Is it necessary to download these updates?

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  1. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit
       #1

    Is it necessary to download these updates?


    This is rather odd but I purchased two new desktop computers which are IDENTICAL except for different motherboards-- mine has the BigBang motherboard and my husband's has a Gigabyte motherboard. They are both running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit. When we check windows updates, his has some updates listed under Important whereas those same updates are listed under Optional on mine.
    I would be greatly appreciative if anyone knows anything about the necessity of these updates. The updates are as follows...

    Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2468871)
    Download size: 27.5 MB

    Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 4 on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2533523)
    Download size: 37.5 MB

    Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2545698)
    Download size: 2.2 MB

    Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2547666)
    Download size: 4.6 MB

    Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2563227)
    Download size: 208 KB

    Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2603229)
    Download size: 36 KB

    Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2607576)
    Download size: 7.2 MB

    The ones I'm most concerned with are the first two large updates. Why are they optional on mine and important on his?? Plus, I think he only has one of them listed in his updates. And what about all the other smaller updates. If they are security updates, why aren't they listed under my important choices instead of my optional choices? I do not want to get these updates unless they are something that is really needed. At least none of them match the numbers of the list of the 3 bad/spy updates we should never get so that's good.

    Thanks for any thoughts on this matter.
      My Computer


  2. JMH
    Posts : 7,952
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
       #2

    Sher,

    IMHO,
    No two computers are exactly the same.
    The combinations of programs, drivers, hardware components etc are infinite.
    Throw in different patterns of use, no matter how small & comparisons become irrelevant.
    Why does one member of a family become ill & the others not so?

    FYI
    Please refer to the article below that MAY help to clarify things for you.

    Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I definitely agree that no two computers are alike. But our situation did seem odd to me in that I ordered these 2 computers from the same company in Ohio after customizing all components. I ordered the same components for every single thing except the motherboard and the operating system (windows 7 ultimate 64bit) was installed on both computers using the same master disc. I purchased two windows discs separately ($199 each) from the same company but we have not even opened them yet. I can only assume the difference in the motherboards is why we are being offered the updates differently. BUT I guess my real question is, do I really need these updates as it will take awhle for me to get them.
    Thanx for your response and time.
      My Computer


  4. JMH
    Posts : 7,952
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
       #4

    Your premise is reminiscent of "How long is a piece of string?"

    Updates are offered for a good reason.
    You are advised to take advantage of them.

    Who are we to question the collective wisdom of the Microsoft Organization?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #5

    The motherboards will be using different drivers.
    These drivers may also install applications - and these applications may be using different parts of the OS and ancillary services such as .NET 4 . Note that Win7 comes by default with .NET 3.5 installed - .NET 4 must have been installed as some later point. One may have had teh Client software installed, while the other may also have had the Extended software installed. (Check Programs & Features for that)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    JMH-- I neglected to say thanx for the article link (which I did read) but it didn't even list the terms Important or Optional. Those are the only types of updates we have ever been offered.

    NoelDP-- My previous post goes along with what you mentioned, " the reason for the difference must be because of 2 different motherboards." It's just odd to me why one system would classify an update as Important and the other would classify the same update as Optional. Our new systems came with the sp1 already installed and both had the Framework 4 already installed. I checked 'Progrms & Features' as you suggested and both systems just show 'Microsoft.NET Framework 4 Client Profile' in that location.

    I guess I will prolly download all thse updates regardless because they're all safe numbers to get so no real worries there. Thank you both for your thoughts on this.
      My Computer


  7. JMH
    Posts : 7,952
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
       #7

    Sher,
    FWIW, The only updates I may NOT install are the Optional ones.
    I tend to read the blurb associated with each & then endevour to make an informed decision as its usefulness here.

    Re update settings -
    I suggest you change them to notify you but let you choose to download.
    This way you are aware of each before they are installed.

    Do a few at a time only. Then if you have problems it is easier to isolate the culprit.

    BTW. It is good practice to make sure you have a current system restore point prior to downloading anything.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Yes, my systems are always set to just notify on updates. Then I read the info on each one before I even decide to download it. The updates I listed in my initial post here are all OPTIONAL updates for me so will check them carefully.

    Thanx Again
      My Computer


  9. JMH
    Posts : 7,952
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
       #9

    Good luck.
    Safe surfing.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanx and same to you.:)
      My Computer


 
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