Win 7 automatic updates?

if it aint broke....

part of the tweaks we do is turn that crap off... (auto update)

Security updates probably important. I go to windows update in control pannel every so often and do it myself rather than automatic. Not hard.
John

Much of it is security fixes for machines that are on-line. 

So if you have a dedicated off-line DAW that is doing what it is supposed to then sure, if it ain't broke...

Many of us though run DAW software on more general purpose machines which are on-line in which case I'd recommend taking the updates.

The only issue I ever encountered was when I allowed IE to update from 7 to 8, which was enough to put me off ever using IE again, which in itself was a good thing.

Mine are set to check but let me choose whether to download and install.

vicsant

Mine are set to check but let me choose whether to download and install

I guess this is the way to do it...but how do you know which update is important and will not mess up your daw? (My daw needs internet access once in a while so online security is important)

Thanks

Simply put, there is no way you can guarantee that an update wont cause an issue.

This is where policy is important and why I don't allow auto-updates.  I can then choose to update when I'm not doing something else and I can make sure I have a recent image of the system drive to revert back to if something screws up post update.

Bottom line is, a Microsoft update is not going to make anything better.

LOL!!! 

How about SP updates? Is SP1 for W7 "safe"?

vicsant

Bottom line is, a Microsoft update is not going to make anything better.

LOL!!! 

How about SP updates? Is SP1 for W7 "safe"?

I'd bet Scott doesn't ship a W7 machine without it.

You can certainly choose which updates are important, but you will need to spend a lot of time and effort to figure  out which ones you need, which ones depend on previous updates etc. Fortunately over the years the update process has improved. Updates are now un-installable via the same remove programs procedures that apply to other software. And the restore point system can get you back to a working system if an automatic update f**ks something  critical. The main problem with the automatic system is that you are not automatically informed that you have been updated, which leaves you wondering why your system is no longer working. True, most updates are security related, and will not help much if your system never loads anything from the web, flash drive DVD etc., but the "if it ain't broke" philosophy will miss the rare situation when an update will make it work better, fix a problem with common hardeware or software etc. Also be aware that automatic updates may be downloading something without your knowledge while you are trying to get some real work done. Best to set the system to inform you if an update is available and let you decide if you want to install it. That presumes that you are willing to read through virtually unintelligible knowlege base articles that explain why the update was made available in the first place.

jcschild

Jonbouy

vicsant

Bottom line is, a Microsoft update is not going to make anything better.

LOL!!! 

How about SP updates? Is SP1 for W7 "safe"?

I'd bet Scott doesn't ship a W7 machine without it.

you would be correct
 
once we ship a system we dont like any updates done. now if a service pack comes up thats a bit different
however if you recall with XP the 2nd service pack fixed a firewire issue but the 3rd broke it again...
and yes with vista it became very usable after the last service pack.
 
most of the security updates are generally pointless for a standard desktop that sees lite internet use.

I agree and can understand your view.

If I was fortunate enough to have a dedicated machine from Jim or yourself I wouldn't be going on line or touching anything without your instruction either...

Windows Update hosed my work laptop. Now I get a nag screen that says my copy of Windows is not genuine. The only clue it gives me is that some files are missing and my only option is to buy a copy of Windows!

Anubis


Windows Update hosed my work laptop. Now I get a nag screen that says my copy of Windows is not genuine. The only clue it gives me is that some files are missing and my only option is to buy a copy of Windows!

Uhhh... you can expect your copy of windows to slowly fade away and stop if it is "not genuine." Better copy everything important fast. Or try activating it.
John