Kinda OT : Windows XP security updates....do i need to install all of them?

rllagas2002 wrote on 10/9/2003, 11:42 AM

Hello there,

It so happened that i click the windows update and it leads me to MS windows site and found out so many security updates for windows XP....Do I really need to install them.

I am not having problem so far with XP....but from the updates, it says to protect my PC from someone who will try to remotely run my PC....blah blah blah.

Well, i am only using the net to view this forum, i sometimes go to other sites when there is a link from a post.....this makes my PC vulnerable to any kind of attack maybe......

Please advise....shall i install them.

Thanks.
rall

Comments

Jsnkc wrote on 10/9/2003, 11:56 AM

You should install all the Critical updates and service packs, the other ones aren't neccesary, but are a good idea to install if they have anything to do with security of programs that you have running on your machine.

Chanimal wrote on 10/9/2003, 1:15 PM

In addition, some of the patches have contained performance enhancements (like the one that "fixes" the main XP update so the screen refreshes properly).

Chanimal wrote on 10/9/2003, 1:36 PM

This is a side note, but I keep seeing OT:, or in this case, "Kinda OT:"

What does OT stand for?

riredale wrote on 10/9/2003, 1:39 PM

Off-Topic

craftech wrote on 10/9/2003, 10:39 PM

Security updates are a way of life with all versions of Windows. Microsoft Outlook has had an inordinate amount of them as well. One of the chief methods of attacking a computer is via Active X controls. Windows Update uses Active X controls so you have to disable it or grant Windows permission to leave your computer vulnerable in order to run "security updates". You should run a port scan on your computer to see if you are vulnerable:

http://grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2

You should be using a firewall such as Zone Alarm and your router may need configuring to block attacks on Port 113.

Followed by an online virus scan if you are not using virus software:

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/