To Update or Not to Update?

[Snowbooks1419]

Hello!

For a long time, I've been opposed to updating the software on my computers. I like having a sense of stability with my computers by having the operating systems on them always stay the same and never update.

However, with the rise of automatic updates that can't be turned off, this is getting harder to do. So...could someone please convince me that software updates are a good thing?

[T3X4S]

Your tinfoil hat is too tight.

Did you hear on the news about the world unraveling because of all the destruction from updates ?  No ?  There ya go.

If you're still paranoid - backup everything beforehand.  

In an enterprise server enviro - your method of thinking is good/safe.  But @ home - its a little strange to be honest.

If you're referring to Windows Updates - and it sounds like you are - then updating is a good thing - I promise more good than bad will come from it. (think of all the security issues being plugged - that alone should make you downloading updates right now)

Something or someone has caused you to be paranoid about updating software.  You need to get over that because updating can be like upgrading 

Whoever put the tinfoil hat on your head about updating software did you no great service.  Once you update everything in Windows.

Hop over to www.ninite.com/pro and download the trial portable exe - it will give you a a la carte menu of programs to install/update - and then you click "go" and its all automatic - a great free program.

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

So...could someone please convince me that software updates are a good thing?

If these computers are on the internet then been up to date is always sensible.

Updates patch security vulnerabilities and also fix bugs, for example I remember Word 2007 had a nasty bug which would corrupt a document if you opened it from a USB drive then saved it, that was fixed by an update.

[Snowbooks1419]

Your tinfoil hat is too tight.

Did you hear on the news about the world unraveling because of all the destruction from updates ?  No ?  There ya go.

If you're still paranoid - backup everything beforehand.  

In an enterprise server enviro - your method of thinking is good/safe.  But @ home - its a little strange to be honest.

If you're referring to Windows Updates - and it sounds like you are - then updating is a good thing - I promise more good than bad will come from it. (think of all the security issues being plugged - that alone should make you downloading updates right now)

Something or someone has caused you to be paranoid about updating software.  You need to get over that because updating can be like upgrading 

Whoever put the tinfoil hat on your head about updating software did you no great service.  Once you update everything in Windows.

Hop over to www.ninite.com/pro and download the trial portable exe - it will give you a a la carte menu of programs to install/update - and then you click "go" and its all automatic - a great free program.

Thanks! I'm not too concerned with security updates (although I don't install them); it's more trying to prevent the feature updates from installing.

[T3X4S]

Wait ?  What ?!?!   Why dont you install the security updates ???

What OS are you running ?  What AntiVirus/Sec software do you use ?

Now you've got me curious

[devHead]

Hello!

For a long time, I've been opposed to updating the software on my computers. I like having a sense of stability with my computers by having the operating systems on them always stay the same and never update.

However, with the rise of automatic updates that can't be turned off, this is getting harder to do. So...could someone please convince me that software updates are a good thing?

You never explained why you don't like updates.  Sense of stability?  Do updates give you a sense that your OS is less stable afterwards, or is it just an emotion based on nothing?  Updates usually improve your OS, fix issues or problems that have been discovered, making it more stable.  You may have a sense of stability from not allowing it to update, but that doesn't mean you have real stability.  I'm not sure convincing by trying to use logic or explanation of what is reality would work on you, since your reason for not updating isn't based on any version of reality I'm familiar with.

[devHead]

Thanks! I'm not too concerned with security updates (although I don't install them); it's more trying to prevent the feature updates from installing.

You are genuinely a bizarre, albeit misguided, individual.  I'm not sure anyone on a tech forum is going to be able to give you any explanation, since your whole method of reasoning is based on something in your head that no one here can grasp.

[T3X4S]

You never explained why you don't like updates.  Sense of stability?  Do updates give you a sense that your OS is less stable afterwards, or is it just an emotion based on nothing?  Updates usually improve your OS, fix issues or problems that have been discovered, making it more stable.  You may have a sense of stability from not allowing it to update, but that doesn't mean you have real stability.  I'm not sure convincing by trying to use logic or explanation of what is reality would work on you, since your reason for not updating isn't based on any version of reality I'm familiar with.

You are genuinely a bizarre, albeit misguided, individual.  I'm not sure anyone on a tech forum is going to be able to give you any explanation, since your whole method of reasoning is based on something in your head that no one here can grasp.

These are the 2 best things I read on the webz today

[Snowbooks1419]

Wait ?  What ?!?!   Why dont you install the security updates ???

What OS are you running ?  What AntiVirus/Sec software do you use ?

Now you've got me curious

I'm running Windows 8.0 on my laptop. Updates were last installed in July 2014, I think.

I don't think I have any antivirus software, unless Microsoft Defender was preinstalled and does it stuff in the background.

You are genuinely a bizarre, albeit misguided, individual.  I'm not sure anyone on a tech forum is going to be able to give you any explanation, since your whole method of reasoning is based on something in your head that no one here can grasp.

Hey, isn't admitting you have a problem the first step to solving your problems?

[T3X4S]

You are right sir.  Admitting to the problem is the first step.

I wish you help.

I wish I could help you.

Can you tell me why you feel the way you do ?  For instance, what is it specifically that you fear will happen ?

Tell me why you choose to do the opposite when so many professionals all say you need protection.  Maybe we can do a point-by-point ?

 

Because what you are telling me is that you think condoms are dangerous so you are visiting all the prostitutes in S Africa

[Snowbooks1419]

You are right sir.  Admitting to the problem is the first step.

I wish you help.

I wish I could help you.

Can you tell me why you feel the way you do ?  For instance, what is it specifically that you fear will happen ?

Tell me why you choose to do the opposite when so many professionals all say you need protection.  Maybe we can do a point-by-point ?

 

Because what you are telling me is that you think condoms are dangerous so you are visiting all the prostitutes in S Africa

Thanks!

So, there are 2 main reasons why I'm uncomfortable with updating my OS:

1. I like knowing that every time I turn on my computer, the software on it will be exactly the same as it was when I last turned my computer off. I like knowing that no updates will have installed that may have removed a feature that I frequently use. I like knowing that no updates will have installed that may have changed the design of one part of the OS to something that I don't like (e.x. if an update changes the design of the taskbar and I don't like the new design).

2. After a few years, I will probably stop using my computer and replace it with a new one. I'll probably leave the old computer in my room or something, and every once in a while, when I'm feeling nostalgic, I'll turn on that old computer and see the software that I used to use on an (almost) daily basis. But, if there are automatic updates, then as soon as I turn on that old computer to see the old software, the software will update and the nostalgia and the memories will be gone.

[T3X4S]

Thanks!

So, there are 2 main reasons why I'm uncomfortable with updating my OS:

1. I like knowing that every time I turn on my computer, the software on it will be exactly the same as it was when I last turned my computer off. I like knowing that no updates will have installed that may have removed a feature that I frequently use. I like knowing that no updates will have installed that may have changed the design of one part of the OS to something that I don't like (e.x. if an update changes the design of the taskbar and I don't like the new design).

2. After a few years, I will probably stop using my computer and replace it with a new one. I'll probably leave the old computer in my room or something, and every once in a while, when I'm feeling nostalgic, I'll turn on that old computer and see the software that I used to use on an (almost) daily basis. But, if there are automatic updates, then as soon as I turn on that old computer to see the old software, the software will update and the nostalgia and the memories will be gone.

OK well - I think we have something to work with ....

1.)   Have you ever thought about the notion of turning your computer on the next day, and because of an update, your computer is better than it was the day before ?  Because a vulnerability was patched, or a feature was added that you enriched your computing experience ?  You are talking about a real fear of something changing.  But you can read about an update and what it will do before actually installing it.  Most security patching updates are just that - a patch, they aren't going to take away a feature.

But - not installing security updates, and not installing any security software is something else entirely.  That has nothing to do with taking away from a potential feature.

I want to add some more to this, but its 3:00am here and I need some sleep.   Right now trying to come up with some helpful analogies is pretty hard - heck I am having a tough time just typing !

 

 

[Snowbooks1419]

OK well - I think we have something to work with ....

1.)   Have you ever thought about the notion of turning your computer on the next day, and because of an update, your computer is better than it was the day before ?  Because a vulnerability was patched, or a feature was added that you enriched your computing experience ?  You are talking about a real fear of something changing.  But you can read about an update and what it will do before actually installing it.  Most security patching updates are just that - a patch, they aren't going to take away a feature.

But - not installing security updates, and not installing any security software is something else entirely.  That has nothing to do with taking away from a potential feature.

I want to add some more to this, but its 3:00am here and I need some sleep.   Right now trying to come up with some helpful analogies is pretty hard - heck I am having a tough time just typing !

 

 

Thank you! That helped with my first reason for not installing updates.

Do you have any suggestions for my second reason?

[Anibal P]

I'm going to take the blunt approach, UPDATE

 

It's because of paranoid people like you that unpatched computers are all over the place causing more issues for everyone else, ever hear of a botnet, I can almost guarantee you are likely infected and part of one by now

Auto updates for ALL software is the best thing created for 99.999% of computer users, with the small exception of businesses that are smart enough to run their own update schedule, but even that's not all businesses 

[Guest]

Is hating auto updates the new hipster thing to do in 2015?

[Ryoken]

No offence, but you are the reason we have Auto Update without the choice to say no anymore.

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

Enough said.

[Dot Matrix]

This guy has to be trolling. Almost 7 posts in the past few days all about not wanting updates.

[Snowbooks1419]

This guy has to be trolling. Almost 7 posts in the past few days all about not wanting updates.

I'm not trolling. I am actually, honestly uncomfortable with software updates. Why else do you think I'm asking for help?

No offence, but you are the reason we have Auto Update without the choice to say no anymore.

Windows 10 does have the ability to turn off automatic updates. In the Search/Cortana bar at the bottom, type in: services.msc

Scroll down to the bottom of the list to where it says "Windows Update." Double-click it (or right-click and click Properties), and in the dropdown box in the window that appears, click "Disabled." That will disable Windows Update so you won't get updates anymore.

[Ryoken]

Scroll down to the bottom of the list to where it says "Windows Update." Double-click it (or right-click and click Properties), and in the dropdown box in the window that appears, click "Disabled." That will disable Windows Update so you won't get updates anymore.

I know how to do it. Wish people would stop telling other people how to do it  If they can't figure it out without a basic how-to then they should be getting the updates!

[Snowbooks1419]

I know how to do it. Wish people would stop telling other people how to do it  If they can't figure it out without a basic how-to then they should be getting the updates!

Is it possible to do it on Windows 10 Mobile?

[Ryoken]

Donno, never had a Windows phone so not something I've ever looked at.

[T3X4S]

Gents - I dont really think he is trolling.  I think he is sincere in is posts.

I have had a little sleep so I will try to help a little more...

OK - so back on the 1st bullet point:
We have 2 types of updates: security patch, and the addon/feature changing updates (used to be Service Packs in Windows)
The security updates are a must.  No other way to say it.  If you really are online, dont update your Windows 8, and dont ever install any kind of security software, then I would find it hard to believe that you dont have an infection.  Windows Defender is not an antivirus, it is like a radar detector for your car with no electronics inside, just a hollow shell inside - its worthless.

So, for starters, I would suggest you run malwarebytes (free) and see what you have lurking inside.   It wont remove anything without you actively clicking on "remove"  Once your system is clean, you need to get some kind of antivirus.  The debate about Antivirus will rage on forever, like religion.
If you want my opinion, for the home user - there is nothing better than webroot's Secure Anywhere - it has been the best on the market for the past 3 years.

On your 2nd bullet point:

When looking at your posts, there seems to be an overall fear of change.  You mention a feeling of nostalgia that might be taken away because of automatic updates, and that moment will be gone.

I wont ask you to be more personal to a complete stranger in a tech forum, but do you think this feeling overlaps in other parts of your life ?
If I turned off a computer, stuck it in a closet, then bought a new one....  came back to the old one after a couple of years and fired it up for some reason - all of the old programs would still be there of course.  Updates would make some changes, things might look a little different, but one can undo/restore.
There is always restore from backups...

Honestly, the only thing I hope you take from this is to scan your PC and see if its infected - take a look at those results - then make a decision based on those results -   maybe baby steps ?

Good Luck
 

[Snowbooks1419]

Gents - I dont really think he is trolling.  I think he is sincere in is posts.

I have had a little sleep so I will try to help a little more...

OK - so back on the 1st bullet point:
We have 2 types of updates: security patch, and the addon/feature changing updates (used to be Service Packs in Windows)
The security updates are a must.  No other way to say it.  If you really are online, dont update your Windows 8, and dont ever install any kind of security software, then I would find it hard to believe that you dont have an infection.  Windows Defender is not an antivirus, it is like a radar detector for your car with no electronics inside, just a hollow shell inside - its worthless.

So, for starters, I would suggest you run malwarebytes (free) and see what you have lurking inside.   It wont remove anything without you actively clicking on "remove"  Once your system is clean, you need to get some kind of antivirus.  The debate about Antivirus will rage on forever, like religion.
If you want my opinion, for the home user - there is nothing better than webroot's Secure Anywhere - it has been the best on the market for the past 3 years.

On your 2nd bullet point:

When looking at your posts, there seems to be an overall fear of change.  You mention a feeling of nostalgia that might be taken away because of automatic updates, and that moment will be gone.

I wont ask you to be more personal to a complete stranger in a tech forum, but do you think this feeling overlaps in other parts of your life ?
If I turned off a computer, stuck it in a closet, then bought a new one....  came back to the old one after a couple of years and fired it up for some reason - all of the old programs would still be there of course.  Updates would make some changes, things might look a little different, but one can undo/restore.
There is always restore from backups...

Honestly, the only thing I hope you take from this is to scan your PC and see if its infected - take a look at those results - then make a decision based on those results -   maybe baby steps ?

Good Luck
 

Thank you! I really appreciate this!

I'm downloading, installing, and running Malwarebytes as I write this. I am kind of curious to see what viruses I have on my computer.

You also mentioned restoring from backups. Now that I think about it, it may be kind of bad that I don't have a backup of my computer (other than the Windows OS DVD). How would I create a backup of my computer? (My computer doesn't have a DVD drive, btw.)

Also, is it possible to create a backup of a smartphone? And how can I restore a laptop or a phone from a backup?

Sorry if this is a lot to ask...it's just that knowing that I have a backup of how my computers used to be may help in becoming more comfortable with installing updates.

Thank you again for your reply and all your help!

Edit: The scan just finished and Malwarebytes just found 237 possible threats.

Edited October 19, 2015 by Snowbooks1419

[T3X4S]

OK Snow - we are making progress

 

First things first - the malware.

Some of the threats might be little insignificant things - tracking cookies, making some PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs - things you didnt mean to install; they snuck in)
So, classification of those infections would be nice to now - but not absolutely important.

You can "select all" at the top of the results page and remove all the baddies in 1 fell swoop and move forward - or you can post screenshots and we can analyze what you have... your call.


As far as your backup questions:  If you dont have an external hard drive, you have 2 options really - and both are cloud-based.

1.)   You decide that you only REALLY care about the life or death important things, the irreplaceable pictures, documents, and then important pics, and documents - and back them up online using any of the cloud storage providers:  Google Drive, OneDrive, DropBox, etc....
2.)  Since you want to preserve the computer the way it is, and want to prevent unexpected/unwanted change - then a complete backup is the only real solution - something like carbonite.

It would be easier to get a 2nd hard drive, and use some of the respected backup solutions that have free versions though  Macrium Reflect Free, CrashPlan, Acronis True Image (my favorite)

As far as the phone - it would help to know what type of phone you have - but again - it comes down to the same 2 questions:  local backup (stored on the computer) or cloud-based backup


Im home for the night, so I'll keep this window open and check it every once in a while to answer as soon as possible about the infections.


Once we know your system is clean, you need to think about protecting yourself moving forward.... but we still have some battles to fight before making that decision.