Are automatic updates enough?

[Guest]

I just did a clean install of my XP after having virus problems. I resolved
that from now on, i would be a good boy and keep up to date with Windows
updates and patches. My question is: is it enough to rely on automatic
updates, or are some necessary/critical security updates only available if i
go out and find them? Is Service Pack 2 covered by automatic updates?

 

[kurttrail]

I just did a clean install of my XP after having virus problems. I
resolved that from now on, i would be a good boy and keep up to date
with Windows updates and patches. My question is: is it enough to
rely on automatic updates, or are some necessary/critical security
updates only available if i go out and find them? Is Service Pack 2
covered by automatic updates?

Automatic Update just adds another layer that can go wrong with the
update process. You should take responsibility for updating your own
computer using Common Sense Computing.

http://microscum.com/comsense/

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[PA Bear]

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
(yours can be considered to be a "new computer")
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Yes, Automatic Updates can download SP2 for you but you will have to accept
the EULA to install it.

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525

 

[Guest]

From an IT point of view, SP2 and critical updates are a good start. However,
I've found that having both an antivirus and spyware solution in place
certainly helps.

I personally use McAfee, although there are others to choose from, and with
Microsoft's Antispyware in place, I really haven't had any real problems.

As for internet, use the popup blocker supplied with SP2, I find it is just
as good as others such as Yahoo or MSN blockers.

 

[Rock]

I just did a clean install of my XP after having virus problems. I resolved
that from now on, i would be a good boy and keep up to date with Windows
updates and patches. My question is: is it enough to rely on automatic
updates, or are some necessary/critical security updates only available if i
go out and find them? Is Service Pack 2 covered by automatic updates?

IMO, don't use automatic updates. Go to the windows update site and do
a custom install. Then review each update that's offered and select
only the ones you want. Never get driver or hardware type updates from
WU, only get patches for the OS. Download each update separately to
save for future use. Click on the + sign next to each update custom
install displays which reveals some info about it. From there click on
Details... and in that window click on the link under More Information.
That brings up a KB article or MS Technet security bulletin with info
on the update and links to the download files. If you want that update
click on the appropriate link for your system and save it. Install
later when you're ready to install and restart if it asks. Disable the
AV scanning program and close all open windows prior to installing.

 

[PA Bear]

How does this differ from having Automatic Updates enabled and configured to
Notify but not to Download or Install updates automatically and then using
Custom Install after downloading, please?

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525

 

[Rock]

How does this differ from having Automatic Updates enabled and
configured to Notify but not to Download or Install updates
automatically and then using Custom Install after downloading, please?

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525

Not sure how to answer exactly as I don't use that feature, but it does
allow for one to see and read about each update first, and to save a
copy. I keep an archive copy on CD-RW in case I need it later. It also
keeps the icon out of the notification area.

 

[Kelly]

Are automatic updates enough?

TOO much for many.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com