Windows Update

Windows Update keeps your computer up to date with the latest system files, such as security patches and fixes and solutions to bugs or other problems that may have been found within the operating system. It is a good idea to update your computer regularly to ensure that the computer's security cannot be comprmised by new attacks and exploits. This is why windows update uses an automatic update system that will check often whether there are any new updates available for your version of Windows Vista. the updates are set to check for updates automatically and to notify you when to download them. When you enter control panel and go through System and Maintenance to the Windows Update section, you will see the following window.

As you can see above there is 1 update waiting to be installed that is not a high priority one, which is why it says optional update next to it. You can also see that Windows is up to date and there is a link to View available updates. You can also check again for updates by clicking on that option at the left pane as well as changing the update settings, view update history and restore hidden updates. Once you click on View available updates, you should see a list of updates if there are any availabe.

When you see a list of updates which are not labeled as optional, you should select these, if not all the updates and can then click install.

You should see that Windows Update is downloading the update and will then install it afterwards. Windows update can also be useful if you have just installed a new driver for a device and you may want to install the latest driver or to let Windows detect the driver and download and install it for you.