Windows Updates

Microsoft periodically releases updates for its operating systems through an automated engine known as Windows Updates or Microsoft Updates. In many restaurants, workstations simply don’t have Internet access, and are therefore unable to get these important updates. These updates are absolutely necessary to ensure smooth operation of your system, and all updates labeled as “Critical” by Microsoft are absolutely necessary in order to maintain PCI-DSS compliance.

Manual updates

Whenever possible, the back-office PC should be allowed to install Windows updates automatically. However, even with automatic updates, some important updates (often called “recommended updates”) may not be installed. For this reason, you must run Windows Update manually from time to time, and install all recommended updates, not only the critical ones.

POS Workstation Updates

Just like the main back-office PC, POS workstations also need to be updated through Windows Updates. If the POS workstations don’t have direct internet access, make sure to get them connected at least periodically so they get all the latest updates and fixes. As with the main back-office PC, make sure to periodically run Windows Updates manually, and install any and all recommended updates in addition to critical updates.

Maitre’D 8 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2

Windows Updates / Microsoft Updates will also update other Microsoft products you may have. If you are using Maitre’D 8, you also have Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 installed. Be sure to manually run Microsoft Updates periodically and be on the lookout for available updates and service packs for this product as well.