updates and security

[larry]

Hi,

My computer frequently offers Windows XP updates, patches
and stuff. I get a pop up and/or I can click on an icon
on the bottom left. Before I download them into my
system, I need to know that they are legit. Is there any
sure way of determining that the pop up and the offered
downloads are not frauds? I already lost one comuter to a
virus. I don't want to lose another. Thanks for the help.

 

[Miha Pihler]

Hi,

if your updates are offered to you by Auto Update then they are legit. Auto
Update client and Windows Update use SSL to authenticate each other before
the client downloads the patches. Even after the patches are downloaded they
won't install if Microsoft digital signature is broken (someone has tempered
with the patch, changed the code, inserted a virus, etc...)... So using
Windows Update, Auto Update, SUS etc ... is very safe. In the end we use
same technology (SSL) for on-line banking, shopping, etc...

For a good PC security I would also recommend (beside patching the OS):
- use a good strong password (pass phrase)
- use up-to-date anti virus
- use a personal firewall (the one that comes with Windows XP will do mi
most cases)
- time to time use Ad-Aware or similar software...

I hope this helps you out...

Mike