Introducing Automatic Updates:
Automatic Updates (AU) is a component for Windows XP and Vista that can automatically check for important updates from Microsoft. The updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates, and most of the updates fix security holes identified with Microsoft software.
Automatic Updates (AU) is a component for Windows XP and Vista that can automatically check for important updates from Microsoft. The updates are marked by Microsoft as high-priority updates, and most of the updates fix security holes identified with Microsoft software.
Using AU:
Since AU can automatically find and install important fixes for your computer without your assistance, it's very easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on: Once you enable AU, and you can configure it so the updates install automatically, or you can have AU check with you first before installing updates.
Since AU can automatically find and install important fixes for your computer without your assistance, it's very easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on: Once you enable AU, and you can configure it so the updates install automatically, or you can have AU check with you first before installing updates.
Alternatives to AU:
One alternative to AU is the Windows Update Web site. You can use the Windows Update Web site to find, download, and install updates for your computer manually. Even if you use AU, it's wise to visit the Windows Update Web site periodically since AU only installs high-priority updates while more fixes are available on the Windows Update Web site.
One alternative to AU is the Windows Update Web site. You can use the Windows Update Web site to find, download, and install updates for your computer manually. Even if you use AU, it's wise to visit the Windows Update Web site periodically since AU only installs high-priority updates while more fixes are available on the Windows Update Web site.
Controversy Surrounding AU:
Advanced users of Windows have long resisted using AU since they want to retain complete control over what their computer downloads and installs. In April, 2006, Microsoft made the situation worse when they pushed Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications onto computers through Automatic Updates. WGA Notifications is an anti-piracy tool, yet Microsoft had promised to only push security updates with AU.
Advanced users of Windows have long resisted using AU since they want to retain complete control over what their computer downloads and installs. In April, 2006, Microsoft made the situation worse when they pushed Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications onto computers through Automatic Updates. WGA Notifications is an anti-piracy tool, yet Microsoft had promised to only push security updates with AU.
Who Should Use AU:
If you're a novice or intermediate Windows user, it's best to turn on Automatic Updates. Although Microsoft occasionally releases a fix through AU that can cause some problems, you're more likely to be the victim of a computer attack if you leave AU off and then forget to install needed security fixes when they become available.
If you're a novice or intermediate Windows user, it's best to turn on Automatic Updates. Although Microsoft occasionally releases a fix through AU that can cause some problems, you're more likely to be the victim of a computer attack if you leave AU off and then forget to install needed security fixes when they become available.
Configuring AU for Greater Peace of Mind:
If you're concerned about the safety of using AU, I suggest setting it download updates but check with you before installing them. That way, you can ensure only updates you want are installed, and you can first check to see if the update has caused problems for any Windows users.
If you're concerned about the safety of using AU, I suggest setting it download updates but check with you before installing them. That way, you can ensure only updates you want are installed, and you can first check to see if the update has caused problems for any Windows users.