Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (
More info?)
Bruce,
Isn't "nearly infinite" as big as "infinite"?
"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:ObNzQjBtFHA.3236@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> gr8aunt wrote:
>> My computer is only about 4 months old and I do not have it set to
>> receive automatic updates. It seemed, with my last computer, the updates
>> created more problems than they were worth. Does anyone have an opinion
>> on how important it is to get these updates or am I just as well off not
>> receiving them? The last time I checked to see what updates were
>> available it appeared Microsoft even said that some of them could create
>> problems.
>
>
> 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, 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.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
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>
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>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH