advise about updates

Topic

New Reply

The latest WS newsletter advises against accepting recent updates. But Windows update is set to automatic
on my PC and I assume it is they that are being downloaded when I go to shut down and I am given a choise of allowing updates to be added, or shutting down without adding them. But I do not know what is being downloaded. Then at other times, I get a popup that says updates are ready for your computer; click the icon in the task bar or whatever the bar in the lower right of the screen is called. I don’t know what updates they are, as I have not done that.
So what should one do ?

Reply | Quote

Replies

In the window that opens when you click on Windows Updates (Start Orb, All Programs, Windows Updates) there is an area to set your preferences. There is a drop down box to set the preference on how and when to download and/or install updates. Set this up how you would like to handle these updates.

28312-WindowsUpdates

Reply | Quote

… after clicking Change Settings.

Bruce

Reply | Quote

Perhaps not clear after clicking Change Settings the Windows displayed will open.

28318-Change-Settings2

Decide which of the 4 options are right for you in the drop down box for handling how updates are downloaded and installedd.

Reply | Quote

My second question was “Then at other times, I get a popup that says updates are ready for your computer; click the icon in the task bar or whatever the bar in the lower right of the screen is called. I don’t know what updates they are, as I have not done that.
So what should one do ? Does everyone get these ?

Back to the June 30 email, it was headed “Say no to .net” I asked whether the updates re Net would come automatically if I have Windows update turned on.

Reply | Quote

If you click on the notice in the Taskbar for updates ready, it will open a window where you can look at which updates are available. You can then investigate and choose which updates to install.

The .net updates, as with any updates will automatically install if you have chosen to automatically download and install updates from the drop down box I have shown above. if you choose to just notify when updates are available, you can go through and choose which update to download and install. It really is your choice.

Wikopedia has a pretty comprehensive article on Windows Updates.

Reply | Quote

I still didn’t get 2 questions answered.
1. At times, when I go to shut down, I get two choices; click here to download updates, or here to shut down without installing updates. I have always downloaded them, but I don’t know what they are, and if they have anything to do with windows updates, or whether they are for some other software.

2. The updates we were warned about had to do with .net and I do not know what .net is.

Reply | Quote

Wikipedia explanation of .net

Reply | Quote

There’s a very old piece of advise, that for the life of me, I can’t even remember now where I heard it, but it goes like this:

“If in doubt, DON’T!”

If my computer ran OK yesterday and it’s still running OK today, why do I need any updates, which could possibly cause me problems?
(like so many updates of late) So I just shut off Auto Updates and never look back. Then I never get those dumb Updates messages.

But that’s just me….. you do as you please.

Cheers Mate!
The Doctor

Reply | Quote

If my computer ran OK yesterday and it’s still running OK today, why do I need any updates, which could possibly cause me problems?
The Doctor

Hee, perhaps, if you want it to run OK again tomorrow. Tomorrow will be like today but different.
Not a bad thought though. I put most peoples machines on auto update but mine on notify so I can check.

Sounds like askeven1 is using different machines each time it’s different.

Reply | Quote

Dr. Who, I think that dangerous advice for the casual user. Windows has had a large number of security holes that hackers exploit to create vast armies of bots from unupdated PCs. Most of these users have no idea thier PCs have been taken over.

Jerry

Reply | Quote

Dr. Who, I think that dangerous advice for the casual user. Windows has had a large number of security holes that hackers exploit to create vast armies of bots from unupdated PCs. Most of these users have no idea thier PCs have been taken over.

Jerry

Jerry,
I would like to give my opinion (for what it’s worth, usually not much Never-the-less ) Nothing to do with the common wisdom.. (to patch or not to patch) I have 5 OS’s… 3 of which do not have one patch or update, 2 with all Patches and updates (just for a control)…. Just use my own security “combo” Malwarebytes PRO and Norton Internet Security 2011 ,… One OS is LINUX so it doesn’t apply….. The Windows OS’s have no problems patched or not..other that some usual “Buggyness” associated with multi-booting. My paradigm is the old “if it ain’t broke…Blah Blah”. Patching can mess with your OS…That’s a fact, Just depends what kind of software you run along with it. Your advice is sound …But everyone should be aware that there are other choices…..other than “freaking out” every patch Tuesday. Knowledge is power…. and we all should be informed and then, make our own “Informed Decision” depending on your PC experience. End of rant. :cheers: Regards Fred

PS: Forgot to mention…I’m using my “Vista” OS right now, and it has not one patch or update. Been this way for years now.. Just trust my judgement and “Security” combo to do the job. Actually I’m liking my old Vista OS more and more …Just seems simpler.

Reply | Quote