Windows 7 update prevents crashing

[grits]

Is that update (KB2913431) referring to 'random' crashes or crashes that occur 'during installing updates'? Sorry for my stupidity but I have problems sometimes deciphering the meanings of updates.

 

[andrew129260]

This update fixes an issue that may cause a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2-based computer to crash. This issue occurs when a program that uses Windows Filtering Platform (such as an antivirus program) is running on the computer.

So any program that uses that API framework will be less likely to crash.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Filtering_Platform

"Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) is a set of system services and an application programming interface introduced with Windows Vista that allows applications to tie into the packet processing and filtering pipeline of the new network stack. It provides features such as integrated communication and it can be configured for invoking processing logic on a per-application basis. It is intended for use by firewalls and other packet-processing or connection monitoring components."

In a real stripped down sense, it means any program that uses the windows API (application programming interface) for monitoring the network connection of the PC, such as a firewall or antivirus program, Network port sniffer, etc. will be less likely to crash should a issue occur within the code of the program or the way it talks to the interface.

 

[grits]

Thanks Andrew, even tho' it's still over my head. Guess the reason I asked is because I just realized I have way too many updates still 'Hidden' due to reading these forums where posts are about crashes at update time although to the best of my knowledge I've never had a crash/BSOD.

 

[ThrashZone]

Ouch you hid three Important updates = Why ?
I haven't looked up the important updates you hid but I wouldn't think that would be a good thing to do,
Cheers.

 

[grits]

oops, not keeping up here am I . I should have checked them out before I replied but have been so late in my replies I just wanted to let you know I haven't completely bailed. If memory serves me right, I hid the ones that posters were having issues with because I didn't want to chance it myself as I wouldn't know what to do. It seems like most had something to do with 'Kernel' ?? Will investigate further & get back to you after my company leaves.

 

[grits]

Of the 3 I hid for Jan, 1 deals with Kernel mode drivers & have read about many problems with Kernel updates; 1 deals with USB ; & kb2913431 is "greek to me"

Of the 2 hidden of Dec, 1 I don't now remember what I read & the other one deals with time zones of different countries to which I'll never go to. I did however go into what's already been installed in this PC & found 2 previous time zone updates so maybe I should do the latest???

Like I said, I wouldn't know what to do with PC if any of the updates caused me problems. I wouldn't even know how to do a "Safe mode" thing. I can't be without a PC due to having a few people that communicate with me 'solely' through it, we've never exchanged any other contact info.