Dear Geek;
Almost every time I turn on my computer there’s a notice for a Windows update. My buddy tells me that I don’t need to install them. What’s the truth?
Signed,
Updated?
Dear Updated?;
Prior to release, operating systems (OSs) are tested for vulnerabilities intensively. However many vulnerabilities aren’t found until the OS is used in the real world. Hackers use known vulnerabilities in OSs to get into your system. Most of the updates that Microsoft designates “critical” have to do with security, because the update patches a known vulnerability that has been found.
I suggest installing the updates in the “Recommended” section, unless you’re ok with hackers having free access to your computer. In which case you should set out the virtual ‘Welcome” mat. The minimum you should do is to ensure to keep Windows Update active, so you’ll at least know about available updates to patch holes in the OS. Updates sometimes also provide added or improved features.
If you don’t want to be hassled with the request to install updates, then restart your computer, you can allow Windows to automatically install updates. That way you don’t have to do any work, and you’ll just have a pop-up window alerting you that Windows has installed the updates.
If you have a question for our Resident Geek, send it to: geek@tbyd.ca. We’ll translate it from Geek-lish to English, so it actually helps!
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