How does it work

How does Windows Update work?

From what I have read, I gather MS issue once a month fixes for certain
problems.
But then sometimes some people get another problem from one or more of these
updates.

Then what, does MS do, send out what is called Hotfixes to fix that original
problem?

If so, do they also then fix the actual original update. Or are they left
as is because not all people have a problem with that particular update?

What I want to understand is if I held off doing updates for a while, when
do I know it's safe to then install them?

TIA

B.W.

B.W. wrote:

> How does Windows Update work?
>
> From what I have read, I gather MS issue once a month fixes for certain
> problems.
> But then sometimes some people get another problem from one or more of these
> updates.
>
> Then what, does MS do, send out what is called Hotfixes to fix that original
> problem?
>
> If so, do they also then fix the actual original update. Or are they left
> as is because not all people have a problem with that particular update?
>
> What I want to understand is if I held off doing updates for a while, when
> do I know it's safe to then install them?
>
> TIA
>
> B.W.
>

FWIW, Microsoft does correct flaws in the patches it issues.
Most of the time, the fix uses the same KB number and file
name but the time stamp is different. Major flaws are reported
pretty quick and rather vehemently. Just keep an eye out on the
computer news wires, ZDNet, newsgroups, etc., for reports on the
new Windows updates. Some of the more cautious will even eschew
automatic Windows updates, allowing sufficient time for reports
to surface of any issues. And as with all Windows Updates, the
normal rule is to always remain wary.

GHalleck wrote:
>
> B.W. wrote:
>
>> How does Windows Update work?
>>
>> From what I have read, I gather MS issue once a month fixes for
>> certain problems.
>> But then sometimes some people get another problem from one or more of
>> these
>> updates.
>>
>> Then what, does MS do, send out what is called Hotfixes to fix that
>> original
>> problem?
>>
>> If so, do they also then fix the actual original update. Or are they
>> left as is because not all people have a problem with that particular
>> update?
>>
>> What I want to understand is if I held off doing updates for a while,
>> when
>> do I know it's safe to then install them?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> B.W.
>>
>
> FWIW, Microsoft does correct flaws in the patches it issues.
> Most of the time, the fix uses the same KB number and file
> name but the time stamp is different. Major flaws are reported
> pretty quick and rather vehemently. Just keep an eye out on the
> computer news wires, ZDNet, newsgroups, etc., for reports on the
> new Windows updates. Some of the more cautious will even eschew
> automatic Windows updates, allowing sufficient time for reports
> to surface of any issues. And as with all Windows Updates, the
> normal rule is to always remain wary.

And always create a restore point before proceeding with the downloads
and installs of updates. I also clean up and defrag my machines before
proceeding.

Alias