Automatic Updates.

[Rallymonkey23]

I'm running Windoze XP and every now and then a window will popup asking me if I want to download and install the automatic update. Here are my questions about this:

Should I download the automatic updates?

Do I have to be online for them to pop up?

I've noticed that when I go to "Add or Remove Programs" they are on the list. And are listed as follows: Windows XP Hotfix
(SP 1) Q (insert a few numbers here). Anyone know what them are all about?

[DisneyFan25863]

Those are updates to Windows. They help with stablity, security, etc. You should download them whenever you can. You have to be online to do it. The stuff in Add/Remove Programs are all the fixes you have installed. Best not to touch them.

You can also update windows by opening IE, clicking tools, and clicking Windows Update.

[Rallymonkey23]

Originally posted by DisneyFan25863
Those are updates to Windows. They help with stablity, security, etc. You should download them whenever you can. You have to be online to do it. The stuff in Add/Remove Programs are all the fixes you have installed. Best not to touch them.

Yeah thats what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure before I go screwing everything up. :D

[Bruce Bergman]

The Windows Update ones that come straight from Microsoft are OK. Your computer should be set to automatically check for and download these updates at least once a week, along with your antivirus program.

But you have to be VERY careful about spontaneous "Plug-In" downloads that may pop-up when you go to a page, and they insist you install some special software to "Improve your browsing of this page" - that's how some Spyware like Gator is spread. Point in fact, Gator Software changed their name and the names of their programs because we caught on to them.

They only list the installed ones so if your system blows up the technician can see what has been modified recently. It's not impossible for Microsoft to offer a buggy update that they then have to fix with yet another update...

:fez: --<< Bruce >>--

[DisneyFan25863]

Originally posted by Bruce Bergman
They only list the installed ones so if your system blows up the technician can see what has been modified recently. It's not impossible for Microsoft to offer a buggy update that they then have to fix with yet another update...

:fez: --<< Bruce >>--

:coughcough:ServicePack1:coughcough: