PC Laptop Updates FAQ

Why does my laptop need software updates?
Any software (including the operating system) can have flaws that make it vulnerable to hackers.  When the vulnerability is discovered, the vendor will provide a software update to correct the problem.  It is important to get all updates installed regularly because an intruder could use a software vulnerability to attack your computer.  Even if your computer has a firewall, antivirus, and antispyware you still can be vulnerable if your software is out of date.  Laptops are particularly susceptible to software vulnerabilities, because they are more likely to spend extended periods of time unconnected from the internet.

How can I get updates for the Microsoft operating system and Microsoft software?
If your laptop was assigned to you by Information technology, it is designed to receive these updates automatically through the campus wireless network and the campus VPN.  If you connect to the campus network regularly you will receive these updates.

If you bought your own laptop, find the “security center” where you can check things like updates, antivirus, and the firewall.  Go to the security center control panel and follow the prompts to receive automatic updates.  If you would prefer to install the updates yourself you can also go to www.windowsupdate.com  every week and download the necessary patches.

How can I get updates and security fixes for software from other companies?
Most major products like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Mozilla Firefox, and iTunes have a built-in update feature.  When the program is opened it will check for newer versions and prompt the user if an update is available.  Follow the prompts to update the software to the newest version.

What should I do if I haven’t used my laptop in a while?
If you haven’t used your laptop in a while, it will be missing several updates.  You should take the following steps to get the updates quickly.

• Connect to the internet

• Go to www.windowsupdate.com

• Download and install all critical patches

• Right-Click your antivirus in your system tray (next to the clock on the start menu) and select “Update Now”

What should I do before I go on a trip to make sure my updates are taken care of?
Connect to the VPN before you leave for your trip.  If you have been connecting to the campus wireless or VPN regularly, you should be fine.  If you have any problems, contact the Help Desk while you are in town.  We can help you over the phone or you can bring it to our office in PLN 220 to take care of the issue.

What should I do if VPN guard pops up that I am missing required updates?
This usually happens if new patches were just released but your computer hasn’t had a chance to fully apply updates.  The best solution is to install the updates manually.  The more you regularly connect to the campus wireless and VPN the less likely this is to happen.

• Close VPN Guard

• Go to www.windowsupdate.com

• Download and install all critical patches

• Right-Click the McAfee antivirus icon in your system tray (next to the clock on the start menu) and select “Update Now”

• Retry your VPN connection

If you still get an error, call the Help Desk at 714-278-7777.  We will try to help you over the phone.  We may need you to bring in the laptop if we can’t fix it over the phone.