A very basic update query

[Guest]

Here are a couple of my "good grief, how little does he know?" questions.

The little shield popped up last night so I pottered off to Windows Update
to download the patches along with the Defender update. As always, the
processes of downloading and installing seem to be integrated - they download
and then go straight into the installation sequence.

Now my understanding is that when installing new programs, I should switch
off my antivirus software - and I do. But Windows update never gives me the
chance to do this (neither would it even seem sensible to do so, while still
online). So here are my questions:

(1) Why doesn't it matter that my antivirus program is running when Windows
updates are being installed?
(2) Or, if it does matter, is there any (simple) way to download the updates
to a specific folder and then install them offline, with AV off?

 

[Guest]

Hi Alan,

There is a way to have Windows Update notify you of new updates, and give
you the opportunity to turn off your firewall and antivirus program. However
I would NOT advise you to do that. Can't speak for everyone, but I have Never
had a single problem downloading updates with both my firewall and antivirus
and antispyware programs fully active - never. The updates are just that,
updated files, and not new executable applications.

When downloading a new appllication, or applet, or executable file, or msi
program, I always choose to SAVE them in a folder called "My Downloads",
leaving both firewall and antivirus programs running during download.
When the program is fully downloaded, I then run my antivirus program
against that saved file to make sure it is virus free. (right click, then
choose scan with "antivirus program").

Once I know it is clean and safely stored, I disconnect from the internet,
turn off my antivirus program, & close all nonessential process in the task
manager.

Then go to the "My Downloads" folder and double click on the new application
to install it without interference.

Once it is installed, reboot your computer to start your antivirus program
and previously ended processes automatically, and then if it needs to access
the INet for activation or registration, it can do that safely. Your firewall
may say it found a new application and asks if it is OK, which you know is
fine since you just installed it.

I have never had a problem with failed installations or other program
interference using this simple stepwise process.