Microsoft Updates

Pete7 · 10 July 2008, 20:47

If you have the PC set to automatically receive updates from Microsoft and also use Zone Alarm then the latest update from MS stops Zone Alarm and probably your internet access too.

Suggest you have a read of this if it affects you.

http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/fr...2008/pr_6.html

Pete

codprawn · 10 July 2008, 21:24

I always turn auto updates off - it is amazing how often it screws up your machine!!!

Nos4r2 · 10 July 2008, 21:27

I fell victim to that one for about 10 minutes yesterday. Cheers Pete, good to know it wasn't just me.

Bigfoot · 10 July 2008, 22:33

All I can say is... I love my mac.

John Kennett · 11 July 2008, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Suggest you have a read of this if it affects you.

Ta. That's just saved the laptop from going out of the window

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I always turn auto updates off - it is amazing how often it screws up your machine!!!

That's OK if you're going to check out each update in detail before installing it manually! I think that on the whole auto update is a better option than no updates, which would be the default option for most people . . .

John

codprawn · 11 July 2008, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Ta. That's just saved the laptop from going out of the window

That's OK if you're going to check out each update in detail before installing it manually! I think that on the whole auto update is a better option than no updates, which would be the default option for most people . . .

John

It is browser updates that are the most vital. If you use Firefox it always gets you to install the latest version and it's very simple to do.

A good firewall and AVG will keep you safe.

Andy JC · 11 July 2008, 14:34

ShieldsUp is a decent online application that will test how vulnerable your pc is to external threats.

It's totally secure/safe to use and it's also completely free from spam etc.

Most people using a router with a hardware firewall built in will find they're surprisingly secure - saying that I'd still recommend using extra protection like Avast(firewall) and AVG(anti virus) for example - both freeware

RAD · 12 July 2008, 20:36

just get rid of zone alarm, chuck on an antivirus and ur sorted.

There is a MS service pack 3 out for those that didnt know but you have to go to the ms website (or in ie go to tools then to windows updates)

codprawn · 12 July 2008, 20:39

if you are using a broadband router it will have a built in firewall - no point in using others as well - more is NOT better!!!

BogMonster · 27 July 2008, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

That's OK if you're going to check out each update in detail before installing it manually! I think that on the whole auto update is a better option than no updates, which would be the default option for most people . . .

John

Having had two mega screw ups (total system rebuild from scratch) and no viruses ever let in, I'm happy to take the risk of no updates

alystra · 28 July 2008, 08:45

Got caught briefly by the Zone Alarm thing myself. Zone Alarm's patch works perfectly.

I've heard worrisome things about Service Pack 3, so decided to ignore it so far. Anyway, it needs 1.2 gigs. of HD space as far as I can see, and I don't have that much left

Nos4r2 · 28 July 2008, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by alystra

Got caught briefly by the Zone Alarm thing myself. Zone Alarm's patch works perfectly.

I've heard worrisome things about Service Pack 3, so decided to ignore it so far. Anyway, it needs 1.2 gigs. of HD space as far as I can see, and I don't have that much left

I did have some issues immediately after installing SP3 but they seem to have gone away now. Most notable was the pc refusing to start properly 1st time for 2 days.

Alex-341 · 04 August 2008, 16:59

SP3 had some problems on its initial release, MS actually took it down from the auto update system, its been back up for some time now though and no issues have come through. IF your having any it will be to do with 3rd party software (usually poorly written), which is the cause 99% of the time with updates anyway.