Windows 2000 and Windows XP both have an application called Windows Update, which will tell you which updates you should be installing on your computer. While Windows Update will inform you of all updates (like to Real Player, IE, etc.), the most crucial ones are the Critical Updates and the Security Patches. Below are instructions on how to access Windows Update on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. For more information, please review Microsoft's documentation on Windows Update online at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/about.asp?.

On Windows 2000 computers
(Click here to get more detailed instructions for Windows 2000 Updates.)

1. Click the Start menu button on the bottom left of your computer screen.
2. At the top left of the menu that appears, click on Windows Update.
3. On the Microsoft Windows Update webpage that appears, click on "Scan for Updates". On the list that appears, follow Microsoft's instructions to install all Critical Updates. If you see the message "no critical updates available at this time", you have already installed the necessary updates.

On Windows XP computers
(Click here to get more detailed instructions for Windows XP Updates.)

1. Click the Start menu button on the bottom left of your computer screen, then select All Programs.
2. At the top left of the menu that appears, click on Windows Update.
3. On the Microsoft Windows Update webpage that appears, click on "Scan for Updates". On the list that appears, follow Microsoft's instructions to install all Critical Updates. If you see the message "no critical updates available at this time", you have already installed the necessary updates.