Windows Update vs. Automatic Updates

Can anyone tell me if the folder that Automatic Updates (Windows Control
Panel item that does updates "behind" the scenes -- depending on the
setting), if the folder that AU uses is this:

C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution

Underneath :that" there are folders: DataStore, Download, EventCache,
SelfUpdate, WebSetup, andWURedir [with various stuff inside].

I almost exculsively update from the Windows Update Web Site, and either
turn AU locally totally off or maybe "Notify" only. As many apps are unhappy
about this, sometimes AU gets turned on, even without me knowing.

If this is what I think it is: Can I delete the contents of
"SoftwareDistribution", without harm?

Any conflicts between AU and WU web site?, that is, if an update (or set)
gets downloaded and "ready to install", which is ignored, then gone to the WU
web site, and updated from there... is it as Mr. Spock describes
matter/anti-matter ("Total anilation, Jim. Total, complete aniliation"...)

Thanks