Yesterday was Patch Tuesday folks, and you know what that means. Yep, it’s time to mosey on over to your favorite Microsoft or Windows Update site, and update your Windows. Or check that you have it set for automatic updates.

Updates for Windows and other applications are waiting there for you. One of the bugs fixed is a so-called spoofing bug, which could be exploited to trick you into visiting a malicious Web site. The flaws are rated “important”.

Warning: After you install these updates, you may not be able to browse the Internet. If this happens, click Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, and delete the updates. Wait a few days for Mother Microsoft to fix the problem.

The problems with that Windows XP Service Pack 3 are supposed to be fixed now. Computers powered by processors were rebooting endlessly, and other users had their Internet or wireless connections deleted. The latter problem appeared to be caused by corrupted Registry keys.

Microsoft blamed the problem on certain security software, but denied it. Anyway, this flaw was recently fixed, according to Microsoft.

XP will soon be available through Automatic Updates, which means you will get it whether you like it or not, if your computer is set to receive automatic updates. There is no urgency to download and install SP3, as long as you keep your Windows otherwise up to date.

To avoid this update, click Start, Control Panel, Automatic Updates. Select the third option, “Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them”. Now when you go to the Update site, click “Custom”. This will allow you to pick and choose which updates you want, and avoid SP3 for now.

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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