Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Latest Updates: Windows and Office, iTunes and Java

Last Tuesday (July 13) was Microsoft Patch Tuesday, and there were quite a few updates for Office. Your computer should be checking for and installing Office updates whenever it does Windows updates.  If you don't know how to turn it on for your version of Windows, post a message or email and I'll send you the steps to set it up.

Apple released version 9.2.1 of iTunes today. Update your copy by opening iTunes, then clicking the prompt to update and following the prompts.  If you don't see a prompt to update, click Help - Check for Updates.  Or go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ and let the web site determine the correct version of iTunes for your computer, then download and install.

iTunes is offered in 32-bit and 64-bit versions; you'll need the correct version for your installation of Windows. Find out which you have by right-clicking on My Computer (Computer) - Properties, then look for the description of your operating system.

Java also has a new update - version 6 update 21.  While Java is also offered in 32- and 64-bit versions, if you're using a 64-bit operating system you'll need to download BOTH versions of Java.  Oracle makes it easy by determining and offering the correct version for the browser you're using here: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

If you're using Vista or Windows 7, and are using Internet Explorer 8, you have both 32- and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer. Click the Start button, then look at the top of the list of programs - you'll see Internet Explorer AND Internet Explorer (64-bit).  Visit the Java download site with each browser version to get 32- and 64-bit versions of Java.  Or, you can download both versions independently from the web site above.

Java can also be updated from the annoying orange prompt that keeps showing up in your System Tray. Go ahead and install the update and it won't bother you anymore!

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