ABCGIRL It's okay. I was just worried that I hadnt heard from you. I have an update but its not much of one! According to usps.com the package has not been received. Here is what the website says: You entered 0103 8555 7494 0595 0839 The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper or shipping partner on May 12, 2005 to expect your package for mailing. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later. Not sure why it is taking this long to get the package to abitodd. If she doesnt get it soon I guess I will mail the original robin out to her. Not sure what else to do. Sheena

Well, that suggestion about the Microsoft Update page sounded good, but now I am more confused. The following are listed as high-priority updates for me: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x86 Download size: 69.2 MB , 22 minutes Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is a full cumulative update that contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and includes cumulative servicing updates to the .NET Framework 2.0 and .NET Framework 3.0 subcomponents. The .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update provides important application compatibility updates. This combined Service Pack and update is applicable to .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5. Details... Update for Windows XP (KB967715) Download size: 0 KB , 0 minutes (Downloaded; ready to install) Install this update to resolve an issue in which AutoRun features were not correctly disabled. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Details... Microsoft Office 2007 Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2) Download size: 35.6 MB , 11 minutes Service Pack 2 provides the latest updates to the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. Details... According to Add/Remove, I already have SP3 installed (though there is no mention of when that was done), so why would I need SP1 and/or SP2? Not only that, but the middle one in the above list, KB967715, is in Add/Remove as already installed on my computer, and so is SP1. So who's crazy here? Maybe I am going to be! Should I just go ahead and tell them all to be installed?

Todays Windows Secrets Newsletter had a few mentions of some of the problems with these latest patches, as always it is a great newsletter with a lot of good info. They announced a couple of weeks ago they are extending the sale options for XP (as a downgrade) and also the support so it is looking like they are trying to get it extended till just about when the new Windows 7 Operating system comes out. Here is a link that might be useful: Windows Secrets newsletter

the reason for the continuous updates are for security purposes, as they find methods of possible vulnerability to the OS they will put out patches for you to update the system with, if you choose not to do them then it is possible that your pc could fall prey to the vulnerability that the patch was put out to fix. Much like when you buy a car and they later have a recall on an item they find has a defect they send you a notice to have the car brought in for the repair so you do not fall victim to what ever it is the recall was for. Nothing it seems is perfect and the OS is far from perfect and the bad guys are constantly looking for new holes and methods to gain access to our computers to use them for nefarious purposes, hence the constant need to do security updates, not only on the OS however but on all programs that are on your pc, it is wise to use the Secunia tool which will scan the pc and inform you of many needed updates to the programs on your pc. We all have to be very vigilant in keeping all of our software programs updated. Secunia Online Software Inspector Even if you buy a brand new pc it will immediately need several updates, Microsoft puts out security updates every month generally so since the pc was built till the day you plug it in all those that have been accumulating will need to be installed. IE7 is coming standard with new pcs because it is the latest version of IE and is more secure than IE6, however you can still get IE6 it is available. If your pc has sp3 on it then no you will not be able to remove IE7 that was one of the specific instructions given when sp3 came out that if you had IE 7 on your pc you need to remove it, install sp3, then re-install IE7 or those options would not be available. Personally firefox is a much better browser and I would suggest trying it, it is a good idea to have at least one other browser on the pc should the need arise. this link may be helpful to you. running multiple versions of Internet Explorer at the same time.