How can I keep my computer up-to-date automatically?

[Claudius]

I always need to perform Windows updates manually so as to maintain my computer system up-to-date from threats.Is there any way,a program or a software that will help to get the latest security updates automatically?

[Milton.J]

Using automatic security updates

As we all know, the Internet is an unsafe place, and it's increasingly important that all computers that ever go online be patched regularly against bugs and other security vulnerabilities. In addition to updating Operating System software, computer owners must make sure that any programs installed on their computer are kept up to date and free from security vulnerabilities.

We know this is a daunting task. Fortunately one way to ease the burden of remembering to do software updates is by configuring Microsoft Windows to automatically download and install Operating System software updates. The following describes how you can do that.
Select your version of Microsoft Windows from the list below for specific instructions:

Microsoft Windows 2000

• Click START | Settings | Control Panel.
• Double-Click 'Automatic Updates'.
• Make sure the checkbox next to 'Keep my computer up to date...' is checked.
• Select the radial button next to 'Automatically download updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify'.
• Click in the first box and make a choice. 'Every day' is fine.
• Click in the second box and choose a time that your computer is typically turned on. (You do not have to be at your computer for this to work; it just needs to be turned on).
• Click OK.
• Close the remaining windows.

Microsoft Windows XP

• If you are running in 'Category view' (the default):

1. Click START | Control Panel.
2. Click 'Performance and Maintenance'.
3. Under 'or pick a Control Panel icon', click 'System'.

Or, alternatively,

• If you are running in 'Classic view':

1. Click START | Settings | Control Panel.
2. Double-click 'System'.

• Select the 'Automatic Updates' tab.
• Make sure the checkbox next to 'Keep my computer up to date...' is checked.
• Select the radial button next to 'Automatically download updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify'.
• Click in the first box and make a choice. 'Every day' is fine.
• Click in the second box and choose a time that your computer is typically turned on.(You do not have to be at your computer for this to work; it just needs to be turned on).
• Click OK.
• Close the remaining windows.

Macintosh OSX

• Click System Preferences and select Software Update
• Make sure the checkbox next to "Check for updates" is checked
• From the pull-down menu next to that, select how often you would like to check for updates. "Daily" is a good choice.
• Optionally, you may enable the option to "Download in Background" if desired
• Quit from System Preferences

[Big Fish]

Instead of checking for Windows updates manually, you can get the latest security updates automatically i.e. tell Windows XP to check automatically, download them, and even install them if you want.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the Control Panel
2. Select Performance and Maintenance / System (or just System in the classic Control Panel view)
3. Select the Automatic Updates tab.
4. Check the box labeled Keep my computer up to date, then
5. Choose to either download and notify, or download and install.

[Steve123]

With Windows Automatic Updates,
Windows routinely checks for updates that can help protect your computer against the latest viruses and other security threats. These high-priority updates are available through the Windows Update Web site and include security updates, critical updates, or service packs.

When you turn on Automatic Updates, you don't have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes might be missing. Windows automatically downloads and installs them for you, using a schedule that you determine. If you prefer to download and install updates yourself, you can also set up Automatic Updates to notify you whenever any high-priority updates become available.

Options for setting up Windows Automatic Updates on your computer...
To choose when and how updates will be delivered to your computer, you have four options:

1) Automatic - Recommended Option
2) Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them
3) Notify me but don't automatically download or install updates
4) Turn off Automatic Updates

How To Check Your Windows Automatic Update Settings...


Step One: Click the START menu.

Step Two: Click the CONTROL PANEL icon.

Step Three: Click the SECURITY CENTER option.

Step Four: Click the AUTOMATIC UPDATES option.

Step Five: Manage your Window Updates in the window that pops up.

[srksrk2002]

hi, give a /help /share a opensource to do same feature/develop[ in our own web applications to check up software updates scheduled.