I use auto updates and it asks before it installs.

Then I go to update.microsoft.com and see what non-critical updates might be available every now and then by running the Custom check.

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I use auto updates for critical updates only. It doesn't ask me--just installs them. That's fine with me. One less thing to worry about. And I too check the non-critical updates periodically but never have installed any of them.

I have mine checked to notify me when there are critical updates, but I download and install them at a time of my choosing (usually at my earliest convenience :))

The reason being that I've found they install more smoothly when I'm not running a lot of other applications at the same time, and because if they start their process when I'm in the middle of something else, it seems to slow my computer down.

The reason being that I've found they install more smoothly when I'm not running a lot of other applications at the same time, and because if they start their process when I'm in the middle of something else, it seems to slow my computer down.

That was what I was thinking and why I didn't want them automatically. I have enough problems as it is, often wondering why things are so slow, in spite of the highspeed.

I have mine checked to notify me when there are critical updates, but I download and install them at a time of my choosing
I went to the Windows update site and couldn't find anything like "Notify of critical updates". Where do I find that so I can set mine up the same way?

Sue

If you Right Click  MyComputer
and choose Properties.... then the AutoUpdates tab

I have mine set to "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them." Works perfectly for me.

Sue,

You didn't report one way or the other if you are using a DUN or high-speed. I sense a high-speed so please heed the others who are helping.

I speak as a DUN user and I recommend to similar users not to use the automatic update in any form. We already have minimal bandwidth available and to share it unknowingly with MS, even for checking for updates, can bring our connection speed down to a snail's pace.

What DUN users should do is develop a discipline in which they manually check for updates, and then determine when and what to install based on size and convenience. This could be part of a maintenance schedule, which should be no more than monthly, or perhaps independently as I do which is weekly. Every Tuesday to be concise.

DA

I have mine turned off and, since I mainly use Firefox, I have added the Windiz extention:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/2699

This allows me to update Windows (manually) without using IE or having to rely on Automatic Updates.

Scott

I almost forgot--Windiz is FAST !!

Scott

Mine is set the same as Lindsey-ca. "Download but let me choose when to install." BUT before I ever install I check here first to make sure there aren't any problems-- Like IE7, and another one that was full of bugs.

I just feel safer letting it sit for a couple days, since I'm not as adept at fixing things as others here. Sandy

DA,

I have broadband wireless and chose for it to just notify me.

I never use IE other than updates. Will it notify me if/when I'm using Firefox? I'm guessing not.

Sue

Sue,

Historically IE was required to maintain the updating process. The browser was integrated into the process and could not be deleted from the system. A user was never required to "use" IE itself. just have it installed.

I read Scott's post and do admit I am totally unfamiliar with the extension. I am wondering if the extension works efficiently without IE installed. Perhaps he will return and expand on the thought.

DA

I just let the critical updates be automatically installed and have never had a problem, but will keep the extension in mind for future reference if I change my mind.
As far as DA's question about working without IE this is from the page I got when I followed Scott's link:
Have you heard of WindizUpdate? It is designed to provide an alternative to Windows Update which will run in Firefox, Netscape or Opera. I guess you know what this means, the final obstacle from being 100% IE free has just been knocked down, you can use Firefox to get your Windows updates!

I was thinking a little more about his. Unless a user wants to totally "IE free" where is the concern. We regularly recommend multiple browsers so quite easily a user could maintain IE on-board and just don't use/open it.

I sometimes think the ever-looming Microsoft big-brother fear, Internet paranoia, and the "chicken little" approach; whether be they are actual or perceived, often cause we users to over think.

DA

I have mine set to Notify me when they have updates then pick the ones I want downloaded and installed... When you have it set that way a shield will come up in your Task bar to let you know but only when you're connected to the internet...

For quite a while I had both cable and dial-up... In the beginning I would unplug the cable modem when I wanted to use the dial-up ( it didn't take me long to find out I didn't have to do that... lol ) but on the rare occasions when there was an update and I was actually on dial up I didn't notice any slow down... It only takes a few seconds to check...

Rita

BTW, when you choose to use the Firefox add on that allows it to work like Internet Explorer you are actually using Internet Explorer.

I used to be able to see what the updates were and download which I wanted but for a long time the only choice has been update or remind me later. Can I change a setting to get that back? I thought it was gone. Sandy

Hi,

Rita wrote:

"BTW, when you choose to use the Firefox add on that allows it to work like Internet Explorer you are actually using Internet Explorer."

I'm no expert here, but I *think* you may be speaking of the WindowsUpdate extension (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/195) rather than the extension I mentioned that links to the WindizUpdate site. In fact, the Windiz site's "Why Use W.U. ?" link at the right of its homepage (http://www.windizupdate.com/) notes sarcastically in the list of advantages of using the product: "No more unwanted spyware -- Microsoft Internet Explorer can finally be removed from your computer (if that were possible)." So, the WindizUpdate extension apparently is 'free' of all dependence on IE.

And as I noted previously, for me, WindizUpdate is very fast. When I would go to the MS site and manually scan the computer for updates, it would take 10-15 minutes for IE to complete that task alone !! Windiz takes less than a minute !! :-) I don't know if that would be the case if I were still really using IE for the (manual) update I do when I use FF and Windiz.

Scott

My apologies, Rita, if I have misunderstood and you weren't commenting on the Windiz extension at all, but were *intending* to address the 'embedded IE' type of extensions for FF !

No apologies needed, I thought they were one in the same... I'll take your word for it... Just wanted to let people know that one of the add-ons for Firebox does turn on all the so called 'bad things' from Internet Explorer...

Wow, waiting 10 to 15 minutes for an update... Not me, I'm too impatient, if a page doesn't load in a few seconds I close the browser and go do something else... lol

Rita

Ten to fifteen minutes? I wonder if there isn't something else interferring with the scan. My Vista dual core on this DUN of 28800 only takes maybe 90 seconds.

DA

I just timed the custom update.
Just under two minutes on dsl.
It wasnt moving lots of internet bytes.
Mostly just processor time.

WindowsUpdate.log ,,, that file can grow huge overtime, - and if it gets corrupted scans will forever take extra time until you rename it WindowsUpdate.log.old , and let windows build a new file.

DA,

Wow ! I also use a DUN and, for whatever reason, whenever I did a manual scan (of Windows or Microsoft Update) it always took a long time.

And even the VERY knowledgeable computer guy who first told me about the FF extension (and installed it for me) said, "IE takes a long time."

???

Maybe things just vary from computer to computer. In any event, I'm very satisfied with the WindizUpdate so far. :-)

Scott