Windows Updates: Should You Always Download Them?
You have probably seen the Window’s security shield icon appear many times on your system tray either warning you that your computer is at risk, notifying you of an update, or that it’s in the middle of installing updates. How should you handle these updates? Is it really best to let them download any and all updates whenever Windows wants you to?
First, here are the different ways Windows updates can be handled:
1. You can download and install updates automatically. This means that if you’re connected to the Internet, Windows can check your computer and detect that a new update is available for it, download it, and install it on your computer immediately.
2. You can choose to allow any new updates to download automatically, but you can then choose when to install the updates. This is a way for you to know what you are installing and be sure it doesn’t interrupt your current work (i.e., having to restart after it’s finished, etc.)
3. You can specify that you would like to be notified when an update is available and choose when to download them. This way you never need to download anything unless you choose to, but you are still notified so you will at least be aware that an update is available.
4. You can specify not to download updates at all. This is basically to avoid getting bothered with updates entirely. You are putting your computer at risk, as you will be frequently warned with a red shield pop-up. Some updates will help your computer run better as they are upgrades or patches to the operating system that have been added since you bought your computer.
Automatic updates recommends the first option, so that you’re computer has everything that is released by Windows, but you don’t necessarily need all of them. However, this is ideal for beginner users, because little management is needed on the user’s part, except for an occasional prompt to yes, install this, or yes, I accept this license agreement. Even someone who is fairly knowledgeable about computers will not necessarily be able to determine if an update is needed just by reading the name and description for an update. Any of the first three options is acceptable for most users.
There are basically two reasons why you would specify that windows updates not download and install automatically. The first reason could be because you don’t want to be bothered with downloads, often only temporarily because you don’t have a good Internet connection, etc. The other reason could be because you don’t like Microsoft to have this amount of control over your computer. Many people feel this way and even advise to not allow Windows to update anything at all. However, your computer will surely be at risk, especially if you are regularly using the Internet, and it also may not be compatible with some websites and applications that have changed since you bought your computer or installed your operating system.
Windows updates are recommended by the company that created your operating system, therefore, if they recommend you to install an update, it is probably to your benefit to do so.
Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog for this and more great articles! http://www.copper.net/wire Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/windows-updates-should-you-always-download-them-1510701.html