Hi All,

As we already know, Microsoft is releasing their product updates every 2nd Tuesday of the month and with the growing numbers of malware exploiting unpatched systems, I am wondering how you manage your patches for your Windows. What is your preferred settings in Automatic Updates feature in Windows and why?

Notify but don't Download or Install ... Dialup!!!

Automatic every day.
I don't believe malware writers pay attention to the day of the week before unleashing their problems on the community, ergo, I don't care which day my computer checks for updates.
Yeah, I know that I shouldn't trust every patch and blindly let it install, but, I figure the odds of something bad occurring between the time the patch is available and before I get around to researching the patch is a lot higher than the odds of a bad patch.
My computer uses a cable modem and is most of the time.

Currently I have the Automatic Update set to automatically download and install every Tuesday at 10:00. Previously I had it set to download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them. What actually happened mostly was that when I was notified I immediately installed them.... so finally decided that as I was doing that, I might as well let it be done automatically so changed the setting to that.
So far I have had no problems with this setup..... I know, I know, I'm too trusting of the updates.

I'm the same as Jim M

Automatic (Every Tuesday) 10:00pm

Why can't Microsoft put in an Every second Tuesday update option

Because that is for Security Updates only. I mean, the monthly product updates are released fixes for specific products, addressing security issues.
Microsoft is also releasing other type of updates that is not scheduled (depends on type of updates). Example:

Critical Updates - fixes for specific problems addressing critical, non-security related bugs
Drivers - Software components designed to support new hardware
Feature Packs - New product functionality usually included in the next full product release
Service Packs - Cumulative sets of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates created since the release of the product. Service packs might also contain a limited number of customer requested design changes or features.
Tools - Utilities or features that aid in accomplishing a task or set of tasks
Update Rollups - Cumulative set of hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates packaged together for easy deployment.
A rollup generally targets a specific area, such as security, or a specific component, such as Internet Information Services (IIS).
Updates - fixes for specific problems addressing a non-critical, non-security related bugs

So if Microsoft will release any of the above (non-scheduled updates) and if your choice is every 2nd Tuesday of the month, you'll receive later?

I have automatic shut off and I do them manually. It's not a big deal to me to visit Microsoft update and this way I am able to choose when I have time to install them.

Turn off Automatic Updates. I manually get them by visiting Windows or Microsoft Updates website

Plus I let COU tell me if any Updates come out sonner.

Notify me but don't automatically download or install them

Very sloooow dial-up.

Wow

Thanks for the thorough explanation

The same for me

A few years ago there was a problem (I think it was the blaster worm) that grew very quickly to unpatched machines. Not sure of the timing (between the patch release and the worm striking), but it was this event that convinced me that there would be no benefit in waiting. Yes, there once was a bad patch (at least, once that I was aware of) that caused problems, but I repeat my earlier post by stating that the risk in waiting is far too great.
I am far from an expert.
I don't understand half of what is being described in the patch or upgrade details.
I just assume that if they are issuing it and describing it as critical, it must be pretty serious.
I love the calendar, but wont tell my machine to wait until I see it on the calendar before upgrading.

Hello, I use the Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them, option. I like to see what is going in my computer, so if ever I have a problem with a update maybe it would be easyer to fix. luckily I have not had a problem with a critical update yet, even SP2 went well for me. Have a good day, Wink

I don't like when Windows is automatically restarted, so I choose to let the updates download, I choose when to install them.

I have them on automatically.

I noticed that the bottom option refers to 3rd party management software; where would you find it?

I set the Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them option as preferred just so that I can see when and what I am intalling. Nevertheless I do change to other settings since chioces of options are open. Updates they maybe but they clogs up the system.

In CoU weblinks, we have listed some of these software
or go directly to the list of Patch Management / Patch and Vulnerabilty scanner software -->
http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?a...&CODE=02&cat=43

Automatic. Every day at 1700hrs.

Automatic.........every Tuesday.........

Turn off Automatic Updates. I manually get them by visiting Windows or Microsoft Updates website.

Why not sure really, think it goes back to pre broadband, old habits.
I do check on 2nd tuesday anyway.