Patches, Updates & Upgrades Protect PCs

Microsoft again is warning Windows users about operating system vulnerabilities from hackers. The news is similar to a warning over Super Bowl weekend in January 2003 about a new computer worm, the SQL Slammer. From Internet service providers to corporate computer networks, IT managers again are left to search for solutions, while systems slow to a crawl.

Most disconcerting, though, is that in such cases, much of the downtime and concern was avoidable. As far back as July 2002, in the case of the SQL Slammer, companies running Microsoft operating systems could have visited the Microsoft site to download a “patch” designed to shore up security against such an attack.

“The most perturbing fact about this attack is that it could have been prevented,” theorized research firm In-Stat/MDR.

Most consumers and small business owners buy a PC, only to let the software and operating system grow old over time. Yet, for those using a Microsoft operating system, like Windows 2000, NT or XP, Microsoft programmers regularly post patches that update operational or security flaws discovered since the software was released

Operating system patches rank right up there in importance with backing up data, creating a disaster recovery plan and updating anti-virus software. Bugs, glitches, holes and security lapses frequently emerge or are uncovered after software is first released, so it’s important to locate, download and install patches frequently.

HOW TO PATCH
Updating and installing patches is simple. Close all open programs, launch Microsoft Internet Explorer, click on the Tools menu, and then Windows Update. The system will scan your computer to see which updates are needed.

If it has been a while since your operating system had been updated or a patch has been downloaded and installed, search for “Critical Updates.” These are deemed important to protect against viruses or outside attacks. “Recommended Updates” are non-essential downloads that can help speed up computer processing speeds, like with graphics or other programs. While Microsoft might post new driver updates for hardware like storage devices, scanners, printers or digital cameras, some users visit manufacturer sites for those updates.

Alternatively, several companies offer services to frequently check a computer and download and install patches. Shavlik Technologies LLC offers HFNetChkLT, a free automated real-time patch management tool that scans for vulnerabilities. Once the patches are installed, run the disk defragmenter to optimize performance.

By installing the patches, users may experience faster computer processing speeds – or see no difference at all. But the patches often help prevent viruses, worms and other security breaches or errors from occurring, he said.

For updates on Microsoft Office products, visit http://office.microsoft.com/ProductUpdates. For updates on Microsoft Windows, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

Other vendors include Shavlik Technologies LLC (www.shavlik.com), (www.patchlink.com), BigFix Inc. (www.bigfix.com), and St. Bernard Software (www.stbernard.com).

Jeff Zbar, the ChiefHomeOfficer.com, is a speaker, writer and expert on alternative officing. He is the author of Teleworking & Telecommuting: Strategies for Remote Workers and Their Managers (Made E-Z Products, 2002); Safe@Home: Seven Keys to Home Office Security (FirstPublish 2001) and Your Profitable Home Business (on CD-ROM from Made E-Z Products). Visit his Web site to subscribe to Home Office Success Stories, his free electronic magazine on home business and teleworking.