advice needed

[jbc]

I recently had a problem on my PC at home and would like some advice on how to avoid this situation from happening again in the future.

Two weeks ago I found out that Microsoft dones not automatically download to PCs all of the updates, only the critical ones. So I went to download.microsoft.com and looked at what updates my PC needed. One of which was an updated modem driver. After updating the driver the PC worked fine until yesturday when I could not web surf then the PC would not recognize the modem. After working with tech support I found that the problem was the modem driver porely written. I have since roled back the PC to a point before the driver was isntalled.

Enough will my tale of woe. I have since looked at downloads.microsoft.com and I am wondering what is safe to install? Windows Media player 11? IE7? I don't use IE, but I would like to have it there in case I need to see a web site that demands it. Let's not debate the merits of the web browser I have already made up my mind what I the right thing for me to do. The question is what is safe to download from Microsoft?

 

[johnyB_24]

At least security patches should be safe to install.I don't know about Media player updates/IE updates/etc,you never know with MS.

 

[jbc]

You are right Johnny, you never know with MS. Would you recommend tht I download from Mcirosoft things such as Windows Media Player 11 and Internet Explorer 7? Or does this go along with the rule that one nver knows with MS. Can I trust Adobe, Apple and Real NEtworks?

 

[superdave1984]

I wouldn't download driver updates from microsoft. Only from the manufacturer. As far as media player, that is really a personal preference thing. If you like WMP, then get the newer one, if you prefer Real Player, use it instead. This is why those are optional updates. I usually get all the security updates available except those for stuff I don't use like Outlook Express. I have never had any problems with Adobe, Real Player or Quick Time. Except for forgetting to remove an older version of Adobe reader before installing the new one. Oops.

 

[jbc]

How about other updates from Microsoft. Sometimes they putout updates that enhance the functionaility? I guess that I should avoid them too.

 

[superdave1984]

The patches for your OS are there to fix annoying things. Some you will need, some you won't. The security patches I would get, the others I research and find out what they do before deciding if I need them or not. They give a short description on the update site, but there is a link for more info.