How to make Windows XP safe using Windows Update?

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How to make Windows XP safe using Windows Update?

Windows XP is one of the favorite Operating Systems for home as well as office users. No doubt, the look and feel of Windows XP is sexy but that is not the only reason for its popularity. Most importantly Windows XP has many features that were not in the previous versions of Windows. It is not true that the Windows XP is not secure. It is also not true that Windows XP is totally secure. There are crackers and hackers who continuously exploit the security holes in the Windows OS to take control of the PC. As and when these security holes are identified Microsoft releases security patches to fix these security holes. It is very important that you always keep your Windows XP updated with these security patches.

In this article let us see how you can increase security in Windows XP.

To block the security holes in Windows XP.

Just go to the Microsoft website and ask Windows to scan your PC for holes and update your Windows XP. The wizard will do everything for you automatically.
Connect your computer to the Internet. Open your web browser and go to the following website You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

This will take you to the Microsoft's website. Now click on the 'Scan for Updates' button. Your Operating System will now be tested and show you the list of things you have to do to secure your computer.

Now click on the 'Critical updates and Service Packs' link under the 'Pick updates to install' section. The required updates will be listed and will be selected for downloading.

Now click on the 'Review and install Updates' link.

Now select the things you want to update and click on the 'Install Now' button. The update process will now start. Wait patiently for the update process to finish.
To fix security holes automatically in Windows XP

Usually Microsoft keeps releasing Security Patches for fixing security holes that are identified in Windows XP. So to fix them you will have to frequently access the Microsoft website to update your Windows XP.

If for some reasons you forget to update then your computer will be at risk. Crackers and Hackers will take control of your PC. Therefore it is better to make the update process automatic.

You can configure Windows XP such that it automatically connects to Microsoft website and check if there is any Security patches every time you connect to Internet.

To Make Windows Update automatic

Open 'Control Panel' (Start->Control Panel)

Click on 'Performance & Maintenance' link

Click on the 'System' link

Select the 'Automatic Updates' tab

Now select the 'Keep my computer up to date' check box

Select the 'Automatically download the updates' radio button and choose the time when you want the update to take place and click on 'OK' button.
To Turn on Firewall in Windows XP

Windows XP has an inbuilt Firewall. You have to always keep it ON. Then you can connect to Internet more confidently. Firewall will block unwanted programs, viruses and hackers.

Open Control Panel (Start-> Control Panel)

Click on the 'Network and Internet Connection' link

Click 'Network Connections'

Choose the connection that you want to secure. Right click the connection and select the 'Properties'.

In the Properties dialog box click on 'Advanced' tab.

Select the 'Protect my computer' check box and click 'OK'