?'s about Secunia

15 years ago

I have been using Secunia for about a month and everything always showed up with no problems. Until earlier this week, it says I need some updates, and I need your advice. Since the request for updates came through Secunia is it ok to download them? for instance, it says I need

Adobe Flash Player 9.x

Macromedia Flash Player 6.x

Real Player 10.x

Shockwave Player 10.x

But when I went to the direct download link for Adobe & Macromedia, I got a notice that the download was blocked, and to click the bar to download. I'm thinking this is just added security and I should allow it in, but I'm not sure. Do I need all the above, or have they somehow sneaked in when I wasn't looking or maybe replace with something else?

Also, Windows Update shows the following updates. Should I let any of them in? I don't use IE except for updates, so I don't think I need that one. I don't use the Windows Search (so far as I know) so I don't think I need that one. Silverlight mentions Firefox, so I don't know about that one. I'm not familiar with what Silverlight is/does. And the Root Certificates I'm thinking yes, but it says it cannot be removed, so I want to be sure.

Optional software updates

Microsoft Windows XP

Update for Root Certificates

Download size: 296 KB , less than 1 minute

This item updates the list of root certificates on your computer to the list that is accepted by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Root Certificate Program. Adding additional root certificates to your computer enables you to use Extended Validation (EV) certificates in Internet Explorer 7, a greater range of security enhanced Web browsing, encrypted e-mail, and security enhanced code delivery. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed. Details...

Don't show this update again

Windows Search 4.0 for Windows XP (KB940157)

Download size: 5.3 MB , less than 1 minute

Windows Search 4.0 helps you to find, preview, and use your documents, e-mail, music, photos, and other items. On an upgrade from previous versions, you will need to rebuild your index. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Details...

Don't show this update again

Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP

Download size: 14.7 MB , 1 minute

This free upgrade to Internet Explorer customers offers improvements such as enhanced security, a cleaner look, and features to make everyday tasks such as printing and searching the web easier. This upgrade preserves your current home page, search settings, favorites, and compatible toolbars, and can be uninstalled if you decide to do so. Details...

Don't show this update again

Microsoft Silverlight (KB957938)

Download size: 4.6 MB , less than 1 minute

Microsoft Silverlight is a lightweight browser plug-in for Internet Explorer and Firefox that blends animation, audio/video, and interactivity to deliver richer Web site experiences. Details...

Don't show this update again

Thank all of you guys and gals for what you do.

Janette

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Comments (3)

zep516
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Up-date the Adobe flash player forget the rest of it for now.

Forget Microsoft Silverlight no need. Windows search don't need it.

The other updates are for IE7 so if you are not using IE Forget it in fact the one up date is for IE7 A new browser so you must be currently using or have IE6 installed. If you did use IE as a browser the I would suggest installing IE7 and the associated updates.

If I have left anything out others will come to the rescue..

zep
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
when you go to the windows update site choose custom and let it scan your pc, then do ONLY the ones it lists as critical updates, those that are not critical are optional and can be left alone. but you do want to do any critical updates. However as zep said if you have IE6 on your pc and you do not want to upgrade to IE7 then do not choose that one.
BUT if you see critical updates that are for IE you do need to get those because whether you use IE or not if there is a security vulnerability that they put a patch out for if you do not patch that then just having the vulnerability on your pc could put you at risk. Anytime you have programs on your pc that you see security updates for you need to get those even if you never use the program, as long as it is on your pc and has a hole in it then there are those out there that can use that hole to get to you, many times from visiting a compromised website where a script was written to find and use that hole.
The flash is a perfect example, that clickjacking which I had posted about a while ago uses a vulnerability in the older flash to install malware on your pc, so keeping the flash updated is pretty critical right now. And with flash you have to do the update to all browsers so if you use firefox and IE you must go get the specific updates for each one and install them.
Secunia is a very beneficial tool.
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Janette_ORz7
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks zep & raven. I have followed your advice. It is much appreciated.
Janette

?'s about Secunia

Comments (3)

zep516

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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?'s about Secunia

Comments (3)

zep516

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Janette_ORz7Original Author

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