Stay up to date automatically

The Internet is constantly changing, and Microsoft Windows XP also needs to change to remain as reliable and secure as possible.
Windows XP can automatically download and install the most important updates (including most security updates) for you using the Automatic Updates feature. Automatic updating helps protects your computer from new and emerging security threats. However, many updates require some user feedback before they can be installed. You should regularly visit the Microsoft Update Web site to check for available updates.
To enable Automatic Updates

1.	Use Microsoft Internet Explorer to visit Microsoft Update.
2.	On the right side of the page, Internet Explorer displays the current status of Automatic Updates: • If Automatic Updates is turned on, your computer is protected. Windows XP will automatically install updates. You don’t need to follow the rest of these steps. To check other aspects of your computer’s security, read Make your system more secure. • If Automatic Updates is turned off, click Turn on Automatic Updates.
3.	In the Automatic Updates window, click OK.

Your computer will automatically download and install most security and reliability updates on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation of updates. You should visit the Microsoft Update Web site regularly to find other updates, Service Packs, and software upgrades that are not automatically downloaded and installed.