Windows 8 Updates

This is written specifically for Windows versions 8 and 8.1, but it also applies to Windows 7. We all know that Windows updates are very important, they fix problems and bugs in the operating system. Some updates are considered critical, these should be installed as soon as possible (ASAP). Many of us though just ignore it until we absolutely have to install them becauses there is a reminder box in the bottom right corner.

Microsoft releases patches and updates every month on a Tuesday. This is affectionately referred to as Patch Tuesday, this is the second Tuesday of the month. Microsoft started this with the release of Windows 98, since then this has become a standard procedure for everyone.

With the last few updates there have been some very important, critical, updates that needed to be installed. These updates also included a few hidden updates, these are updates that are installed but do not show up in the Windows Update program. For some of us we do not turn our computers off at night but rather just put them to sleep. When we do this the updates do not get installed, also it is good to restart your computer at least once a week that way it clears out the temporary files and improves performance.

Because many people just put the computer to sleep instead of turning it off Windows basically forces you to restart. This is not with all updates nor is it every other one, it appears to be random. Your computer starts to have odd issues, such as your web browser doesn’t open or your Quickbooks will not open. You can see them running under applications though, i have also seen word documents not opening and other Microsoft products stop opening.

So what is the first thing we do? We do a power cycle, also known as restarting the computer. the first thing that shows up on the screen is that Windows is installing updates and do not turn your computer off. Once the updates are installed and the computer restarts everything works. The one thing I want to stress is that you need to either turn your computer off at least once a week. Some people have a set day that they restart or turn it off, doing this is just a best practice and can save you a giant headache down the road.

Scott Gamet

A+ Net+

CCENT

Service Updates June 2014 - Patch Tuesday

Happy patch Tuesday everyone. Microsoft has announced the service updates for the month of June 2014, this month is full of some rather large updates. There are updates for every current version of Windows, that’s right all versions of Windows server 2003 and up as well as Vista and up. The most import of the seven are the first two that are critical updates for Internet explorer and Office, both of these are for every version of Windows and will require a restart. The critical updates are to fix another zero day flaw for Internet explorer.

The rest of the updates are normal windows updates that may require a restart but on their own probably will not. Windows 8 and 8.1 seem to be the ones who are going to see the greatest amount of updates from this list, so yes Server 2012 and 2012R2 are in their as well, they should be an easy installation. So if it has been a while since the last time you restarted your computer the updates are a good thing, you should restart your computer at least once a week. I recommend for servers once a month.

Scott Gamet

CompTIA A+, Net+

Cisco CCENT