Windows Security Patches

ITS recommends that you install the appropriate security patches from Microsoft before you connect to a network. If you have recently purchased your computer, or have successfully connected to the network, you should have the necessary security patches installed.

ITS suggests that you install Symantec Client Security before installing the necessary security patches. If your computer has been previously infected or hacked, ITS requires that you install and turn on a firewall before you connect to the network. The Symantec Client Security Firewall software is available for USC network users for free from the software download page.

If your computer does not have the appropriate security patches installed, follow the steps below.

Installing Security Patches on Your Machine

1. Connect to the Internet from a secure computer.
2. Click the link(s) below to download the appropriate patches for your operating system.

   Operating System	Critical Patches
   Windows 2000	Service Pack 2 or Above KB824146 KB835732 KB828035
   Windows XP	Service Pack 2 or Above (270 MB)
   Windows Vista	None currently required.

3. Click Download. When prompted, click Save File.
4. Save the file(s) to a USB drive, or burn it to a CD.
5. From your personal computer, double-click the file(s) on the USB drive or CD to install the patch.

Visit Windows Update if you are using Internet Explorer (IE) to make sure that you have all the required security patches for your OS. If you are using Firefox or another browser, go to the Microsoft Download Center.

Getting Help

For help, please contact the Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 or send an email to consult@usc.edu.

Last updated: Friday, June 19, 2009, 14:16PM PDT