Summary

158 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guideupdates as required and install them when the computer is next rebooted. The MicrosoftUpdate Wizard is available at this path:Start > Control Panel > System > Automatic UpdatesFigure 5-33Automatic UpdatesMost antivirus software contains its own update facility. It can update both its applicationsoftware and its database files automatically. This feature allows it to provide immediateprotection as new threats develop.Restore PointAn update can sometimes cause serious problems. Perhaps an older program is in the systemthat is not compatible with the current operating system. An automatic update caninstall code that will work for most users but does not work with your system.Windows System Restore, shown in Figure 5-34, is the solution for this problem. WindowsXP can create an image of current computer settings, called a restore point. Then, if thecomputer crashes or an update causes system problems, the computer can roll back to a previousconfiguration.A technician should always create a restore point before updating or replacing the operatingsystem. To restore or create a restore point, use the following path:Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System RestoreRestore points should also be created at the following times:■■When an application is installedWhen a driver is installed