Root Certificates

Hello:

I spent a whole hour installing XP SP3 and IE7. No problems encountered.

However, while on the MS Update site, I noticed an optional update for Root
Certificates. My questions are:
1) What are Root Certificates
2) Should I install this update even though it is merely optional?

Jim

A1. Keeping your Root Certificates up-to-date "enables you to use Extended
Validation (EV) certificates in Internet Explorer 7, a greater range of
security enhanced Web browsing, encrypted e-mail, and security enhanced code
delivery."

Source:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-20b44d4531b0

A2. Yes, if you want to take full advantage of IE7's enhanced security.
Generally speaking, new (and Optional) Root Certificates updates are
released every 2-3 months. Those running IE7 will openly be able to install
these updates via Windows Update website or via manual download (Validation
required). These updates are NOT offered by Automatic Updates. (Dunno why
but it sure doesn't make any sense to me.)
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Jim wrote:
> I spent a whole hour installing XP SP3 and IE7. No problems encountered.
>
> However, while on the MS Update site, I noticed an optional update for
> Root
> Certificates. My questions are:
> 1) What are Root Certificates
> 2) Should I install this update even though it is merely optional?

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:O$...
> A1. Keeping your Root Certificates up-to-date "enables you to use Extended
> Validation (EV) certificates in Internet Explorer 7, a greater range of
> security enhanced Web browsing, encrypted e-mail, and security enhanced
> code delivery."
>
> Source:
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-20b44d4531b0
>
> A2. Yes, if you want to take full advantage of IE7's enhanced security.
> Generally speaking, new (and Optional) Root Certificates updates are
> released every 2-3 months. Those running IE7 will openly be able to
> install these updates via Windows Update website or via manual download
> (Validation required). These updates are NOT offered by Automatic
> Updates. (Dunno why but it sure doesn't make any sense to me.)
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
> Jim wrote:
>> I spent a whole hour installing XP SP3 and IE7. No problems encountered.
>>
>> However, while on the MS Update site, I noticed an optional update for
>> Root
>> Certificates. My questions are:
>> 1) What are Root Certificates
>> 2) Should I install this update even though it is merely optional?
>
OK, it is a good idea to install this update. Thanks.
Jim