Windows Update
From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.
Windows Update is a web-based software update service for Microsoft Windows operating systems.
It offers automatic a one-stop location for downloading critical system component updates, service packs, security fixes/patches and free upgrades to selected Windows components. Additionally, it automatically detects your hardware and provides driver updates when available, and can offer beta versions of some Microsoft programs
Most new fixes and updates go "live" on the Windows Update website very soon after they are released. Alternatively, fixes and updates can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft web site.
The Windows Update website requires Internet Explorer, as it is coded using the Microsoft programming language VBScript.
Recently, Microsoft released Windows Update version 5.0 for Windows XP, which includes Service Pack 2 and several major modifications to the website itself.
Users without broadband access can order a CD of XP Service Pack 2 from the Microsoft website; there is no charge even for shipping, and the packaging encourages sharing the CD with other users of Windows XP. After installing SP2, one should then go to the Microsoft website to check for newer updates — several have been released since SP2.
History:
Windows Update site was first introduced with launch of Windows 98. Since then the site has gone though several revisions. In 2005 Microsoft Plans to introduced Microsoft Update site which will contain all updates about all Microsoft products.
Companion Sites:
Windows Update Catalog site - * [1] Windows Update Services server - * [2]
