Getting security updates and patches03 June 2005
Computers that haven't been patched against viruses will come under attack within an average 20 minutes of connecting to the Internet, especially if they've got a high-speed broadband connection, according to IT security industry professionals.
It's essential to keep your PC updated with the latest patches released by the supplier of your web browser. However, with the number of different products and versions - Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox, Netscape and so on - it can be hard to work out which patches you need to combat any given threat.
Getting started
First of all, check out this user-friendly guide to basic patch management. It explains what patches are, how to keep track of them and how to upload them quickly when a specific threat is identified.
Installing a firewall is one way to protect your PC from infiltration by viruses and worms. BT Broadband's Internet Security Pack is a low-cost way to keep up to date with current threats, incorporating a firewall and automatically updated anti-virus software in one simple combination. You can also click on the Firewall Guide to read reviews of the wide range of firewall options around.
It's also worth keeping a check on technology-focused websites and e-zines such as Computer Weekly and PC Pro. These sites often feature regular news and alerts about current viruses and worms, and may even link to relevant patches or step-by-step removal instructions for those who have been infected.
Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer (IE)
Microsoft releases its regular security update on the second Tuesday of each month. This is a bundle of all the patches written over the month. Emergency patches, designed to deal with a specific urgent threat such as a new worm, are also released periodically.
It's a good idea to sign up to Microsoft's e-mail alert service - it gives you a list of patches available and which version of Windows they can be applied to. The threats are labelled according to urgency, and you can make a decision on whether or not to go ahead and download the relevant patch.
If you're not confident enough to decide what your system needs or doesn't need, you can let Microsoft decide for you. When you're online, click your Start button (at the bottom left of your screen), and then Windows Update. You'll be transported swiftly to the relevant part of the Microsoft website, where you can find out what updates your computer needs. Then you can download and install the ones you choose in a single click.
Other browsers
Firefox
Although IE has been plagued with security problems of late, other browsers are becoming more vulnerable as they get more popular.
The Mozilla Foundation's Firefox browser suffered two extremely critical flaws recently - Mozilla's monthly security updates can be accessed here.
Opera
Regular security updates for the Opera browser can be accessed here.
Netscape
Finally, you can access security updates for the Netscape browser here.
