Interesting.....

[civad]

I think AU/WUs overall might be more useful for system admins in the corporate environment , where they could upgrade/update systems/ apps without going to each and every computer.
Havent seen it in my office fopr a long time though 🙂

btw: just curious: does one have to reboot the machine periodically after WU/AU has installed the update??

 

[Tiger]

I have no problem with MS using WU to keep the miriad security holes in their products plugged, or to keep track of drivers, or version numbers of MS products installed. What I don't like is giving MS more information about my system and what's on it than they need to do that.

Reason #1. It's an invasion of privacy. Even if they only know "someone" out there has this version of "something else" installed it's more than they are entitled or need to know, according to their EULA. It's like the Nielson company installing one of their boxes on your TV without you knowing it.

Reason #2. It's an unfair competitive advantage. Now, rather than having to do market research like every other company when they want to know about the market they're in, they just have their OS phone home, and bingo a huge database about what's installed and used. Companies kill for that kind of information and it costs a pretty penny to get it, usually.

 

[bsobel]

Reason #2. It's an unfair competitive advantage. Now, rather than having to do market research like every other company when they want to know about the market their in, they just have their OS phone home and bingo, a huge database about what's installed and used. Companies kill for that kind of information and it costs a pretty penny to get it, usually.

All technologies have pros and cons. People complained when MS added the automatic bug reporting into XP, but MS has done a good job in contacting the vendors who's products where crashing consistantly and working with them to get the bugs fixed. The end result is a better user experience for the end user.

Bill

 

[Tiger]

just curious: does one have to reboot the machine periodically after WU/AU has installed the update??

I can't remember ever doing a WU without having to do a re-boot.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Tiger

just curious: does one have to reboot the machine periodically after WU/AU has installed the update??

I can't remember ever doing a WU without having to do a re-boot.

Most of the current updates require a reboot if any of the components are in use. Moving forward MS is supposed to start provding more side-by-side updates (meaning you start using the new code when available instead of requring an immediate reboot). I don't know how far along or what the current timeline is on this tho.

Bill

 

[crisp82]

1. Windows Update is a useful tool for both power and end users alike.

2. Automatic update is a useful tool for people like my mum (sorry mum!) who have no idea what the hell they are doing and are scared that in clicking 'OK to Reboot' that they have broken the computer. For these users it is easier to know that it does it all for you.

3. The people that know enough about what services hog what system resources should know enough to disable AU. But I agreem it does hog plenty of resources given a chance

4. The 'slippery slope' argument applies to MS in a major way. Why they are taking info to do with programs that neither concern or affect them is lost upon me. This is one step away from being able to read your e-mails (which companines already do) , listen to your phone calls etc (which companines already do too). How long before they can access your files through the same method?

Enemy of The State is one step closer.

Ps. you 2 bitch real good!