MS Word Auto Updates - is it really necessary to leave this feature on?

Question

In the control panel under auto updates it says it is recommended to use this feature, and it says if you disable the auto updates your computer might be at risk. If I have Norton AntiVirus as well as Super AntiSpyware, is it really necessary to leave the auto updates on?

Answer 1

no but the problem is u'r not going to have the last up to date files that's all and i think they say that to make sure that u buy the original office.

Answer 2

YES!  You need it!

Next to MS Operating Systems, one of the next best things to hack is MS Office products (from Word, to Excel, to Access, to SQL).  Granted Internet Explorer is an easy 2nd place! ~smiling~

One important thing is the fact that you should completely update the Operating System and ALL of the patches.  If your machine is patched for the vulnerability on the HD, then YOU cannot get infected.  It is the more proactive approach (patching your machine, keeping your software updated, using the most current firmware and drivers).

Remember, if your computer is vulnerable, you CANNOT be compromised by a given attack.  If you are vulnerable, AV can ONLY catch the virus AFTER the fact by its signature!

Answer 3

No, you do not have to leave auto updates on.

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Updated:

This is for the self proclaimed professionals who answered yes to this question.

How many of you are making over $100,000 a year. Hmm, I didn't see any hands being raised.

How many of you have a MCSE? Thought so.

No were on Microsoft's site does it state you have to have auto updates on.

In all actuality in uses up unnecessary resources on your computer. Which in turn slows your system down. It has also caused computers to hang and freeze up. There have also been a few times that an update was sent out that have crashed computers because of faulty code.

If you are leaving auto updates on for security reasons (as someone mentioned) you really have no concept of a firewall.

Those of you who think you now about computers are really annoying to those of us who do this for a living.

Answer 4

Ok time for some real advice.

Not updating your computer is very unwise. If you do not use the auto update feature then u will need to go and do manual updates from the MS site at least once a week.

There is no point having your front door locked if the backdoor is wide open.

Answer 5

Anything not on by microsoft is a risk to them.

It's your opinion. Do you want updates? or you don't? lol.

Leaving it off won't hurt you one bit (at least not the word) just don't turn off your firewall, etc..

Answer 6

Yes, you should always get the Microsoft updates. Most are for security issues.