Automatic Update and Update Notification Options

Like a few previous versions of Windows such as Windows 98, Me, and 2000, XP Home and Professional both have a built-in service called Windows Update. You're probably familiar with this feature. This is an Internet-based service for updating your OS, hosted by Microsoft. Using a combination of “pull” and “push” technology, Windows Update can send operating system hot fixes, security patches, device drivers, Internet application upgrades, language support, the latest Help files and other such upgrades to your computer.

NOTE

Windows Update in the enterprise setting is covered in Chapter 33, “Managing Windows XP in an Enterprise Setting.” If you are setting up a corporate machine, you should check ...

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