Use Ninite And Task Scheduler To Keep Relatives’ Computers Up To Date

Some people avoid any and all update notices—and you can’t always blame them, given how many occur on the average computer. Reader Andrew Chandler suggests fixing their ignoring ways with the no-fuss Ninite installer and Task Scheduler automation.

Do you have family members that avoid update dialog boxes like the plague? Then surely they are the same relatives whose computers you’ll wind up scanning for malware, since most exploits come through outdated verions of Adobe Reader, Java, Flash, and browsers. I myself run into this all the time and was fed up with the situation(s).

In comes Ninite and the almighty Windows Task Scheduler. Using a creative combination of the two, the update-avoiders will have their mess handled automatically and silently.

To pop open Task Scheduler, head to: StartProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsTask Scheduler

Simply pick the apps always used on your relative’s machine at Ninite.com, save the Ninite executable to a hidden location (so the Gremlins don’t delete it), and schedule a task to run the executable every week.

This will keep your loved ones exploit free, for the most part. Now teach them safe browsing habits and everyone’s good to go!

Ed. note: This won’t necessarily work for all apps—some rely on update channels not found in the installer. But for apps that are regularly releasing new versions due to security breaches, like Flash and Reader, it’s a swift little manoeuvre. For a peek at what apps we consider crucial on the Ninite platform, check out our Lifehacker Pack for 2010.