Please Help with Automatic Updates!

[Guest]

Hello. I'm using Windows XP SP2 and one of the new functions that I noticed
is the Windows Security Center. I changed the setting from "automatic" to
"download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them". By the
way, I'm using a dial-up connection.
With that said and assuming I'm online only between the hours of 5pm-10pm
(after work) 1) what time and day will these downloads take place? 2) do I
have to be connected to the internet in order for the downloads to occur? 3)
do I have to be connected to the internet in order for me to install the
updates once they've already been downloaded? 4) will this setting I've
chosen download critical updates and/or optional updates only?
I'm asking these questions because I have the latest XP SP2 as of last
Monday and I have not received any notifications of new updates. I did
perform a "checking for windows update" and the Microsoft page did indicate
that there are no critical updates at this time. But I just want to make
sure. Thank you in advance and I will check this posting periodically.
Rochelle.

 

[Guest]

Hi Rochelle,

1. Did you set a time of day for the downloads to take place?

2. Yes, In order for the downloads to take place your internet connection
has to be active.

3. No, you do not have to be online to install the update.

4. Only critical updates will be downloaded.

 

[Guest]

Hi Darrell - The option I chose, "download updates for me, but let me choose
when to install them" does not have an option to set the time of day for the
downloads to take place. However, the "automatic" updates which is currently
grayed out has a time of "everyday at 3am". But since I chose the option of
"download updates for me..." I was assuming that the "everyday at 3am" did
not apply since the "everyday at 3am" coincides with "automatic updates". I
hope I made since.
If your response is that the "everyday at 3am" will apply eventhough I chose
the option "download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them",
then my follow up question is that theoretically I will never receive the
downloads because i'm online typically between 5pm-10pm and the grayed out
section reads, "everyday at 3am". I"m all ears! Thank you in advance.

 

[Richard Urban]

Of course you need to be "connected" to the internet to download upgrades -
or anything for that matter, even a web page!

--

Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[Guest]

Yes, to get the updates you need to be connected. The option you picked will
download critical updates as they become available. If you are on only
between 5 and 10 in the evening, then if something is released at 8AM the
next morning, you will get the update when you next connect.

 

[Guest]

You're assumption is correct...the "everyday at 3am" does NOT apply. The
downloads can only take place while you're internet connection is on...which
you say is typically between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. I have a cable
modem so my internet connection is always on. I also have the Automatic
Updates to notify me before downloading and before installing.

 

[Guest]

Hello Darrell - Thanks for your help. Your last comment makes perfectly good
sense to me. However, Crash Override made a point I'm hoping you can
confirm. Basically, Crash says that if i'm online only between 5pm-10pm and
the next morning and there is a critical update released at 8am, then the
next time i'm online the "download" will take place in the background then I
will receive a message in the systems tray informing of a critical update as
well. Is this correct...keeping in mind that I have a dial-connection.
Thanks to all that have contributed. Rochelle.

 

[Guest]

Hello Rochelle,

Crash Override is 100% correct. For Example...lets say a "Critical Update"
is released at midnight 11/02/04. The next time you log on to the internet,
regardless of what time it is, you will receive a notification in the system
tray that there are new updates to be installed. However, you DO NOT have to
be connected to the internet to install the updates. I hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

Hello Darrell - Thank you so much for clearing that up. Someone like myself
who is computer iliterate is very happy to know there are more experienced
people like yourself who are willing to help. Thank you again.
One last question. I plan on reading very carefully the "optional
updates" to see if they applie to me because I read somewhere that not all
"optional updates" need to be installed. However, what is your general rule
of thumb regarding "critical updates"....in otherwords, do you install ALL
"critical updates" or do you read the description of the "critical updates"
and then pick and choose which ones to install? Thank you again. I promise
this will be the last question....sorry. Rochelle

 

[Guest]

Hi Rochelle,

"Critical Updates" help resolve known issues with the Windows Operating
System and are also intended to fix potential security risks. For this
reason, I always install these type of updates. It's a good idea to read the
description of the critical updates that you install.

"Optional Updates" are just that, optional. These are non-critical fixes
for Windows programs. An example of an optional update would be Windows
Media Player 10.

If you go to the Windows Update page, you can view your installation history
of all the updates you have applied.

P.S. Don't be sorry for the questions...I'm glad to help and I'm sure others
are also. Have a great day!

 

[Guest]

Hi Darrell - Thank you for the detailed explanation and examples. Again,
thank you for helping me and I feel a little more confident in using the
Windows Security Center. Have a great day! Rochelle.