Keeping patches and plugins up to date in Windows is impossible without using monitoring software, or regularly using a web page to check whether any installed software has any new updates available. Just setting ‘Windows Update’ on automatic is not enough. Relying on plugins, like Flash or Divx, or hundreds of others, to just update themselves is a recipe for turning your computer into an infected spambot.

Over on our hardware and local PC service site for Westminster MD, PC410.com, there’s an article, “How do I maintain my Windows-based computer?” that lists all the basic computer maintenance steps, and has instructions for keeping your computers up-to-date and safe.

If you choose to do it yourself, you will need scanning software. For home use, this is an excellent choice:

PatchMyPC, on the ‘Home Users’ page.
For business use, contact your local computer tech for a recommendation of patching software that can manage applications across your entire office. Near Westminster Maryland? Call me at 410-871-2877