Latest Windows Updates

Question

I downloaded all the high priority windows updates today. The updates consumned a hefty 40 MB. Anyone else notice that? For the first time, I decided to go to the microsoft website to have a closer look of the updates. Only three were considered critical. I've always installed all the high priority updates. Now I'm wondering if this is always necessary. Any thoughts?

msgale · Answer

Yes, I have a thought.  WIth the information available, I and 99.999999999999 percent of the population can not really evaluate the changes, therefore I accept what ever Microsoft, and all the other software publishers suggest.  Message Edited by msgale on 08-10-2005 05:22 AM

jmwills · Answer

I rarely take any drivers updates.  If mine are working fine, I leave those alone.  If I see an update that has to do with Tablet PC's for example, I leave that alone.  Read and digest what they are pushing down. I refuse to be spoon fed.

msgale · Answer

I stand corrected, I too avoid driver updates, but I take everyting else.  A side note.  Many years ago, I worked as a systgem programmer at a very large CDC Site (NADC Warminister PA).  We had the source code for everything CDC supplied.  CDC supplied patches (PSRs) were available in source code, therefore I had everyting available, source code for the product and source code for the patch.  Some patches were only one line of assembler code.  With all that there was still no way I could understand the significence of the change they (CDC) made, so I (we) took the changes on faith and applied them.

DJ_Bach · Answer

I loaded seven items from windows update for XP home SP2. My available memory went from 62.47gig to 62.43gig. The difference seems to be about 40 MB. Perhaps I'm not doing the math right. Maybe system restore ate up some memory. Thanks for comments.

jmwills · Answer

Do you have a tablet PC?

Robert Cathles · Answer

On my computer, I downloaded 7 updates the other day, and it only came to 3.9MB. You must have selected something like .NET Framework and/or SDK.

The Windows Journal Viewer, apart from Tablet PC compatibility, also allows the Handwriting tool in MSN Messenger (I'm sure that's right). It is best to download and install everything on the Microsoft Update website, as because they don't actually tell you what it does specifically, you might as well install everything, assuring that you have a good Internet connection, plenty of free space and a fast processor/RAM. Therefore it isn't a case of being spoon fed, it's a case of having your computer protected and working.

Just a little note - you do of course have the free right to choose your updates, I'm only providing you with some useful experience.

Robert Cathles · Answer

I don't have a Tablet PC, but I do use MSN Messenger (unless you are directing this question elsewhere).

Quote from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=fad44098-8b73-4e06-96d4-d1eb70eacb44&displaylang=en

"This accessory enables users who do not have a computer running Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition to view files that were created in Microsoft® Windows® Journal on a Tablet PC."

and... another quote from http://help.msn.com/!data/en_us/data/Messengerw10.its51/$content$/Messenger_CONC_AboutHandwriting.htm

"If you are unable to use the Handwrite tab in the conversation window, you will need to install the following software to activate it:

Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 (with Service Pack 3 or later). If you are not sure your operating system is up-to-date, go to the Microsoft Windows Update website.
Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer 1.5. Download now.
Security Update for Windows Journal Viewer. Download now. "

I hope this clears it up.

Message Edited by Robert Cathles on 08-10-2005 03:19 PM

Robert Cathles · Answer

I personally do apply Driver updates, but I always make a System Restore point beforehand. My updated drivers have only been for my Intel Graphics Controller, and the updates have improved its ease of use (switching screen resolutions) and functions.

I don't have any problems with driver updates, but you are right to be weary of doing updates to drivers, because they are important files.

Message Edited by Robert Cathles on 08-11-2005 07:29 AM

jmwills · Answer

The critical updates from 10-Aug were a shade over 4 mb not 40, that is if you were current.

DJ_Bach · Answer

I was current before the latest updates. Also, cleaned up system restore to get back to a similar state preupdate. Memory still down 40 megabytes. Something else must be going on. Computer is running smoothly which is the most important thing. Latest updates seem very important from various articles on internet (inquirer.net). So I'll just continue installing all the high priority updates......A couple of people have reported software problems postupdate though.

lajolla · Answer

As noted by a number of others on this thread, the latest string of Windows XP security updates weighs in at between 4 and 5 Meg.  Check your personal update installation history which is available at the windows update site to determine what else you may have downloaded?  And as for future Windows updates that are offered from the updates web site, if the security updates are noted as either  'high-priority' or 'critical' by Microsoft, do not hesitate to download and install.  Good luck.

DJ_Bach · Answer

I did review my update history and seven updates were succesfully installed on Aug. 9,2005. It's a bit of a mystery to me.

Geoff Buckley · Answer

Same over this side of the water, about 4 Meg.

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