First Steps for attaching a computer to the Internet

While you can attach a network cable to your computer and begin using the internet, this is not recommended. There are a number of internet worms that have been compromising student's computer systems in a matter of minutes.

Being connected to the internet, even if only for a few minutes, leaves your system vulnerable to attack.

The best course of action when connecting to the Internet after attaching the network cable is to immediately update the Windows system software.

Microsoft hosts a website where one can download all of the latest software patches for Windows for free. Some of the patches will block the worms' attempts to compromise your computer, others will fix bugs that have been identified since Windows was first released to the public.

Visit the Windows Update website or choose Tools, Windows Update from your Internet Explorer browser window.

When you first visit the Windows Update website, you will be prompted with a security dialog.  Answer yes to allow the website to scan your computer.  You may also check a box so that you won't be asked the question the next time you visit the site.

Next choose Scan for Updates to scan your computer.

After about 30 seconds, you will receive a list of updates that need to be installed, go ahead and click Review and Install Updates.

Then click the Install Updates button, and read and agree to the terms of the license agreement.  The files will begin downloading to your computer.  After this series of updates are finished, you will need to reboot your computer to continue the updates.

Repeat this process until the update site lists zero critical updates.

This entire process may take more than an hour.

Once this process is finished, you may configure your computer to download the updates on a schedule.

Downloading Updates on a Schedule

If you are connecting to the Internet on a regular basis you can have updates sent to your computer without visiting the Windows Update website.  Once the updates have been downloaded to your computer, you will be prompted to install them, which you can do at your convenience.  Below you'll find the instructions to enable automatic updates.

The first step is to right click the the My Computer icon and choose properties, then choose the tab labeled Automatic Updates.

The box starting with “Keep my computer up to date.” needs to be checked, and the middle update setting is recommended.  If there is an update you don't wish to install, you will be able to choose, but the downloading of files will be accomplished without your interaction.

You may also choose to download and install the updates without your confirmation.  While this option is acceptable, you may be prompted to restart your computer at odd times, which you may choose to ignore until you are finished with what you are doing.   Reboot your machine in order to complete the installation of the updates.