Are you one of those people that keeps track of recalls, just in case one of your most recent purchases gets recalled? Well, some of us do, but many of us don't.

For those of us who don't keep up with recalls in general, it's just as easy to be unaware of the fact that Microsoft Windows offers us this wonderful service called a Service Pack, which is essentially a recall service for Microsoft Windows. Most people are not aware of service packs, what they're for, and how to use them. Let's talk for a minute about how service packs can help save or even lengthen the life of your PC.

First, you'll need to set up your PC to receive those service packs on a regular basis. This keeps your computer safe from hackers. Oftentimes, Microsoft discovers faulty code or loopholes in the operating system which also, unfortunately, gets detected by hackers. If your computer is not serviced and updated, you open the door for hackers to step in and take over.

They way to set up your service pack for automatic updates is to open your Control Panel, and then open System. You will then select the Automatic Updates tab. You can also choose to have your updates downloaded but not installed automatically. Be sure to check this often to make sure you still have your automatic updates for service pack selected.

Service Pack by Microsoft will speed up and automate your critical tasks, fix bugs, install updates to Microsoft applications, repair compatibility problems with third-party software and hardware, add pop-up protection and firewalls, add protection for communication tools such as Outlook and Messenger, and improve user interface features.

You literally have nothing to lose by making sure you keep your PC patched, and it only takes a moment to be sure that your automatic updates for service packs is selected. This is a great way to protect the life of your PC and relieve your mind of hackers, which, of course, preserves your own sanity! So patch away!

Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of http://www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of http://www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.