[REDCART]

As some of you know the second Tuesday of every month is "MS Patch Tuesday." MS releases patches after 1:00 PM EST. This month, there were 28 updates for Windows 7. When I manually re-ran Windows Update after the 28 patches installed, there were two additional recommended updates to install.

Since I know people who write virus software for fun and profit immediately analyze MS patches to identify weaknesses in Windows software as soon as patches are released, I like to ensure that I process updates asap before the black hats begin their nefarious activity. IMHO if you wait for Windows Update to run automatically later this week, you leave yourself unnecessarily exposed.

[jnieman]

Thanks for the info. I saw the patches and was putting it off. I am going to update right now.

[zcaveman]

Personally, I prefer to wait for a few days in case there is a bug in any of them.

Z

[Computer Corner]

Typically it's best to make sure that system restore is working right before the patches hit and then if you have any issues with them you can just restore back to the previous Monday. That way you can protect yourself from the black hats and be sure that you have a safe backup to return to if there is an issue.

[alanmcdonald]

And for Windows 8 users, remember that Windows 8.1 becomes available Friday October 18.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by alanmcdonald

And for Windows 8 users, remember that Windows 8.1 becomes available Friday October 18.

What will be the advantage or better features with 8.1? This is not a mandatory update is it? I am now actually pretty used to 8, as I have been using it since March. Thanks in advance for any info.

[alanmcdonald]

One of the main new feature of Windows 8.1 is the return of the Start button to the home screen.

It is not a mandatory update as far as I know.

As usual, I will be installing on day one.

[Schaumburger]

Thanks again for the info. about 8.1. I think I will wait for a few weeks before I try an update. My IT support staff (that would be me) wants to make sure the bugs are worked out first.

[Computer Corner]

I personally tried out the beta a few months ago and was moderately impressed with the changes, however windows still seems to be pushing to that tablet feel. The new searching features are my favorite. If you haven't heard about it, you can search something in windows 8 and it will pull up related articles and such from the internet as well as from your local pc.

[alanmcdonald]

I did the 8.1 upgrade on one (not my main) computer last night. Including download of over 2.1 gigs it was a 5 hour process.

Still have not had time to play with it.