MS Updates is supposed to first check which updates you need before downloading them. You can always use system restore to roll back. You can choose which updates to download and install - just disable automatic updates.
In the past I have always routinely downloaded all the updates that Microsoft puts out. I?m running WinXP Home on a Dell desktop.
This morning (July 11) I woke up my computer to find a notice that three updates are available for download. I?ll probably accept them, but for once I want to ask first, to find out what they really do, whether they are necessary in my case, and what happens if I decline to accept one or more of them.
The first one explains that ?A security issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system running the Microsoft .NET Framework.? I don?t even know whether I ever run Framework. What is that, and when does it come into play?
The second one says ?This is a reliability update. Install this microcode update to improve the reliability of systems with Intel processors.? Sounds innocuous and routine. Any downside to accepting it?
The third says ?After the download, this tool runs once to check your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove any infection found. . . .A new version of the tool will be offered every month. . .This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product.? I have been running AVG Free for a couple of years with no problems and no infections. Is there any good reason to add a Microsoft tool on top of that?
If I decline to accept any of these updates, will they sit in line and knock on my door again every month for the rest of time? Is there any real harm in accepting an update even if it has no positive value?
NG
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