The next batch of updates for will be released next week on Feb. 12, as usual. What is not usual is that Microsoft has announced will be included. Whether you like it or not. Sort of.

At first it appeared that the IE 7 upgrade would be pushed onto businesses only. But now it seems everyone will get it. However, do not worry. If you are still using IE 6 and are not happy about being forced by Mother Microsoft to switch to IE 7, there is something you can do.

But first, let us say honestly that IE 7 is more secure than its predecessor. And we are all going to have to make the upgrade sooner or later anyway, unless you switch to another browser like .

That being said, if you really do not want IE 7 right now, all you have to do is turn off the Windows Automatic Updates feature. Just click Start, Control Panel, System, Automatic Updates tab. I strongly suggest you do not turn off the updates completely; that could be risky.

Instead, click the radio button “Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them.” That is a good compromise. You will be notified when updates are ready for your computer by a balloon in the lower right corner of your screen.

You will now have to do your updates manually. Do not forget to go to the update site next Tuesday. Click Start, Windows Update, or Start, All Programs, Windows Update. Once on the site, you can choose not to accept IE 7.

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online. He has been keeping Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century. Find out how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of protection right here:
= > http://MyPCSecuritySite.com

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