Datasheet

Summary
41
We will discuss Windows Security Center in more detail in Chapter 6, “Con-
figuring Security.”
Installed Updates
Installed Updates allows you to see the updates that are installed and to uninstall or change
them if necessary. The Installed Updates feature is a part of the Programs and Features applet
in Control Panel, which allows you to uninstall, change, and repair programs.
Get Updates for More Products
Clicking this link will direct you to a website to download Microsoft Update, which can be
used not only to update Windows Vista but also to update other Microsoft products, such as
Microsoft Office.
Installing Windows Service Packs
Service packs are updates to the Windows Vista operating system that include bug fixes and
product enhancements. Some of the options that might be included in service packs are secu-
rity fixes or updated versions of software, such as Internet Explorer.
Prior to installing a service pack, you should perform the following steps:
1. Back up your computer.
2. Check your computer to ensure that it is not running any malware or other unwanted
software.
3. Check with your computer manufacturer to see whether there are any special instructions
for your computer prior to installing the service pack.
You can download service packs from Microsoft.com, you can receive service packs via
Windows Update, or you can pay for a copy of the service pack to be mailed to you on disc.
Before you install a service pack, you should read the Release Note that is provided for each
service pack on Microsoft’s website.
Summary
In this chapter, you learned how to install and upgrade Windows Vista. We covered the fol-
lowing topics:
Installation preparation, which begins with making sure that your computer meets the
minimum system requirements and that all of your hardware is on the Hardware Com-
patibility List (HCL). Then you need to decide whether you will perform a clean install or
08819book.book Page 41 Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:21 PM