Critical Software Updates
The Virus Updates, Windows Updates, Office Updates and
Windows Defender Updates listed below need to be repeated
periodically.
NOTE: Make sure you are connected to the network
before doing any of the updates described below.
1. Virus Updates
Computer viruses pose a constant threat to the security and
safety of the data stored on your laptop, and it is your
responsibility to keep your laptop virus-free. The Symantec
AntiVirus package has been installed on your laptop. You need
to keep it up-to-date to provide the
protection for which it has been designed. Symantec continually
publishes updates to the virus signature databases used to
detect or clean a new virus, should it find its way to your
system. For your own security and peace of mind, update
your anti-virus software often by doing the
following:
- Either right-click the shield on the quick-launch toolbar
(bottom right of your screen) and select Open
Symantec AntiVirus... or left-click on the
Start menu (Windows icon,) select
All Programs, scroll to and left click on
Symantec Client Security, and then left click on
Symantec AntiVirus.
- In the window that appears, click the
LiveUpdate… button.
- A LiveUpdate window appears. Click the
Next button to begin downloading the
anti-virus software files.
- When the downloading is finished, click the
Finish button. Wait for the update process
to complete.
- Finally, click Exit to close Symantec
AntiVirus.
The default configuration is set to automatically update the
virus signature database daily at 8pm provided your laptop is
connected to the network. If you disable this setting, you must
follow the steps above at least once a week.
2. Automatic Windows Updates
Windows Vista recognizes when you are on line and searches for
high priority downloads from the Microsoft Update Web site.
Each time high priority updates are available, an icon appears
in the notification area on the task bar at the bottom right of
the screen. You will also receive pop-up reminders that "New
updates are ready to download".
Note: Some updates must be installed by
themselves. In those cases, you will need to restart the
computer after installing the update. You will have to go back
to the Microsoft Update screen and install any
remaining updates.
- When the reminder pops up, click as instructed, or else
click on the appropriate icon on the taskbar.
- Click on Start Download.
- After a short wait, a window will pop up saying, "New
updates are ready to install. Click as instructed to bring up
the Install window.
- In the Install window, click on Install.
Wait while the installation takes place.
- When the installation is complete, click
OK.
The default configuration is set to automatically update the
Windows daily at 9 pm provided your laptop is connected to the
network. If you disable this setting, you must follow the steps
above at least once a week.
3. Microsoft Update for Windows Vista and Microsoft
Office 2007
Microsoft issues updates for Windows and Microsoft Office.
Some of these updates increase the security of your computer.
Other updates fix bugs, improve performance, and add
functionality. The ThinkPad T61 is configured to automatically
install high priority Windows Vista updates. To obtain the most
current Microsoft Windows Vista updates and Microsoft Office
2007 updates.
- Click on Start (Windows
icon) and left click on Control
Panel.
- Under Security, click on Check for
updates.
- Click on Get updates for more products.
A new window will open. Accept the Terms of
Use and click install.
- In the Review and Install Updates window, review the
selected updates and click on Install
Updates. Follow the screen prompts to complete the
download and installation of the updates.
4. Windows Defender Updates
Microsoft issues updates for Windows Defender which helps
protect against malicious and unwanted software. To obtain the
most current Microsoft Windows Defender updates:
- Click on Start (windows icon) and click
on All Programs
- Scroll to and click on Windows
Defender
- Click on the drop-down arrow to the right of
Help(?)
- Click on Check for Updates
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