Tech: Computer Updates

Subject: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:00 AM

I was just in the middle of contributing to a Mudcat thread and my computer abruptly informed me that Microsoft was installing an update and shut itself down. It seems that every time I connect to the Internet someone - Microsoft, Adobe, Apple (why the f**k do I need Apple updates on a Microsoft computer?), my anti-virus software, Mrs Miggins's cat at No. 62 Railway Cottages, etc., etc., etc. wants to install a f**king update!! It won't be long before I'll do nothing else but install updates and there will be no room for my data on my hard disks - they will be chock full of updates!

And that's just my desktop. I also have a laptop - which I use less often. Whenever I connect that to my network I sometimes have to wait half an hour for the damn thing to update itself (and if I don't update it, it constantly interrupts what I'm doing to remind me).

My fridge and my toaster don't constantly clamour to be updated - in fact my toaster respects my need to make toast and not to do what it wants to do.

Why do we have to put up with this??

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:23 AM

My computer gives me a notice that updates are available, but leaves it up to me to install anything except Microsoft updates.

For Microsoft updates, it will install, but if a reboot is required it asks if I want to reboot now or later. If you don't respond the computer will reboot, but it nearly always gives at least 10 minutes warning, and you can click "reboot later."

Maybe your settings aren't trimmed up as well as you'd like?

Incidentally, Apple is joining the update movement. The update(s) released this week are reported as fixing 175 vulnerabilities. It's also reported that there may be a waiting line for the downloads, due to large numbers of people trying to get the patches.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:23 AM

I put up with it on my dual boot laptop as there occasions (usually checking to see something works with Windows /IE) when I need Windows.

The rest of the time I use OpenSuse which (I'd imagine in common with any of the popular Linux distributions) has a superior update mechanism:

I can update at my leisure without being notified somewhere along the line my security is less than optimum.

Everything in the distribution (which is nearly everything I use) is updated in one go.

The only update that requires a reboot is a kernel upgrade.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:27 AM

Since you generally can't delete or modify a file that another "something" has open, most Microsoft reboots are so that the file updates can be written during boot, before they reload, for files that are in use at the time of the initial installation.

It's the same reason why you need a Safe Boot to remove some (fairly few) malware infections.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bernard
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:30 AM

A toaster doesn't connect to the internet, and therefore doesn't have vulnerabilities that might cause it to start sending toast to everyone in your address book. Oh, it doesn't have an address book, either!

If there were no morons out there doing their utmost to compromise every system they can get at, we wouldn't need the updates.

Simple!

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:50 AM

[With Linux] The only update that requires a reboot is a kernel upgrade.

I'd better qualify that. That is the most common situation. With Linux, it is possible to do this without a reboot. See ksplice

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 06:15 AM

Since Mac users don't like to believe they could be vulnerable, maybe I should provide a link on the recent Apple patches I mentioned above:

Apple issues huge software security patches

"175 vulnerabilities addressed in OS X Lion and iOS operating systems."

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 07:00 AM

For all the Linux ... people out there, I don't have a clue how to install one of, the seemingly infinite, 'flavours' of Linux (i.e. I am not nearly techy enough - or all that interested in techy things). And if I managed to install it, I probably would not know what to do with it.

And, Bernard, computers are sold as if they were toasters and I pay Norton a small fortune each year to protect me from viruses - why do I need all of this extra crap?

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 07:10 AM

Quite simple, Shimrod. Download and try one or more of the popular live Desktop versions. Installation is easy but you can try them from CD (and often from pen drives) without installing any.

Here are a couple to start you off:

ubuntu
is the most popular.

OpenSuse is my preference. They offer KDE and a Gnome live CD versions. I prefer KDE.

Just burn the downloaded ISO images to CDs and boot from them.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 07:16 AM

Oh and re why update: Anti virus software does not plug the holes malware may exploit. Also, updates may also contain bug fixes and new features.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bernard
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 08:17 AM

Erm... a toaster ain't much use without bread... or electricity!!

Hee hee!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 08:23 AM

So, to sum up, we have to put up with all of this rubbish, do we?

Jon, thank you for the Linux info. I might get round to trying it one day ...

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 08:31 AM

Well Shimrod, you could disable the update mechanisms but the risks involved in doing so outweigh the inconvenience in putting up with the updates.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: andrew e
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 04:48 PM

On my Mac in System Preferences you can set it to check and download, to just check and then let you know, or do nothing at all.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bernard
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:55 PM

It's the same with Windoze - it's in the 'Security Center' in XP...

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bernard
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 05:58 PM

Mind you, that doesn't affect Adobe (Reader, Flash etc) or Java, just Micro$haft stuff.

Set it to automatic and it'll sort itself out without nagging you.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 06:17 PM

Jon.. in your link to the linux CDs, the very last instruction is:

" In case your computer does not automatically boot from CD/DVD, open the BIOS setup to allow booting from CD or DVD."

Now my upstairs PC runs a linux CD just fine, but this one (downstairs) does not, and nowhere do I see a hint as to HOW I find the bios settings. In 15 years, I have never needed to.

These people can write software, but *I* know how to scan guides, instructions & manuals and perceive what NEEDS to be explained.

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 06:32 PM

The PC will often displays how to enter the BIOS when the computer starts up.

It is dependent on the BIOS in your PC but pressing del or pressing F2 are common methods.

More info here

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Oct 11 - 09:07 PM

Well... I see there's a huge variety of keys & tricks to access the bios.

I will try the F2 method tomorrow...it says Dell uses that--usually.

(Someone was giving out free Ubuntu disks at a festival rectently.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Computer Updates
From: JHW
Date: 16 Oct 11 - 05:03 AM

My ms updates wait till I'm shutting down.
There does seem to be a plethera of similar sounding Adobe Flash player updates lately though they don't interrupt either. Another today.