Windows/Microsoft Update service is quite a nice feature. However, as a portal to beneficial updates rather than Security updates it is woefull.
So what should I do Bill?
I am glad you asked. Every once in a while I head to the Windows Update site, and filter on Windows XP articles. I look at them based on their date of issuance.
The Steps:
[li] Go here for XP Professional: [/li]
[li] Click on Advanced Search at the top.[/li]
[li] Select for Product/Technology Windows XP[/li]
[li] Select for Catagory All[/li]
[li] Select for Release Date the last 120 days[/li]
[li] Select for Sort results by Release date[/li]
Now see what you are missing. There are fun things, there are Security Updates that you already get from Windows Update, and there are the other things. Updates to TDI filters, reliablility enhancements, newer versions of ntoskrnl.exe, and the HAL files, newer versions of the multimedia drivers. And more.
Every couple of months spend a few minutes and see what is of interest. You will be surprised, and your computer will be happier.
What if I install the same thing twice? The installer knows. Do not worry about it.
What if it makes things worse? Things that could potentially make things worse create an automatic Restore Point prior to installing.
What if I want to remove something? They are listed in Add/Remove programs. Use this to remove the new installation.
Enjoy.
____________________________
Users Helping Users
So what should I do Bill?
I am glad you asked. Every once in a while I head to the Windows Update site, and filter on Windows XP articles. I look at them based on their date of issuance.
The Steps:
[li] Go here for XP Professional: [/li]
[li] Click on Advanced Search at the top.[/li]
[li] Select for Product/Technology Windows XP[/li]
[li] Select for Catagory All[/li]
[li] Select for Release Date the last 120 days[/li]
[li] Select for Sort results by Release date[/li]
Now see what you are missing. There are fun things, there are Security Updates that you already get from Windows Update, and there are the other things. Updates to TDI filters, reliablility enhancements, newer versions of ntoskrnl.exe, and the HAL files, newer versions of the multimedia drivers. And more.
Every couple of months spend a few minutes and see what is of interest. You will be surprised, and your computer will be happier.
What if I install the same thing twice? The installer knows. Do not worry about it.
What if it makes things worse? Things that could potentially make things worse create an automatic Restore Point prior to installing.
What if I want to remove something? They are listed in Add/Remove programs. Use this to remove the new installation.
Enjoy.
____________________________
Users Helping Users