WB5LTR

WTF are windows updates, i know they download at inconveinent times but what actually do they do, do i need them, can i switch it off so they dont down load. I just check add/remove programs and theres a friggin long list of updates

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DannyW

i never get em and mine still works fine ! same with the computers at work, its all a load of shit I recon.

76lxhatch

Depends on how you use your computer and what sort of Internet connection you have as to whether some of the security updates could be useful. They do take a lot of time and bandwidth though. I'd recommend setting it to notify you when they are available but not automatically download or install them. When it does, look at the list of updates and just pick the security updates for programs you use, and download them when convenient.

The ones already installed (shown under add/remove programs) won't cause any harm. For the most part the updates are bug fixes, the odd few are upgraded functionality, many of the recent ones are just anti-spyware updates. You want to try to install any that fix problems that might allow viruses or other attackers in, but the rest are usually safe to ignore on a home computer.

76lxhatch

To alter the settings in Windows XP, there is a tab under the properties of My Computer (or the System option in the control panel).