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An Update Question for the Tech's

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by jacrabbit, 2009/03/23.

  1. 2009/03/23
    jacrabbit

    jacrabbit Inactive Thread Starter

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    During a discussion with the wife last night the subject of Windows update came up, the wife works in a small accountancy business & their system is set for Automatic Updates (I Know this is the recommended setting), Their Tech Guy only attends when called, which they (she) prefers!
    Our system which I run at home, 4 Desktops and 2 laptops, I have turned off Auto Updates, the reason: I Go into windows updates & do custom install every other week! I attend when ever someone in the household yells, my computer is ****** and that is usually because their computer is not up to date!
    The Question/s is as System Tech's!! : How often do you go to your clients & do Windows Custom Update? Is this a service you include or offer your clients?
    And whch is better Automatic Updates, Express Updates Or Custom Updates
    I personally have had problems with device drivers & unwanted software (IE: Desktop Search) in windows update, but as most people know it is wise to do updates, rather than ignore them!, I know a lot of people feel jittery when going in to :eek: unknown :eek: territory, that is why I ask these questions :confused:
    Regards
    Jac
     
    jacrabbit,
    #1
  2. 2009/03/23
    hawk22

    hawk22 Geek Member

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    Hi Jac, I have my 3 systems set to Automatically Download but let me Install.
    I like to see first what I am installing and I decide what I will install. And I like to mention that I have never had a cocked up MS Update install.
    I don't run a business so any updates that would matter in a business situation do not relate to me.
    That is my opinion and I am sticking to it too.
     
    hawk22,
    #2


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  4. 2009/03/23
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    The majority of updates come out on the second Tuesday of the month. March 10th was the day this month. I generallly do updates short;y after the 2nd Tuesday.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #3
  5. 2009/03/23
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    For my clients:
    1. I setrvice them when I am called.
    2. I install the latest Service Packs for MS products.
    3. I set Automatic Updates to OFF.
    4. I NEVER use drivers from MS Update.

    I have never, since XP was released, had to solve clients' computer problems using updates from MS. The ONLY exceptions have been fixes and improvements contained in Service Packs that increased efficiency of the computers and closed security holes that were very very likely to be exploited. An example of such a hole was the Code Red threats.

    MS Updates dopn't solve existing problems. They most often just PREVENT future problems. MS Hot Fixes CAN solve problems, but these are not obtained at Windows Update sites, and are only available after communication w/ MS Support.

    I know how my clients use their computers and networks. Eighty percent of problems they have are due to malware, spyware & viruses. About 19.999 percent are due to ignorance and lack of technical understanding. Less than 1 % have to do with MS Updates & Hot Fixes.

    But, for the average home user, I recommend using Auto Updates and to rely upon recommended antivirus and antispyware programs.
     
    Last edited: 2009/03/23
    TonyT,
    #4
    virginia likes this.
  6. 2009/04/11
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Hi jacrabbit, you actually talk computers with your wife? Just kidding. I have our 4 Home PC's all on Auto Update and my comp is the only one which has had a couple of hiccups with Auto Updates. I had to uninstall and use Custom Update to reinstall and get things right again. I use Belarc Advisor to check whether the updates are installed OK. If there is a problem with any of the KB's Belarc shows a RED X and tells you to reinstall. My only conversation with my wife about her computer is when she's had a problem downloading a Real Arcade game she's bought and it won't play. That's when I have to sort it out - usually emptying Temp Files etc. does the trick, then I redownload the game and wait for it to load and all is sweet again. I carry out regular Scandisk and Defrag on the comps and they all work OK. As the others have stated Home Users usually don't have the same problems Company PC's or large Network setups providing they have current AV & Firewall/Spyware software working.
    Wish I could talk Computers with my wife but all I get from her is that couldn't care less look. Neil.:D
     
    retiredlearner,
    #5

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