Forums

Don Madge

I receive security & critical updates automatically and that all seems to work OK.

There are also optional updates, so how do I tell what optional updates I need or do I just install them all.

Thanks

Don

Geo

Is there not a brief description with each one Don??
I assume you have a legitimate copy of windows, if not stay well away from the updates, Bill Gates has some nasty downloads in there for the unaware
Geo

Don Madge

Geo,

I have XP pro, it's not a pirate copy.

My main problem is I don't understand the terminology so I have no idea what the updates are.

Don

Geo

In that case go for them all except for the obvious chinese and foreign languages, Unless if course you speak and write Chiese
Geo

spykal · Moderator

Hi Don

Assuming that you have Auto Updates on when you go to Windows update and click on Express there should be no updates available.... because they should have already been done by automatic updates.

But if you go to Windows Update and click on "Custom" you will be presented with several updates appropriate for your PC.... appropriate but not actually necessary.

There are three groups in the frame on the left
High Priority (0) ( these are the critical ones already done so will be 0)

Software Optional (?) These are the updates from Uncle Bill to help your computer run better ..BUT only download any of them if you have a specific need for any one of them... If you click on the words (link) "Software Optional (?)" a window will open with full descriptions of what each on does ( click on the + sign) . If you have a problem or wish to update to say a new media player etc then just choose... but none of these are needed unless you have a problem that needs solving.

Hardware Optional (?) These are updates to hardware your computer is using and are specific to each individual computer. New Drivers can improve the performance of any hardware but once again they are not absolutely necessary if all is well with your hardware ( video card, sound card, bios etc). downloading any of these could improve the performance of your computer BUT my advice is that "if it ain't broke don't try to fix it"....in other words without the necessary IT knowledge and if your computer is running OK leave these updates alone. If there are Hardware updates shown and you are tempted first try accessing the website of the particular piece of hardware and see if there is more information about it there. You will gain more of an insight this way and maybe again avoid installing new drivers that only cure a problem that you do not have Rolling Eyes

as they say " I hope this helps" Laughing

mike

Don Madge

Mike,

As they say "Thanks very much" that's just what I needed I'll print that off and keep it handy.

Regards

Don

twooks

If in doubt of any of the updates - google it and check out the various user forums around.
Windows issued an update earlier this year which apparently allowed MS to check the validity of programs on your 'pooter. There was a lot of compalints and I understand that MS issued a uninstall option for this.
One of the problems with running auto update is that many of the updates cannot be uninstalled.
[I hate MS - on principle if nothing else! Twisted Evil

even if St Bill is giving some of his money away]

Cool