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Thread ID: 97218	2009-02-08 00:19:00	Do I really need Windows Updates?	tuiruru (12277)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
745926	2009-02-08 00:19:00	I'm running a fairly new Toshiba A 300 Notebook with a 2.4 GHz Processor, 4 gig RAM, Vista Home Premium (32 bit) SP 1. Every so often I get a notification that Windows updates are available but I've never downloaded or installed them cos I've read in forums like this about people just doing it willy nilly and ending up with problems. I've just checked and found that I'm missing 51 important updates totalling almost 390 megs. Do I really need them all and if not which ones should i select? Thanks	tuiruru (12277)
745927	2009-02-08 00:21:00	Yes. their are there for a reason. This is the reason for the latest worm/trojan. unpatched systems	plod (107)
745928	2009-02-08 00:24:00	Yup thats how people get worms etc (ie: conficker), because they cant be bothered updating windows. Then, by the time they think about it, its too late. Whatever has either corrupted / deleted something / screwed windows up somehow. Then you'll have to format, to fix it	Speedy Gonzales (78)
745929	2009-02-08 01:21:00	In fact I disagree. MS updates are endless and never fix the security holes in the O/S anyway. If they did, they'd stop wouldn't they? Eventually the updates are massed together and becomes a service pack. I do install service packs, although not instantly they arrive, but updates, no. I do however ensure I have plenty of 3rd party net protection installed, including those that warn of changes to the system. Can't say I've ever had any malware take over nor do I get warnings but I have seen others get warnings from them, so in my opinion you're better off with 3rd party. MS has never be known for its safety. Just look at how useful Windows Defender is. And often patches break something and then theres the patch to fix the patch scenario.	pctek (84)
745930	2009-02-08 01:27:00	Well its up to you, but you've got yourself to blame, if you get hit later Everything has patches / updates If nothing needed updates, there would be no point in using it. Since it'll be too too buggy / full of security holes And you probably wouldnt have windows / macs, or even the internet Most of the computers, I've fixed, the person has either installed a P2P program, (and been infected), or havent updated something in windows (and complained later, because they've got a worm / trojan)	Speedy Gonzales (78)
745931	2009-02-08 01:50:00	Some are worthwhile, but some are not needed. Like we sure need the Timezone Fix for Kenya or the fix for the Euro don't we? NOT. Some related to programs we choose not to install, no patches needed for those either. I update via Autopatcher and my estimate is there is about 10-15% of the updates I don't need to install	Bantu (52)
745932	2009-02-08 03:12:00	More words of wisdom from Speedy. Some MS updates are invaluable - you need to be selective in which you choose to instal. I would suggest that you should sign up for security newsletters from the likes of CNET which keep you fully informed of new risks and solutiions for free. I would advise you to install MS update KB958644 which is a safeguard against attack from the polymorphic worm virus known as Conficker, Downadup and Kido, which is globaly rampant and has caused chaos to unknown numbers of PCs. Not all 3rd party antivirus progs in current use are up to dealing with this threat, especially if they are not frequently updated as your case suggests. A little time spent taking care of these issues can save you a lot of hassle and expense. Hope you don't mind this little lecture......................Blanco	blanco (11336)
745933	2009-02-08 03:22:00	In fact I disagree. MS updates are endless and never fix the security holes in the O/S anyway. If they did, they'd stop wouldn't they? Eventually the updates are massed together and becomes a service pack. I do install service packs, although not instantly they arrive, but updates, no. I do however ensure I have plenty of 3rd party net protection installed, including those that warn of changes to the system. Can't say I've ever had any malware take over nor do I get warnings but I have seen others get warnings from them, so in my opinion you're better off with 3rd party. MS has never be known for its safety. Just look at how useful Windows Defender is. And often patches break something and then theres the patch to fix the patch scenario. Is this the advice you give your customers, well I guess its one way to stay in business.	plod (107)
745934	2009-02-08 03:25:00	Should have named WINDOWS SECRETS as a good newsletter source (weekly by email)	blanco (11336)
745935	2009-02-08 03:31:00	Is this the advice you give your customers, well I guess its one way to stay in business. Funny. I do not disable updates on customers PCs. I do, always, ensure they never leave the shop without adequate 3rd party protection on them and stress the need for that to be kept current and used often. So, all the techs here that have decided Nortons is useless because they see Nortons protected PCs stuffed with malware - now explain to me how MS updates have protected all these people that bring their fully patched PCs in also stuffed with Malware? It doesn't work. Simple real world observation.	pctek (84)
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