COMPUTER TIPS

Windows Update

(This information was taken from the Microsoft Windows Update Web Site)

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.

To obtain the latest updates for your computer Click on Start, Click on Windows Update. Windows Update makes it easy and only offers you updates that are specific to your computer's needs. After you the load the Critical Notification Update, Windows Update will notify you automatically with any Critical Updates as they become available.

How do I know if I need an update?
Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the items on your computer. During the scan, a list of categories appears under Welcome to Windows Update and the number of updates that are available in each category is noted in parentheses.

Critical Updates are important!
Any update that is critical to the operation of your computer is considered a "Critical Update," and is automatically selected for installation during the scan for available updates. These updates are provided to help resolve known issues, and to protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities. Whether a critical update applies to your operating system, software programs, or hardware, it is listed in the "Critical Updates" category.

How does it all work?
Follow a simple, three-step process to get the updates you need to keep your computer up-to-date:
When you enter Windows Update, click Scan for updates.
As you browse through the available updates in each category, click Add to select the update of your choice and add it to the collection of updates you want to install. You can also read a full description of each item by clicking the Read more link. When you have selected all the updates you want, click Review and install updates, and then click Install Now.

Note: Some updates may require that you restart your computer. Save your work and close any open programs before beginning the installation process.

MENU COMMAND, TOOLBAR BUTTON OR DIALOG BOX OPTION

Question: I can’t find a menu command, toolbar button, or dialog box option. Where is it?

Answer: The item you want may be temporarily hidden—try the following methods to make the item appear. If the item doesn’t appear, you may need to run the setup.

1. You may need to expand the menu - If arrows appear at the bottom of the menu, you can click the arrows, and then look for the command on the expanded menu. You can also double-click the menu to expand it.

2. The toolbar button may be on a docked toolbar—The toolbar button may not appear on the toolbar because there is not enough room to display all the buttons. Click More Buttons, and then click the button you want.

COMPUTER LOCKUP, FREEZES OR STOPS RESPONDING

Question: Why do computers lockup or stop responding?

Answer: During the normal operation of most computer systems, memory and software conflicts can potentially cause a computer system to stop responding. When this happens you will lose control of the program running and the computer keyboard and mouse may become non-responsive. When this happens, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys, and then press DELETE (CTRL+ALT+DEL). If the computer is in a Soft Lockup you should see the Close Program window open. Click on the item that says Not responding. Then click on End Task. Another box opens, Click End Task. This should close the program and return you to the computer’s desktop. If your computer is in a Hard Lockup pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL one time will not work. Try pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL several times, the computer should restart. If this still doesn’t work, then you will need to press the computer’s power button down until the computer turns off.