How do you know?

gotrocks · Feb 2, 2009

Hello Folks,
I feel like I'm getting paranoid regarding "updates are ready..."
Is there any way to be sure the updates are legit?

Here is screen shot of the most recent.

Does anyone know if each of the following are necessary/helpful?
What do they control?

What say you ALL?

weldingisfun · Feb 2, 2009

I saw that one too. When I saw the word "essentials" misspelled, the Red Flag went up and it got deleted.

teg · Feb 2, 2009

I don't know if it's good or not but I googled "essencials" and it's mispelled on the website, twice!!! Here's a screen capture:

EarPlug · Feb 2, 2009

You should NEVER get a Windows update from a popup window when surfing the web. These are attempts to get you to download malicious software like viruses.

Only get your Windows updates from the Microsoft Update site or a specific Software Manufactures site.

firedog · Feb 2, 2009

I've always been told to only update if you're having problems or issues, and then only update to specific software you're having issues with.

Now here's a question. How many of you, when enlarging the "windows pop-up image" in the original post tried to close it using the "X" in the upper right.

I did.

DocHeb · Feb 2, 2009

firedog said:
I've always been told to only update if you're having problems or issues, and then only update to specific software you're having issues with.

Now here's a question. How many of you, when enlarging the "windows pop-up image" in the original post tried to close it using the "X" in the upper right.

I did.

I always use <ALT>F4 to close them, or Task Manager. Never did trust the X to be close.

I also stopped getting them since I immunized my system Spybot Search & Destroy

jinman · Feb 2, 2009

Those updates appear to all be related to Windows Media Player. I've had several offerings for updating when I run that application lately. I think if I wanted to be sure, I'd go to Windows website and look directly for updates. It's really whatever you are comfortable with.

gotrocks · Feb 2, 2009

As usual, Thanks to all who have replied to my question.

Now I'll keep closing those windows and tryto remember <ALT>F4 .

Alan L. · Feb 2, 2009

I'm getting sick and tired up updates period. I get to my office and it seems like I spend the first hour either installing the updates or fighting them off. Software must be so terrible nowadays that they have to fix bugs on a daily basis. I can remember when you updated maybe once or twice a year. Its a pain.

Muskrat84 · Feb 3, 2009

Alan L. said:
I'm getting sick and tired up updates period. I get to my office and it seems like I spend the first hour either installing the updates or fighting them off. Software must be so terrible nowadays that they have to fix bugs on a daily basis. I can remember when you updated maybe once or twice a year. Its a pain.

It would all depend on what you are updating. If it is your virus protection software it is well worth the time to update it. I set all my updates to manual so I have the choice of when to do them. But, I am a computer technician, so I generally don't get myself into trouble. If it is Windows updates, they check for auto-updates every Tuesday and if there is one for your system, it will download it and then annoy you to install the update. I also have that set to manual.

When I install an Operating System, say Windows XP, I immediately go to Microsoft's update page and get ALL updates. After that I install my virus software and get ALL updates. Then I will install all of my other software (office, games, whatever) and then go back to Microsoft for the rest of the updates that I want to get.

You should NEVER get updates from any place other than the manufacturers website. Anything that pops up will most likely make other pages pop up. Next thing you know, you will be standing in my office asking me to "fix this piece of junk".

Alan L. · Feb 6, 2009

The virus updates are pretty inobtrusive, its the various media players, java and crap that continually needs upgrading. Every time I get into Quickbooks it wants to upgrade. Peachtree same thing. Other applications, seems like there is always an update. Lately its windows wanting to install XP SP3 which I am delaying. I installed on my wife's laptop and now Outlook Express doesn't work right even though I uninstalled SP3.

Anyway, it just seems like you can't just get in a program and use it, you always have to make a decision to update now or later, and then wait for the update if you choose to go ahead iwth it.

I guess it beats having to wait for the diskettes when you really do need an upgrade.....