UPDATING YOUR SOFTWARE

Update and thrive

It can be hard to keep up to date with the latest software releases. But don't worry, the net can help keep your PC in tip-top condition

Using the internet to communicate with the rest of the world will always appeal to some and not others, but everyone with a home computer will want to keep it in tip top condition, by downloading the latest software updates.
If you use Windows 98, there's a handy feature called Windows Update which will download the information you need from the Microsoft website and automatically install it for you - you can see how on the facing page. Apple Macintoshes also have a similar feature in Mac OS 9, so if you don't have that version of the operating system. it's worth upgrading.

Keep it current

Windows Update only takes care of Windows itself, though. What about all that other software on your computer, like driver software for running your printer or anti-virus protection? Fortunately, the internet can take care of that too. For large companies, like Hewlett-Packard, you can usually find the latest files on their websites. For others, you'll have to look a little further.

If you use a popular program like Norton Anti-Virus, all you have to do is enable the Live Update utility and then your computer will check for virus updates and install them for you. When you hear in the news about a new virus that's been unleashed on the internet, it's a good idea to update as soon as you can, before anyone accidentally passes it on to you.

TOP SITES FOR UPDATING YOUR SOFTWARE

Cnet Download.com www.download.com General updates, including some drivers Office Update http://officeupdate.microsoft.com For users of Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint Windows 95 Updates www.microsoft.com/windows95

Keeping up to date isn't just about preventing problems. Sometimes you install a piece of software, or a new device for your computer, and it just doesn't work. Often, the problem can he fixed with a newer version of the software or an updated driver - the small program that tells Windows how to control things like printers and sound cards. One of the best places to go to find driver software is Frank's World O' Windows (www.worldowindows.com). On the mim page of this site, click the Drivers/Companies section at the left-hand side and you can search through companies by name and find links directly to the new drivers. All you need to do is follow the links, download the files and read the instructions that come with them.

Don't worry - updating a driver is easy. Just download the files into a folder of their own and open them with a program like WinZip if necessary. Now all you have to do is tight-click on My Computer, choose Properties, then find the device - like a scanner or printer - in the list and double-click on it. Choose the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and tell Windows to look for a driver. When your PC has finished looking, click Other Locations and choose the folder where you saved your downloaded files..

STEP-BY-STEP: UPDATING WINDOWS 98

STEP1 If you have Windows 98, updating your system with the latest fixes is simple. From the Start menu, select Windows Update - it should be at the top of the list. Your web browser will start up and connect to the internet, then automatically take you to the Windows 98 update web page. STEP2 This is the Windows update homepage. To get started you need to click on Product Updates. If you've never used the system before, you may be asked if you want to accept a small piece of software from the Microsoft website. Click to agree - it's used to see what's installed on your computer and what you need to add. Next, you'll see a message telling you that your computer is being checked - but no information is sent to Microsoft. STEP3 The Select Software screen lists all the available updates for your computer. You should make sure you install at least anything marked as a 'Critical update'. Place a check box next to the items you want and then click on the Download button to proceed. You'll be given a chance to review the selection on the next page and told how long the download will take. STEP4 When you click to confirm that you want to download updates, this screen will appear, asking you to accept the license agreement. Click the Yes button to download your files. As they're downloaded and installed, a progress box will show how much is left to go. Depending on the updates you downloaded, you may be asked if you want to restart your computer afterwards. STEP5 And that's all there is to it! With a few simple clicks you can make sure you update your computer software regularly without any trouble.