Microsoft automatic updates

[JohnL]

I've recently got a nice shiny new laptop, running Windows XP Home. Every so often - well all the bl00dy time in fact - I get a message saying "new updates are available, click here to install".

One time I went to the trouble of actually doing it, it was mostly security things. But I'm not very happy with the idea of my computer talking to Microsoft (or anyone else) without my permission.

So could any of you bright IT types help me with:

1. Is this a diabolical plan for M$ to gather all sorts of information about me under the pretext of helping keep my system updated?
2. Would I be taking some kind of risk by telling it not to do this again without asking me first? Or better, without asking, just don't f**king do it at all?
3. Does it (a) go off and connect to M$ every time I go online, download the stuff, then ask me if I want it? Or (b) does it find out that something's available, then ask me to download it? Or (c) is it some kind of timer, asking permission to find out if something's available?
4. If (a), no wonder the connection's bl00dy slow at times!
5. I don't like it. I want my computer to do what I tell it to and no more.
6. How do I switch this bit of cleverness off?
7. [paranoia]Could the computer be talking to anyone else without permission? How would I find out, and how would I put a stop to it [/paranoia]

[FourWheelDrift]

It checks the registration serial numbers on your software against known cracked copies then downloads software to slow them down to a point where you uninstall them.

Sometimes it's referred to as "Windows", to delete this function go to www.linux.com

[CarZee]

1) probably, yes. It's a way for MS to check on license compliance..

2) Every decision not to apply a patch is a risk to some degree but I don't let WinUpdate do anything without my consent.
I don't trust MS. At all. Not one bit. Oh No.

3) B

4) N/a

5) Too right - goto control panel and select "Automatic Updates" & deactivate it.

6) See 5

7) Yes. Any prog installed on your PC could be talking to places on the internet without your knowledge. Install a personal firewall to check on any unauthorised outgoing traffic (Tiny, Norton etc..)

hth.

[incorrigible]

7. Firewall, I suggest Zonealarm, free download here

[JohnL]

Thanks for the help, I'll take suitable action!

[pbrettle]

However, do remain up todate as possible with the updates. Some are meaningless and you dont need to install them, but the security stuff is worthwhile. They are big, take ages to download etc. But think of it like preventative maintenance.... just imagine the issues if you dont update and get hacked / broken into / trojaned.... its a drag, but a MUST IMHO.

Cheers,

Paul

[GregE240]

OK John, from the top:

I've recently got a nice shiny new laptop, running Windows XP Home. Every so often - well all the bl00dy time in fact - I get a message saying "new updates are available, click here to install".

One time I went to the trouble of actually doing it, it was mostly security things. But I'm not very happy with the idea of my computer talking to Microsoft (or anyone else) without my permission.

So could any of you bright IT types help me with:

1. Is this a diabolical plan for M$ to gather all sorts of information about me under the pretext of helping keep my system updated?
2. Would I be taking some kind of risk by telling it not to do this again without asking me first? Or better, without asking, just don't f**king do it at all?
3. Does it (a) go off and connect to M$ every time I go online, download the stuff, then ask me if I want it? Or (b) does it find out that something's available, then ask me to download it? Or (c) is it some kind of timer, asking permission to find out if something's available?
4. If (a), no wonder the connection's bl00dy slow at times!
5. I don't like it. I want my computer to do what I tell it to and no more.
6. How do I switch this bit of cleverness off?
7. [paranoia]Could the computer be talking to anyone else without permission? How would I find out, and how would I put a stop to it [/paranoia]

1) No. Ever heard of privacy laws? Allegedly, Service Pack 1 for XP wouldn't install if you had a hooky serial number. But yours is legit, so you're alright.

2) Yes, you are risking a heck of a lot. Its akin to not running a virus checker (er, you are, aren't you?!! )

3) It depends how its set up. It either auto downloads them for you and installs them, downloads them to a schedule, or tells you updates are available, or finally, does nothing at all. In the final example, you have to go to Windows Update yourself.

4) Quite. Especially if you're on a modem. This is a pain right now as we're not far away from Service Pack 2 for XP, which will include all post-SP1 hotfixes and updates. At the moment, I think its about 12 Megs worth of download AFTER SP1. And for Gods sake, don't download SP1 if you're on a modem - it can be up to 135Mb. Ask me nicely and I'll burn it for you. Or some PC mag cover disks may have a copy on them.

5) Fair enough.

6) Easy. Right click My Computer, or go into Control Panel, System. Click on the Automatic Updates folder and deselect "Keep my computer up to date. With this setting....etc etc". Job done. You will them need to go to Windows Update periodically to make sure you're up to date.

7) As mentioned, get a firewall installed. ZoneAlarm is good (for free). And its better than nothing.

Any other questions, either reply or mail me offline.

Greg, the bright IT type