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Windows Update (vendor: Microsoft) is a Microsoft tool to keep your Windows operating system up to date.
The Windows Update Configuration Tool configures Windows Update to check for critical updates daily, and if available download and install them.
Additionally this tool will configure some basic security settings: it
disables NetBIOS null sessions and disables DCOM.
NOTE: You should still run Windows Update to patch the DCOM/RPC vulnerabilities.
The Windows Update process
When critical updates are detected, Windows Update automatically downloads these updates in the background while
you are connected to the Internet. After the download is complete, Windows Update waits until the scheduled
day and time to install the updates. At the scheduled time, users receive a message similar to the following:
Windows is ready to begin installing the updates available for your computer.
Do you want Windows to install the updates now?
When you receive this message, you can either click Yes to install the updates or click No to have
Windows Update attempt to install the updates at the next scheduled day and time.
If you do not take any action within five minutes, Windows automatically installs the updates.
Some updates might require that your computer be restarted to complete the installation.
Windows issues a notification to users before restarting the computer;
however, if the user is not at the computer Windows will force a restart after five minutes.
To prevent data loss, be sure not to leave applications open when Windows is unattended and
always save any work prior to the restart.
Even though Windows Update will check for critical updates, you should check the Windows Update site manually
on a regular basis for other Windows and application updates.
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