IT Security: Configure Automatic Updating and Patching

Windows XP SP II

1. Go to Start>Control Panel>Automatic Updates.
   
   
2. Set to Automatic (recommended) and choose the frequency and time of day you wish the update to take place.
   
   
   
   

   Tip: Choose a time when your computer is turned on.

   
   
   
3. Click OK.

Note: The MIT Windows Automatic Update Service (WAUS) is also available to those members of the MIT community who wish to utilize Microsoft's Automatic Update feature with a more conservative selection of patches -- focused on critical security updates -- than those available directly from Microsoft.

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Macintosh

1. In the Apple menu, select System Preferences...
   Result: The System Preferences window appears.
   
   
2. Click on the Software Update icon located in the System row.
   
   
   
   
   Result: The Software Update information is displayed.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Highlight Update Software and check the box to the left of Check for updates. Select the frequency from the pull down menu. Daily or Weekly frequency is recommended.

Tip: Click Check Now to immediately check for updates.

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Linux

See Update Services: Red Hat Network.

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