Should I download Windows XP updates that are not the Criticial Updates?

[Joan Apt]

I have downloaded all Microsoft CRITICAL Updates. I have heard that
Microsoft sometimes creates more problems than it cures with Windows XP
updates. Should I download all the Windows XP updates that are available
or should I forget them. I cannot tell by reading through the list if I
really need them.

Thanks,
Joan

[HistoryFan]

I would always download and install the Critical Updates from
Microsoft. For example, one was released today that fixes a security breach
with IE. The Recommended Updates are usually not necessary, so I wouldn't
worry about them.

"Joan Apt" > wrote in message
...
> I have downloaded all Microsoft CRITICAL Updates. I have heard that
> Microsoft sometimes creates more problems than it cures with Windows XP
> updates. Should I download all the Windows XP updates that are available
> or should I forget them. I cannot tell by reading through the list if I
> really need them.
>
> Thanks,
> Joan
>

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Well, the old saw, "If it's not broke, don't fix it..." does often
apply to operating systems. 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 small number of cases, patches and hotfixes can
cause conflicts or other problems. 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.

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.

In general, 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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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Joan Apt" > wrote in message
...
> I have downloaded all Microsoft CRITICAL Updates. I have heard that
> Microsoft sometimes creates more problems than it cures with Windows
XP
> updates. Should I download all the Windows XP updates that are
available
> or should I forget them. I cannot tell by reading through the list
if I
> really need them.
>
> Thanks,
> Joan
>

[Maureen Goldman]

>Joan Apt > wrote:
>I have downloaded all Microsoft CRITICAL Updates. I have heard that
>Microsoft sometimes creates more problems than it cures with Windows XP
>updates. Should I download all the Windows XP updates that are available
>or should I forget them. I cannot tell by reading through the list if I
>really need them.

Other than the critical updates, just apply the ones that fit your
situation. And don't apply them all at once. Best to do a few at a
time, separated by days.

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You're welcome.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Joan Apt" > wrote in message
...
> Thank you! I came to the right place for info.
>