Windows automatic updates - the ones to avoid?

[brxndxn]

First thing I do on my computers and as an administrator - disable automatic updates..

So far, though, the only real pain-in-the-ass update I always avoid is 'Windows Search 4.0.' I have tried to find a use for it.. or a reason.. and I cannot see how it ever helped search for anything. It uses system resources.. even when it's a laptop running on battery. It never indexes anything other than what can be searched quickly already with the old search (with puppy disabled and shot to death). What the hell purpose does it serve?

Anyway.. what updates do you avoid?

 

[yinan]

None, I turn em all on both at home and as an admin. This is a terribly bad practice. Before AU was turned on by default was how all the big viruses spread.

 

[lxskllr]

Automatic updates? None... I generally avoid drivers from MS though. I don't think Windows Search gets pushed through Automatic Update. They generally only use that for security/stability updates. Incidentally, I have my machine set to notify of updates, not download. That way I can review the updates, and if one causes a problem(rare), I have an idea where to look.

 

[MrChad]

I never disable automatic updates. I may set it to notify me and wait for me to install them manually, but that's it. There are very few reasons why you shouldn't install critical updates as soon as they are available, especially on a workstation or personal PC.

The only automatic update that is avoided regularly is Windows Genuine Advantage; some folks object to the "big brother"/"phone home" aspect of it, or they are pirating Windows. It's a non issue for most users.

Windows Search 4.0 is not an automatic update for XP, although it may be for Vista since Windows Search is built in on Vista. Once you instruct the indexer on what folders to index and what file types and allow it to complete the indexing process, searching via Windows Search is orders of magnitude faster than the old file-based search. If you have Vista, upgrading to 4.0 will improve performance over the older 3.x version.

 

[Brian Stirling]

Automatic updates? None... I generally avoid drivers from MS though. I don't think Windows Search gets pushed through Automatic Update. They generally only use that for security/stability updates. Incidentally, I have my machine set to notify of updates, not download. That way I can review the updates, and if one causes a problem(rare), I have an idea where to look.

I have set it to notify so I can see what they suggest before downloading but now I just have it completely manual and check myself about every other day.

If I could limit ALL software to prohibit unrequested internet access I would as I don't trust ANYONE.

Now where did I put my tin-foil hat?


Brian

 

[notposting]

Network driver updates from MS seem to suck. Always. On every OS. Even if the one built in is from 1995, it's still better than the one from last month.

I like rolling back the driver and hiding that update after wondering what the hell has happened to my connection for a week or two in games.

 

[MrChad]

Network driver updates from MS seem to suck. Always. On every OS. Even if the one built in is from 1995, it's still better than the one from last month.

I like rolling back the driver and hiding that update after wondering what the hell has happened to my connection for a week or two in games.

The driver updates come from the manufacturer. I believe Windows Update hosts the latest drivers that pass WHQL testing. In theory, they shouldn't be any different from what's available from the manufacturer. Sometimes they are a bit out-of-date, as not every release is submitted for WHQL testing.