Windows 7: How I use Windows Update

Here is what I do. You may be able to do the same.

I turn off all Auto Updates and ONLY let windows install updates I tell it to, when I tell it to, that I know I really want or need.

Microsoft is famous for Bloatware. If you let Microsoft, they will have your hard drive filled up with junk you don't need in no time if you always let auto updates install everything.

If it isn't broke, Don't let Microsoft con you into thinking you need to let them fix it. This includes so called "Security Updates"

STOP - THINK. What does this update really do? Do I really need this update?

For each update I read Microsoft's description of the update which is mostly useless - because it only gives you a general description. This is done to trick you into thinking its an update you need. For example, a security update description is always going to say something lame like - "Security Update for Internet Explorer. This update fixes a blah blah blah hole in the blah blah blah module and is a recommended update. Without this update your computer may be at risk." It's all the same general language every time.



I copy and paste the update name and search for it on the net and really get the scoop on it. Most of the time it will be something I will never have cause to have to worry about. only if I deside I really need or want it do I get the update.

People say, " Yes, but, don't you want to know you computer is protected.. just in case?"

No. Not at the high cost of bloatware. I would rather KNOW for myself and be able to choose what software I want installed on my computer. Perhaps Auto updates and installing everything is fine for children or people who just do not want to be bothered but I feel like I am responsible adult that can research and understand these things for myself.

There are many other good means to protect your system and files out there without letting Microsoft push you around.

I have had computers for years that Never had a Windows Update that always functioned just fine. If it ain't broke. No need to fix it.

Well I kind of agree. I have a good antivirus program and firewall so I dont worry about these "risks". I have very limited bandwidth so I can't download these updates anyway but these security risks can't be that bad..

Just my opinion but....I couldn't go through life with that level of paranoia and/or resentment.

No offense intended.

When I decided to install Windows, I just accepted the fact that bloat comes with it. I don't have the time or energy to evaluate all of the updates that are released. I just let Automatic Updates run and get the critical updates. I've done this for years and never really had any problems because of an update.

No offense taken but for the record, I am not paranoid or resentful of Microsoft. I have noticed computers I have had over the years grow very large with only the MS Updates being installed and nothing new from my end. My fellings about how I use MS Updates are well justified.

I agree with DP also; the user has to use at least some discretion when it comes to Windows updates.

doesn't it come as a matter of knowledge that updates are going to come with any operating system? never had an apple product, but i'm sure they have patches / updates / hotfixes and the such. i've used a few different distros of linux and those operating systems too, have patches / updates / hotfixes too.

windows seven had a very successful beta (testing) run according to microsoft, but does that mean that they released a finished product that will work right in every machine, with every user without having to provide some back-end support via patches / updates / hotfixes?

i'd much rather have microsoft update automatically download its "bloat" than to have a hacker with much more knowledge of the operating system than i, exploit my system--no matter how slight of a chance--than to leave my system naked because i think (even if i searched the definition of a particular update) that the update is not needed and is bloat.

on the other hand, though, if microsoft update has an update that states (cannot think of anything more specific): "...update to fix vulnerability with so-and-so's vpn client," and i don't have a vpn client installed on my machine, then i can be pretty damn sure that i don't need that update (again, i couldn't think of anything more specific and that was the first thing that popped in my mind)

just my two cents

I just set Windows Update to download the updates and let me choose whether to install them. In 99% of cases I just install them all, and haven't had any problems.

I notice this on Server OS builds also, esp. if the build is done from scratch - so a very clean and new install.