Keeping Your SPC Computer Secure with Automatic Updates

Overview

To protect college systems and data, St. Petersburg College automatically installs security updates, operating system updates, and approved software updates on college-owned computers.

Most updates are installed automatically in the background. Occasionally, your computer will need to restart to complete the installation process.

Security and Antivirus Updates

Security and antivirus protection updates are installed automatically throughout the day as they become available.

These updates typically do not require any action from you and help keep your computer protected against the latest threats.

Monthly Operating System and Software Updates

SPC deploys Microsoft Windows and application updates on a monthly schedule following Microsoft's regular release cycle.

Updates are first tested by Information Technology staff before being deployed to faculty and staff devices. This testing helps identify and resolve any issues before wider deployment.

Most faculty and staff computers receive updates approximately two weeks after Microsoft's monthly release date.

What to Expect When Updates Are Ready

Some updates require your computer to restart.

When a restart is needed, you will receive a notification prompting you to reboot.

Restart Options

You may choose to delay the restart using one of several available options ranging from:

• 15 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• Up to 8 hours

Automatic Restart

If no response is provided within 60 minutes of the notification:

• The computer will automatically restart.
• Any unsaved work may be lost.

For this reason, faculty and staff are encouraged to save their work regularly.

Final Restart Notification

If the restart continues to be postponed, a final notification will appear approximately 18 hours after the first reboot prompt.

This notification provides a 15-minute countdown before the computer automatically restarts.

At that time, you should immediately save any open work and close applications.

Traveling or Working Remotely

If your computer is powered off, disconnected from the network, or otherwise unavailable during its scheduled update period, updates will be installed the next time the device checks in with the college's management system.

In some cases, a restart may be required shortly after you log in following an extended period offline.

If you are returning from travel or have not used your computer for several days, allow extra time for updates to install before an important meeting, presentation, or class session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer need to restart?

Many security and operating system updates cannot be fully applied until Windows restarts. Restarting ensures your device remains secure and compliant with college standards.

Can I permanently postpone updates?

No. Security updates are required to protect both your computer and college resources. While restarts may be delayed temporarily, updates cannot be postponed indefinitely.

What happens if I ignore the restart message?

The system will automatically restart after the notification period expires. Any unsaved work could be lost.

How can I avoid interruptions?

To minimize disruptions:

• Save your work frequently.
• Restart your computer when prompted.
• Leave your computer powered on and connected to the network regularly.
• Restart your computer at the end of the workday when update notifications appear.

Need Assistance?

If you experience issues following an update or have questions about your computer, contact your home campus Technology Support Specialist - TSS.

Best Practice: When you receive an update notification, save your work and restart as soon as practical. Prompt restarts help keep your computer secure, stable, and functioning at its best.