Update and patch your software

Caution: You should check with your computer support person before installing, patching, or configuring your system.

Because intruders are constantly looking for weaknesses in software, it is important to keep your software up to the latest patch level. Unpatched computers are the leading cause of compromised systems on the UW campus. Taking the time to ensure you have the correct and most recent patches installed will save both you and the University of Washington time and money.

Operating systems

Below is a list of official security patch sites where you can download the latest patches for your operating system:

• Hewlett-Packard HPUX
• IBM AIX
• Macintosh
• Microsoft Windows
• RedHat Linux
• Sun Solaris

Web browsers

In addition to keeping your operating system up-to-date, it is important that you keep your browser current by installing the latest patches or the newest product version. These patches often contain fixes to security vulnerabilities.

• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Mozilla
• Netscape
• Opera

Software Inspector

The Secunia Software Inspector offers a free web based software inspector that checks major applications for vulnerabilities and provides links to appropriate updates.

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Modified: January 23, 2007