The Security Mentor

Everyone tells you to "patch" your computer. It's like taking your car in for a recall, only it happens more often and you can do it over the Internet.

Well, maybe you can do it over the Internet. Dialup is way too slow for the big files Microsoft sends you when you pick Windows Update from the Start menu. Last time I wrote about this, I recommended ordering patches on CD from Microsoft. The bad news is that the CD doesn't include the last six months of patches. The other bad news is that people are starting to report that it's taking three months to get the CD.

Dialup users still need the security updates. If you're on dialup my best advice is to wheel your computer into the library or into the home of your long-suffering technical friend to download patches over a broadband connection. Do this on the second Tuesday of every month, when Microsoft issues regular updates.