Vista Service Pack 2 is Available

If you're running Windows Vista on your computer, you'll want to be sure and download and install the latest Service Pack (SP2).

As you know, Windows provides free updates to their software through the Windows Update site. It's always a good idea to download and install all critical (or important) updates. The rest are optional.

When there have been significant changes affecting the operating system, Microsoft release them in the form of a Service Pack. For Vista users, SP2 is the latest service pack. For Windows XP users, SP3 is the latest service pack.

To get SP2 (Vista users), follow the steps below:

1. Click START button and then CONTROL PANEL
2. Double left-click the WINDOWS UPDATE icon to open it

You will notice several options in the new window that pops us. On the left, is a link that says, "Check for updates".

In the main window, you may see a button that reads, INSTALL UPDATES (if there are any). Under that button (if it's present), you'll see a link that reads, "VIEW AVAILABLE UPDATES". If you click this link, it will show you all the updates that Microsoft has made available for your computer. If an item is checked, it will be installed on your computer when you click the "Install Updates" button. If it's not checked, it won't be installed.

It's all pretty simple in Vista. If you're not sure what Service Pack you're running and would like to check, follow the steps below.

1. Click the START button and then RIGHT-CLICK on COMPUTER.

A new window pops us and under your operating system, you'll see info telling you which service pack you're running.

Please note that after you install a service pack on your computer, you'll have to reboot it. During the reboot process, the updates will be installed - which can take a while (about 20 minutes or so).

Tips for Installing Internet Explorer 8

You may have noticed that Windows Updates wants you to install Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) now. They have it listed as a high priority which means that unless you make an effort to not install it, you're going to get it during a regular Windows udpate now.

Even though I'm primarily a Firefox user (and encourage others to do the same), I do recommend installing installing IE8. Doing so will help keep your computers up to date with the latest security patches. To make the experience go smoothly, I also recommend following the tips below.

After you download and install IE8, you'll have to reboot your computer. When the computer starts back up, you'll have to open Internet Explorer to finish the installation (which requires responding to a whole lot of windows).

IE8 installed a lot of new features that most people will find useless as well as slow down their computers. So my advice is to say "NO" to just about every window you're asked a question on. The only thing you really want to say "yes" to is the window that asks you if you want to use the smart filter (and by default it's checked). Everything else, you can say "no" or "don't use" or "I don't want to participate".

Installing IE8 is a bit tricky compared to earlier versions of Internet Explorer. But just go slow and take the time to read each window carefully so that you can respond appropriately and things should go smooth.