Re: Windows XP auto updates stinks!!
- From: kojaks43@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 11:49:29 GMT
On 11-Oct-2006, Bruce Chambers <bchambers@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Well, as it was never a good idea to let updates install automatically,
anyway, this is all to the good. I really don't like to see people use
the Automatic Updates, unless they take precautions to ensure that no
patches get installed without the user's express permission, given only
after he/she has researched each individual patch to ensure that it
applies and is necessary. Due to the nearly infinite number of possible
combinations of hardware, device drivers, and applications on any given
PC, it's impossible to guarantee that all patches will be 100% harmless.
In a very small number of cases, patches and hotfixes can cause
conflicts or other problems. So, as with all changes to an OS, caution
is advised.
All "Critical" updates should be installed. These address serious
issues that can affect a large number of computers. There will be only
rare occasions when a Critical update will not apply. Of special
importance are those that address security vulnerabilities. If people
had installed the available critical updates in July of 2003, the
Blaster and Welchia worms would not have spread throughout the Internet
the following month. In the unlikely event that problems do develop,
you can always use the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs applet or a
System Restore Point to uninstall the troublesome hotfix.
For the "Recommended" updates, simply study the information
provided to see if these updates apply in your specific situation. If
they don't apply, or you're not experiencing the problem(s) addressed,
you needn't install them. For instance, I have no use for WinXP's
MovieMaker, so I ignore any updates to it. Again, in the unlikely event
that problems do develop, you can always use the Control Panel's
Add/Remove Programs applet or a System Restore Point to uninstall the
troublesome hotfix.
In general, though, I've found it best not to download the "Driver"
updates from Windows Update, unless they're for a hardware device
originally manufactured by Microsoft. Device drivers provided by each
component's manufacturer's web site are likely to perform better and
offer more features than will the watered-down, "generic" drivers that
those manufacturers provide to Microsoft for distribution via Windows
Update.
As I seem to be closer in ability to "Home User" I feel compelled to respond
to your point of view. While I agree with all that you have said, AND I
will no longer allow Automatic Updates to happen to my machine, I must point
out that Microsoft's own policy is to recommend Automatic Updates. I
realize that recommendation was written for people just like me. People
that are barely able to turn on their machine. But understand, the
alternative, from my point of view, provides no information. I realize I
can select those updates I wish installed, and I probably would IF, the
description of the update was written using language even closely
approximating my native one. I am not an Alpha Geek. So when the advice is
written thus, I am lost. Yes, you are correct, I should learn more. But
reality being what it is, it is easier to follow the recommendation of the
company that made the operating system. Would they intentionally want to
harm me or my machine?
Just my $.02's. Please don't burn me alive!
k
.
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