New Microsoft Critical Security Updates - get them now

BBC News Article

Microsoft Security Updates

There's a number of "critical" updates, so I recommend everyone get them. Vulnerabilites include Windows Server 2003, so make sure your server is patched if you use it.

 

Thanks, most folks should have automatic update on!!!

 

I would never give access to Microsoft to do anything automatically.

 

I would

 

Yeah, I don't either. I work on software that taxes the hardware to the limit... in fact, beyond - so I don't need anything popping up and downloading crap from the net while I'm working and have autoupdate turned off.

 

Why not?

Let's face it, assuming you use Windows, if M$ wanted to access your data and/or collect info for a database, they could do it without your knowledge or bury the right to do it so far into the 'Terms' no-one would notice. Having autoupdates turned on won't make any difference.

I have autoupdate on but not autoinstall. So it downloads the updates but waits for permission to install them. That way, I wait until it is convienent for me.

I used to have autoupdate turned off but I got so paranoid about missing critical updates that I ended up checking the site manually two or three times a day

 

It is only going to UPDATE your current OS, not load new programs like M$ anti-spyware.

If you don't want to update your OS to new security holes that is your business, but with many current open unpatched flaws it is unwise to have it off.

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5668257.html?tag=zdnn.alert

 

This is the best choice - on one hand you know when a critical update is available, on the other, you can control yourself when to take your machine down when you want to install it.

A small note on Win2K3 SP1. Those who configure machines with custom security settings (file and registry), beware - the installer blindly changes security on a number of system keys that may render your installation unusable in some aspects. For example, the security on the TCP registry key under Services is changed so that your MyODBC driver may not be able to connect to the database server. Make sure you test your applications after installing SP1.

J.D.

 

Microsoft is growing weary of folks that want to hold on to their old OS and is now forcing updates on large IT departments that have held off updating.

http://news.com.com/Microsofts+SP2+gets+pushy/2100-7355_3-5667231.html?tag=html.alert