
* Turn on Automatic Updates in Windows Vista

Once you enable AU, and you can configure it so the updates install automatically, or you can have AU check with you first before installing updates.
Alternatives to AU:
One alternative to AU is the Windows Update Web site. You can use the Windows Update Web site to find, download, and install updates for your computer manually. Even if you use AU, it's wise to visit the Windows Update Web site periodically since AU only installs high-priority updates while more fixes are available on the Windows Update Web site.
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Co ntroversy Surrounding AU:
Advanced users of Windows have long resisted using AU since they want to retain complete control over what their computer downloads and installs. In April, 2006, Microsoft made the situation worse when they pushed Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications onto computers through Automatic Updates. WGA Notifications is an anti-piracy tool, yet Microsoft had promised to only push security updates with AU.
Who Should Use AU:
If you're a novice or intermediate Windows user, it's best to turn on Automatic Updates. Although Microsoft occasionally releases a fix through AU that can cause some problems, you're more likely to be the victim of a computer attack if you leave AU off and then forget to install needed security fixes when they become available.
Configuring AU for Greater Peace of Mind:
If you're concerned about the safety of using AU, I suggest setting it download updates but check with you before installing them. That way, you can ensure only updates you want are installed, and you can first check to see if the update has caused problems for any Windows users.
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Answered by Sudipta Deb , an ibibo Specialist, at 9:34 AM on May 13, 2008

Automatic Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows. It provides updates for the operating system and its installed components. Microsoft Update is an optional feature that can be enabled to provides updates for other Microsoft software installed on a Windows computer, such as Microsoft Office, Windows Live applications, and Microsoft Expression.

Security updates are delivered by the Windows Update service on the second Tuesday of each month. However, security updates can be delivered whenever a software update is required to prevent an exploit targeting Windows users. Windows Update can be configured to automatically install updates, ensuring that a computer is always up-to-date and not vulnerable to computer worms and other such malware.

Answered by Hem@nt , an ibibo Master, at 9:31 AM on May 13, 2008

well,Automatic Updates (AU) is a component for Windows XP and Vista that can automatically check for important updates from Microsoft. The updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates, and most of the updates fix security holes identified with Microsoft software.

Answered by Saurabh , an ibibo Master, at 9:21 AM on May 13, 2008

Introducing Automatic Updates:--
Automatic Updates (AU) is a component for Windows XP and Vista that can automatically check for important updates from Microsoft. The updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates, and most of the updates fix security holes identified with Microsoft software.
Using AU:
Since AU can automatically find and install important fixes for your computer without your assistance, it's very easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on:

* Turn on Automatic Updates in Windows XP
* Turn on Automatic Updates in Windows Vista

Once you enable AU, and you can configure it so the updates install automatically, or you can have AU check with you first before installing updates.
Alternatives to AU:
One alternative to AU is the Windows Update Web site. You can use the Windows Update Web site to find, download, and install updates for your computer manually. Even if you use AU, it's wise to visit the Windows Update Web site periodically since AU only installs high-priority updates while more fixes are available on the Windows Update Web site.

Answered by shepherd , an ibibo Master, at 9:15 AM on May 13, 2008

Hi JKS,

Automatic Updates are one of the component of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Which automatically check the updates from Microsoft site. And this updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates. And this updates fix all the security by Microsoft.

And for further details you may visit the following websites:
http://windows.abou t.com/od/security/p/automaticu pdate.htm

Answered by Deepak , an ibibo Master, at 9:13 AM on May 13, 2008

Hi.

Automatic updates will helps you to update your operating system up to the date. By updating thru Automatic Updates will helps you to protect your computer by means of security from viruses and threats. I recommend if you have liences version of any Microsoft Operating system then enables Automatic Updates on from System property. System Property will be available by clicking My computer --> Properties.

Regards,
Kaush al Pithadia

Answered by Kaushal , an ibibo Citizen, at 7:52 AM on May 13, 2008

Dear Marven;
Automitic updates are simply the updates that get automatically downloaded for a particular software such as anti virus or anti spam software. there are updastes provided on the server for such program and the software installed on your computer may have have a function of autocratically detecting these updates on the internet and download them to your computer

Answered by kishore , an ibibo Master, at 7:17 AM on May 13, 2008