Maintaining Windows

To maintain Windows properly, you need to run various utilities periodically.

This includes patching, managing users, cleaning up hard drives and

the Registry, and keeping your security settings up to date.

Patches, Updates, and Service Packs

You must keep Windows patched and polished.All OSs have flaws andWindows

is no exception. The Internet has enabled Microsoft to make updates available,

and the Windows Update program can grab those updates and patch user systems

easily and automatically. Microsoft provides the Windows Update utility

in Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

You can also startWindows Update manually.When your computer is connected

to the Internet, start the utility inWindows 2000 by selecting Start |Windows

Update. InWindows XP you will find it at Start | All Programs |Windows

Update.When you runWindowsUpdate manually, the software connects to the

MicrosoftWeb site and scans your computer to determine what updates may be

needed.Within a few seconds or minutes, depending on your connection speed,

you’ll get a straightforward screen, like the one shown in Figure 19.1.

You have several choices here, although two are most obvious. If you click the

Express button, Windows Update will grab any high-priority updates—these

are security patches—and install them on your computer. If you click the

Custom button, you can select from a list of optional updates