Updates: Those little pop-ups can be annoying, but they’re often vital for the security of your computer

Updates, updates, updates…..
So are you like everyone else that keep getting popups saying that you have updates to install? 
I know I get them for Windows, Java, my anti-virus, Adobe, and several other programs that I have on my computer.  So how do you know which ones to install and which ones to ignore?
So I’ll start with the scary part, one of the ways viruses sneak into your computer is by looking like they are updates for your computer.  When you click “ok” they then install themselves onto your computer and next thing you know your computer is acting all haywire. 
So the first rule is to read what the pop up says.  At this point the program has not installed and it should be giving you a notice that program xxx is wanting to install.  If you did not initiate it, and you do not recognize the name of the program, always caution on the side of safety and do not install it! If the name you see on the pop up does not match what you were expecting, then do not install it. 
So what should you be installing? 
First, you should be installing Microsoft updates as they come out.  These little nuisances are generally security patches that are to keep hackers and viruses out of your computer. So we want them installed.  The exception to this rule is when a service pack comes out, I personally wait about a month before I install them.  These service packs are major upgrades that Microsoft has put together.  If you give them a month to upgrade then there will be several smaller updates that Microsoft will put out in that time that will stabilize and fix issues with the service pack.  I also wait on major updates on Internet Explorer for a month or so and listen to what people are saying before I install them. 
If you are not seeing these notices for updates one of two things is going on.  Once you have them automatically installing for you, or you have them turned off.  I prefer to have mine automatically downloaded, but then notify me before installation so I can choose if I want to ignore.  This allows me not to install ‘service packs’ or major upgrades for the time being. To check what you are doing, go into your control panel on your start menu and look at your automatic updates.  You can change how updates function on your computer right here.
The second type of updates you probably want to install are updates to programs you have legitimately installed.  Most computers have Adobe reader and Java on them.  These 2 are constantly updating their programs for functionality and security reasons.  I would allow them, and other programs like them that you have installed to update.  If you do not have the time right this moment to update them, then make yourself a note so that you can do it when it is not so hectic. 
Last is virus signatures and antivirus updates.  In todays’  world, a virus signature that is more than a few days old is ancient and by the time it hits a month old is pretty useless.  Check with your antivirus maker, but most put out updates at least 2 times a week, and will put out emergency updates when needed.  I have my virus checker checking its’ signature file at least everyday.  These updates are vital to keeping your computer healthy. 
All other pop-ups that want to ‘update’, ‘fix’, ‘repair’, ‘clean’, etc are viruses.  One of the most common viruses uses a little multicolored shield that looks like the Microsoft shield telling you to update.  One you click on it you are infected.  But if you read the box it is telling you that it wants to install “Antivirus 2009” (2008, 2010, etc).  Even though is sounds like one, this is not program you would have on your computer in the first place.  So think before clicking.
So make sure you are doing your Microsoft updates, and keep your other programs updated.  But lean to the side of caution of a popup just appears and you do not know where it came from or why it popped up now, and tell it not to install.  If the popup will not go away, do not be afraid to turn off your computer or log off to get it to shut down. 
What to do if you did click on one of those pop ups? You will have to read in 2 weeks on what to do if you think you have a virus.

Dennis Nesser is owner of IT2Rescue, and has been working in the computer industry for more than 20 years as a Microsoft Engineer.